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The Far Frontier

In the southeastern corner of the Hundred Kingdoms, the influence of the Guild gradually begins to fade as the Maruto flows out of the Scavenger Lands and into the depths of the East. Just as the river is shaped by a number of small streams and outlets, the region is dominated by a large number of small states and trading ports, until one reaches the distant outpost of Farhold?. Even as one grows further from stable states and major trade routes, one grows closer to the center of the Ten Tribes? influence. These barbarian tribes shape the area in many ways, bonding those on the frontiers closer together through adversity and destabilizing the region through raids and war.

There are very few strong kingdoms in the southeast corner of the Hundred Kingdoms. The only one truly worth notice is the mighty Fortress City Of Gharos?, long the last bastion against the threats of the Far East. The rest of the region is quite diverse. Away from the true frontier, a few cities like Jewel? and Amber? survive as the last centers of Guild influence. Other cities rely on some other asset, such as the First Age weapons of Darangin? or the Kingdom Of Tilombre?'s close relationship with the Emerald Waters Queen. A few truly bizarre towns survive on the edge of civilization, such as Heavens Gate?, renowned for its nearby portal to the heavenly city of Yu Shan.

If cities are rare, the region is shaped by its small outposts and tiny villages. Most are under constant threat by local barbarians, but places like Darine? and White Horse? manage to survive from year to year. Many villages are not finding themselves as lucky, especially in recent years. Some have been razed by barbarian raids, others abandoned after some horror. The entire population of Forests Edge? was captured by a cannibal tribe, the village lingering as a empty relic on the edge of the East. Of course, not all villages are the victims in the clash between civilization and the East. The port of Draven? serves as the center of the Guilds' slave trade in the Hundred Kingdoms, sending thousands of Barbarians upriver in chains every year.

The far frontier is completely dominated by the massive Forests of the East, and the flow of the Maruto and the many streams and creeks that make up its system. What few plains exist are always in danger of being reclaimed by the Forests of the East, and much of the regions richness is hidden under a canopy of green. Much of the wood of the Scavenger Lands comes from here, and Lumber is the single overwhelming resource, though the area also has fair deposits of iron, coal, and other important resources. Most trade from the Far East, including vital Eastern Herbs and Plants, pass upriver through this region. The land itself is overwhelmingly fertile, with mild winters and a particularly long growing season.

Deep in the Forest, far from the nearest village, a single pass leads down into the secluded valley of the Dragonreach?, home to the reclusive Sainharu, the Verdent Dragon. A veritable paradise, the lost Valley is often sought after but seldom found, merely an Eastern Myth in the eyes of many.

Local Rumors

• Within the last year, the unrest among the Ten Tribes has grown strong. The entire population of Farhold was butchered and the outpost rebuilt some six months ago, while the Fortress City of Gharos has fought off numerous jabs and small raids along its forest border. Fewer Eastern Caravans are returning successfully, those that do requiring heavier guards (even Exalted Guard). Many report seeing signal fires from deep in the forest, or the resonating beat of war drums, sure signs of meetings among the various tribes.
• A number of villages, towns and farmsteads on the Frontier have spoken of a solemn visitor who came upon them in humble gray robes and spoke to them of the return of a great and ancient God. Yet the words that she spoke were not empty, for she healed the sick and dealt out justice to the wicked; many Villages have been swayed toward the worship of this Unconquered Sun.
• The Guild presence in the port of Draven, in the south-east, has expanded significantly since the arrival of the new Guild Factor (one Jak Naida) three months ago. Nothing but a small slave port where those collected at the nearby White Rock Citadel were slipped down the Maruto to Nevin only a few years ago, the new Factor has doubled the size of the Docks and bankrolled a few speculative trade efforts that promises to benefit the region tremendously.

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