Kingdom of Højgylden (pronounced Hoygilden)
by Isabelle SarikhanLocation: Northeast Skothar, Nentsun Peninsula, north shore of Sprudlende Bay
Area: 76,700 sq. mi.
Population: 40,000; including: 12,000 Dwarves; 8,000 Gnomes
Eyvindgård: 12,000; Blegenfjord: 6,000; Elsdyrfjord: 4,000; Højgylden: 6,000
Languages: Dwarven (Rockhome dialect), Gnome (Falun dialect), Heldannic (Ostlandic dialect)
Coinage: Måneite(10 gp), gyldenite (gp), sølveite (sp), kobberlite (cp)
Taxes: 10% resource tax, 10% tithe tax
Government Type: Matriarchal theocracy
Industries: Agriculture (greenhouses supply fresh supplies of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, peas, tomatoes and fruit, such as apples and pears), fishing, mining (platinum, mithral, glass sand, peat iron, coal and gems), herding (caribou, mammoths), glass production
Important Figures: Queen Belana (dwarf, female, C12); Søgang Klogselkab (dwarf, female, C12)
Flora and Fauna: Højgylden has the fauna expected in tundra areas, including caribou, lemmings, polar bears, artic foxes, artic bobcats and seals. Pleistocene animals are abundant to the east of the kingdom (in Mammoth Fjord), but sightings have been reported all over the kingdom.
Dense forests cover the Gyldenfyr Mountains. These trees, which are predominantly Juniper, Douglas fir and Cedar, grow to enormous size, sometimes up to 50 feet in diameter at the base of the trunk. These trees are considered sacred by the Order of Kuldana and are closely guarded. Smaller trees and tree farms are harvested for local use, but are strictly regulated by the Order of Kuldana. Alpine conditions quickly take hold on the north slopes of the Gyldenfyr Mountains, giving way to grassy muskeg (swamps) and tundra.
Description
The Land
"Definitely one of my favourite places my boy. What, never been over Højgylden, oh, just you wait, one of the most beautiful places in the world. No, you would think it would be ice and water, but that sea, always full of bubbles, keeps that land thawed out. Lots of birds, flowers and those hills, always glowing a golden colour.
Saarvin, Petty Officer of the Lady Selwyn, talking to a newly landed officer on a flying Frigate from Floating Ar
Højgylden owes its warm climate to the Fiery Serpent Sea, which keeps it from turning into artic tundra. The land bounding Sprudlende Bay is similar in climate to that of Norwold. Inland from the coast, especially to the north, the land is quickly overtaken by tundra. Strangely, along the north shore of Sprudlende Bay, grains, such as wheat, barley and rye is unable to grow. A hardy grain similar to rice does grow wild along the shores of Sprudlende Bay and is widely cultivated by farmers. Many people in the country have grown intolerant to grains such as wheat, barley and rye. The curvature into the Hollow World creates a dark shadow just north of the Gyldenfyr Mountains, locally known as the darklands. The anti-magic barrier is located just north of the darklands. Plants and animals struggle to take hold within this harsh condition, establishing around hydrothermally active areas.
The Fiery Serpent Sea is located between the Burning Spires Mountain Range to Mammoth Fjord. This sea is much warmer than the surrounding waters and keeps Højgylden warmer than the surrounding lands. The sea does not freeze during the winter months, but the waters to the east do. The sea is rumoured to be rich in geothermal activity, but geologists from Højgylden dispute this. Whatever the cause, the sea experiences periodic bubbling in tortuous paths, which can appear to be a very large serpent swimming through the sea. Sometimes these bubbles are composed of hot gases and can scorch or set ablaze passing ships. Sea life is quite abundant in this sea and along the coastline. Migrant birds gather on the cliffs overlooking the Fiery Serpent Sea, feeding on the abundant fish, insects, and plants. The birds are most abundant in the summer months.
The warmth from the Fiery Serpent Sea along with the Gyldenfyr Mountains helps to create a bubble of protect from the surrounding stormy area. Frequent hurricane strength storms ravage the areas east and west of the peninsula. About one of these major storms a year will move into the peninsula, with accumulations usually in meters of snow. Most storms are mild, with winds rarely reaching over 40 knots and accumulations under 12 centimetres per storm.
The Gyldenfyr (Golden Cat) Mountains are composed of highly metamorphic rock, primarily schist to migmitite. The Gyldenfyr Mountains is named after the golden glow of the sulphide staining along the southern flanks of the mountain range. The southern flanks of the mountains consist of lush conifer forests in the valleys rising to snow covered peaks. The northern flanks are quickly taken over by harsh artic conditions, with very little vegetation.
The Burning Spires Mountain Range consists of highly active volcanoes between a labyrinth of box canyons and jagged peaks. Much of this land is covered in ash, pyroclastic flows, and lava flow fields. During the darkness hours, the mountain range glows eerily, as if the whole range is on fire. Eruptions are frequent and catastrophic. It is said the people who die within its lands are doomed to wander the lands forever.
Trelleborg Lake is named after the surrounding steep mountains and glaciers, which from the air gives the impression of a fortified castle. The lake is frozen for most of the year, thawing in late summer for about one month. During this time, glaciers flowing into the lake break off into large icebergs. The lake is deep enough to never freeze completely and there is an abundant ecosystem near the bottom of the lake. It is rumoured that a great white dragon makes its home at the bottom of this lake.
The Se Også (Steamed Up) Caldera lies to the north of Folkvangr Fjord, to the northwest of Højgylden. It is an active caldera (a very large volcano) and can produce enormous eruptions. It has a very active geothermal system, which spawns large geysers, boiling mud pits, and acidic ponds. The Se Også lake is acidic, but it is rumoured many creatures live in its depths. Small eruptions are uncommon, but can occur.
The Jernsump Marsh, located on the eastern shores of Sprudlende Bay, is a frigid place, away from the heat of the Fiery Serpent Sea. It is a typical marsh, rich in peat and contains a lot of bog iron. Many small prospectors from Højgylden collect bog iron during the summer months and smelt it during the winter months.
Folkvangr Fjord is said to be the home of Kuldana. Steep cliffs, with cascading waterfalls and glistening glaciers, surround this narrow fjord. Landslides and calving ice from glaciers are frequent during the spring and summer months, creating large waves, sometimes reaching 1,200 feet in height. It is said Kuldana lives at the north eastern shore, looking out over the bay. She is said to cause the great waves to send away uninvited guests.
The People
"Bunch of flower worshipping folk, not fit for my dwarven company. I've seen those dwarves there, prancing around in frilly clothes, eating fluffy food, lost their roots. Worshipping some woman immortal has made them soft. Someday our dwarven brethren will conquer them and mould them back into hardy dwarves."
Dangar, adventuring dwarf from the Kingdom of Thorin
The people of Højgylden are separated into five main ethnic categories, dwarves, gnomes, and three ethnic humans, Alphatian, Ostlandic and native (Antalian). Most people in Højgylden, regardless of race, consider themselves Højgyldennites. The majority of people seem content with the matriarchal theocracy, finding that they can still eat and live in peace. Many have been benefited in one way or another by the sisterhood, charitable donations when times are bad, healing ill relatives, and protection in times of invasion. In general, laws guarantee equality, but women have higher levels of protection than men.
There is only one dwarven clan in Højgylden, the Dwalendar Clan. The Dwalendar family was once part of the Buhrodar Clan, but quickly abandoned that clan once they left Rockhome. They have since split into numerous families. All the families are prosperous in one way or another. The family's work together to ensure their past lives in Rockhome, living in poor conditions, does not occur within any dwarven family.
Most Højgyldennites are fishermen, herders, farmers, miners or labourers. People enjoy their work, working long, hard days during the summer months and taking long breaks during the winter months. Families require children to attend schools during the winter months for basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills. Teachers look out for special students to urge them into the university, the sisterhood or the school of magic, careers seen as very prestigious. Special students often continue on to universities for rigorous academic training. Many become scholars and philosophers, but some end up as adventurers.
Højgyldennites are suspicious of strangers, but quickly open up once proven to be friendly. They have little tolerance for inequality, hatred, or disrespect for the laws. Højgyldennites are very clean people, taking at least weekly (if not daily) baths and pay special attention towards grooming. Sometimes visitors will be asked to 'clean up', which can be very insulting to some people. Perfume is highly used, with exotic scents being the most highly sought after (such as vanilla and jasmine from the Bajreve colony). Most women and men wear jewellery and try to wear the best clothes they can afford.
History
Højgylden started in 200BC when Eyvind set sail into the Fiery Serpent Sea. For generations before hand, the Ystmarhavner people have been fearful of this area. Horrible tales of a giant serpent, breathing fire at trespassing ships, kept even the bravest warriors away. Evyind, a poorly known nobleman but great explorer decided to venture into the Fiery Serpent Sea and slay any beast that got in his way. As Eyvind sailed forth, no serpent was found. However, what Eyvind found was pristine shores ripe for colonisation. Eyvind returned to his village, spreading rumours of lush lands, away from the frozen conditions locally. Some villagers became interested and decided to settle in such a wondrous place. Eyvind returned to land with a war party and quickly took control of the new villages, proclaiming his new kingdom. He became obsessed with war and conquest, determined to rule all the artic lands. Eyvind set up slave camps to collect bog iron and to forge a great army. Eyvind, however, was not a good ruler. Food ran low and famine set in. Eyvind became down hearted at his failures and died shortly afterward. His wife took charge, releasing all the slaves and declaring herself queen. She was a much more competent ruler and started to forge the fledgling kingdom. She passed on her rulership to her son, which passed down from generation to generation.
Three hundred years had passed with few disturbances. In 115 AC, Dalya, an adventurer from Rockhome, came to Højgylden with her fellow adventurers after hearing rumours of mineral wealth in the Gyldenfyr Mountains. She was a cleric of Freyja, converted from a merchant from the Northern Reaches. Dalya's family, the Dwalendar family, was very poor, forced into farming and animal training. Dalya became an adventurer to return honour and prestige to her family. Her discovery did just that. Near the hills of modern day Højgylden, Dalya discovered a wide vein of platinum. Further tests of the ore found trace amounts of mithral, a good sign that more existed at depth. She sent word to her family and started construction of a keep on a high peak. The Dwalendar family arrived years later, immediately starting construction of a mine. Many years had passed when Asta, a close adventuring friend of Dalya, decided to journey home to the Viormund Clan to her native Ostland. Dalya, with an interest in finding the fabled gnomes of the Falun Caverns decided to join her. Asta arrived in Ostland to learn that the Viormund clan was threatened with war from the Zealand clan. Asta convinced the clan to move to Højgylden. The Viormund clan, being much weaker than the Zealand clan, decided it was best to emigrate to a new home. Dalya, while Asta was in Ostland, searched out the fabled gnomes of the Falun Caverns. She arrived to find the Falun Caverns under siege from kobolds. She battled her way in and helped lead the gnomes to victory over the kobolds. After speaking with the gnomes, the Verrehelm clan, well known for their glass and illusionary magic, decided to join Dalya in Højgylden. They joined with the Viormund clan and set off for Højgylden.
During the voyage, the Viormund clan rested at Sneuland Island to weather out a harsh winter storm. Some settlers, tired of such a long voyage, settled here. The rest of the clan pushed on during the late spring thaw, reaching Eyvindgård by the beginning of summer. They laid siege of Eyvindgård, hoping for a quick resolution. After a month, both sides were running low on supplies. The dwarves, in a show of force, arrived in midsummer and aided in breaking the defences of Eyvindgård. King Eyvind VIII surrendered Eyvindgård and was exiled from Højgylden. With supplied running low, famine was feared throughout the winter.
Dwarven clerics conjured great feasts throughout with winter and supplies were brought in. They healed the sick and wounded from battle and aided in repairing the city structures. The dwarven and Viormund armies marched next year on Blegenfjord and Elsdyrfjord, securing the realm. The kingdom of Højgylden was founded.
After many years, Dalya removed herself from rulership, appointing a successor. Her travels led her to becoming an immortal, sponsored by Freyja. She renamed herself Kuldana and started her following in the country of Højgylden, where she is most well known. The Sisterhood of Kuldana was formed shortly after as guardians of Højgylden.
For the next hundred years or so, the people of Højgylden enjoyed peace and prosperity. Roads were constructed and trade flourished with Alphatia, especially with finely crafted mithral items. The gnomes, after a terrible spring storm destroyed crops, came up with the idea of constructing houses made of glass over the farm fields. The gnomes, over the next hundred years, slowly cut into the hillsides, constructing great houses of glass. These houses now supply Højgylden with much of their food. Another inspired idea around this time was the invention of the printing press. It works some of the times and can usually produce two to three hundred books before needing months (if not years) major repair. It is very slow, turning out one book in a day or so. There are very few in existence, as they are very technical and difficult to understand. This has supplied Højgylden with numerous books for its people, which have taken up reading as a pastime.
The Empire of Alphatia's greedy eyes could not look away from the Kingdom of Højgylden. After years of trading with Højgylden, Alphatia decided it was time to conquer the small kingdom. Sending an overwhelming force, the Kingdom of Højgylden surrendered without a bolt fired. Queen Ovala, the ruler of Højgylden, left to a hidden location and the Alphatian military general Neroli took control. The Sisterhood of Kuldana instantly resisted the Alphatian forces, but covertly. They collapsed the Farak mithral mine and stifled collection of taxes and goods. For many years the Alphatian general attempted to reopen the mine, only to meet with dismal failure. He successfully, however, secured the sacred forest and secured the 'Eldest Tree' and supply of the 'Sap of the Eldest Tree' (see The Complete Druid's Handbook). Yet, the Alphatian's brought with them much more, including the introduction of hard-ball, which has become wildly popular. General Neroli was determined to turn Højgylden into his military stronghold for expansion into the continent of Skothar. He built sky docks and trained people as sailors for his sky fleet (marines he saves for Alphatians). Most humans did not want to learn, but many dwarves and gnomes volunteered. Wearily, the Alphatian general accepted and became trusting of the dwarves, who seemed reasonably loyal. In 252 AC, the emperor ordered the Alphatian general to send forces to Ylaruam for military patrol. Disappointed by his lack of ability to expand into the continent of Skothar, he reluctantly sent forth his forces.
It was during this time where the Alphatian forces were dealt a blow. The Sisterhood of Kuldana was waiting for such an opportunity and had smuggled weapons aboard with the cargo. They mutinied, quickly taking over four ships, where the fifth one crashed into the ocean. Captains and commanders who could not teleport off fast enough were quickly captured. They sailed back to Højgylden, where the Alphatian general Neroli was captured. Højgylden proclaimed its independence once again. The Emperor of Alphatia, distracted by the expansion and struggles into Ylaruam, did not pursue reoccupying Højgylden (see the Emirate of Radija). Although some of the Alphatians left Højgylden, returning back to their continent, some stayed behind and became absorbed into the society of Højgylden. Højgylden held onto the knowledge learned from the Alphatian occupation and continue to teach sky ship building and sailing at the Great Hall of Magic.
After regaining independence from Alphatia, times became difficult for the people of Højgylden. Trade stopped with the Alphatians and the Kingdom of Højgylden was forced to expand into new territories to survive. Two sky ships sailed south of Skothar, searching for places outside the eyes and reach of Alphatia. Reaching the edge of Skothar, they continued south, reaching Davania and discovering hills rich in minerals. They brutally pushed the humanoids out of the area and established the colony of Bajreve. The Højgylden general continued to slowly expand into the lands of the Paree, establishing cantonments throughout the land. They vowed to protect the rulers from invasions in return for a goods tax. Trade boomed throughout the cantonments and wealth once again flourished in the Kingdom of Højgylden.
In recent history, Højgylden was not involved in the war between the Empire of Alphatia and the Empire of Thyatis. The sinking of the continent of Alphatia, however, threw Højgylden into a depression, destroying the lucrative trade routes established. Højgylden is still recovering from this economic shock and is making plans for expansion of the Bajreve colony or perhaps establishing another colony. Queen Belana also has decided to eventually petition for an alliance with NACE, as fears of Thyatian aggression have become a long-term reality. Members of the Sisterhood of Kuldana have made it to the Kingdom of Aerial to try to disrupt the Thyatian advances into sky ship building.
Sisterhood of Kuldana
The Sisterhood of Kuldana was formed shortly after the Dalya's attainment of immortality. Made up primarily of dwarves (with some humans and gnomes), these clerics and faithful followers are discerned by their blue cloaks and hats made from black lamb wool and lined with white cat skin (usually bobcats from the Gyldenfyr mountains). They wear a medallion of a boar (centre) and eight cats in a circle around the boar, a symbol of Kuldana.
The Sisterhood of Kuldana is, in general, non-hierarchical structure. Women of the order meet once a week and bring issues up with the group, where it is discussed and voted on if necessary. All issues, from crimes and punishment to war are dealt with in such a manner. The Sisterhood is not passive as some may have suggested, but has a stout warrior class, the defenders of the Sisterhood. These warriors create an elite unit within Højgylden, protecting it from internal and external threats.
The spiritual leader of the Sisterhood of Kuldana is the Søgang Klogselkab. The Søgang Klogselkab wears a cloak made of raven feathers and a necklace made of mithral, studded with amber beads and a large zircon carved into the shape of a cat as a pendant.
Don't Miss
One site to visit would be the mithral mine (Farak Mine) in Højgylden. The entrance lies south to the city and access is gained through entering an enclosed room that is lowered down by the hoistman (powered by gnome technology). The lower workings of the mine consist of several large stopes following a 1-foot vein of mithral and a 5-foot vein of platinum. The host rock is very hard; being metamorphic in origin and mining was initially very difficult and slow (dynamite and other explosives are very rare in Mystara). The Kuldana clerical order soon established control over the mine, expediting mining by using rock to mud spells. The mud is collected in a device called "muckers" and is lifted to the surface to be separated and processed. The upper levels were converted into a sort of amusement ride. Ore cart tracks were set up to fly through the tunnels, screaming down drifts, over deep winzes and up stopes only to find yourself back at the beginning. Added illusionary spells by the gnomes create realistic mine collapses that the ore cart barely escapes, splashing through illusionary flowing water and explosions.
The Dalya greenhouse is an excellent place to visit. This steamy greenhouse contains tropical plants brought back by Højgylden travellers, primarily from Bajreve. Most of the plants are quite safe, although a couple are very stinky (especially the carrion plants!). Some of the plants are downright dangerous, with the ability to scoop you up for lunch, so obey the signs and stay alive. It is said some of the rare plants growing here are spell components for the Asta School of Magic.
The Verrehelm glass factory, operated by the Verrehelm gnome clan, is a wonderful place to find glassware or find new laboratory wares for that alchemy laboratory. Bottles and glassware come in many different colours, from deep blue to green to clear white. Some of the glassware is very plain; others are studded with gems; some are mixed with mithral, to give it extra strength to handle potent potions and acids.
Asta Viormund founded the Ásynjur Great Hall of Magic during the Alphatian occupation. Asta was the court mage during the Alphatian conquest and negotiated the surrender of Højgylden to the Alphatian forces. She was originally from Ostland and trained in various places, becoming very skilled in alchemy. Her family line has led her children to continue in her stead. Her great grand daughter, named Astanna, teaches alchemy at the great hall. Her friend Aewyn is a necromancer and is very interested in anatomy and human body operations. She has been known to seem uncaring of human bodies, casting ghoulish experiments and animation processes, but on the whole, she is a very articulate professor. Allisa, who started her life as a thief in what is now Vestland, teaches illusionary magic, which is scorned by both Astanna and Aewyn as pseudo-magic. She was part of adventuring group with Astanna and Aewyn. Gunjana, a human from the lands of the Paree, is the professor for aerial magic. She first learned magic at the Great Hall as a youth and travelled the lands of Alphatia, honing her magical skills. She wears beautiful saris made out of spider silk and is usually adorned with jewellery from the colony of Bajreve. Iolanthe is a master gnome illusionist and teaches at the school. Her past is not well known and she likes to keep it secret. She has a great sense of humour and loves to play pranks on her students whenever possible. On one notable day, Iolanthe fooled the class into thinking that a large white dragon was attacking the school and ripping off the roof to the class. Students started to run for their lives, causing other students in nearby classrooms to run as well. In the end, the city guard was called up, where the dragon offered the guards juniper berry pie and wild flowers and promptly disappeared. Weary students slowly filtered back into the school, only to find their desks transformed into gnomes in frilly tutu, throwing custard puffs. It was said Iolanthe laughed for two days before coming round and even then chuckled for weeks after.
Do Miss
East of Elsdyrfjord, lies Mammoth fjord, named for the mammoths foraging along the coast. This fjord contains animal species long thought extinct. Mammoths, glyptodons, ground sloths, woolly rhinoceros, sabre-tooth cats, sea cows, great auks, and the large bird teratornis can all be found in abundance. It is rumoured that an ancient city ruins lay within the valley, long destroyed by a tsunami.
The Læggenkul mine, located at the extreme eastern edge of the kingdom, is a slave-laboured coalmine. Frost giants, prisoners of war, and criminals are all transported here and forced to mine up to 16 hours a day. Conditions are intentionally kept bad to keep the population down. Riots and rebellions are common, but are quickly and ruthlessly put down. Entrance into the town can be accessed through a dwarven fortress. The land surrounding the mine turns into muskeg and tundra, which quickly kills off most escapees. The one path leading into the mine had been safely constructed down to bedrock and is heavily patrolled and used.
Holidays:
Højgylden once used the Rockhome calendar, but has slowly adopted the Alphatian calendar, especially during the Alphatian occupation. Most holidays are celebrated quite jubilantly in towns, with large gatherings of people, explosive alchemy potions, illusions and lots of food.
Thaumont 15: The Rising (New Years)
This festival commemorates the rising of the sun from the darkness of winter and is celebrated for three days, ending on Caravan Days. Large gatherings at vantage points gather to view the sun rise and fall, admits high amounts of cheer. Large fires are set up and individuals test their skills by jumping over the fire to cleanse them of the darkness.
Thaumont 17: Caravan Days
This holiday is the same as the Dwarves of Rockhome, only trade is done mostly by ship.
Yarthmont 15: Howling Day
This holiday is celebrated the same as in the Empire of Alphatia
Klarmont 27: Mutiny Day (Independence Day)
This is the day that the Sisterhood of Kuldana successfully mutinied against the Alphatian forces and re-established independence. Elaborate re-enactments are performed during this festival and much celebration takes place.
Sviftmont 15: The Lighting
This festival commemorates the darkness about to overtake Højgylden for the next few months. The last glimpses of the sun slowly set as people bring out their lamps, covering them with colourful cloth to line the streets. Large feasts are prepared and most join community street fairs. Games are played as well as alchemy air explosions to dazzle the eyes.
For the DM
Politics
Højgylden is an isolated kingdom. Rarely do travellers reach its shores, because of its extremely northern location. Therefore, Højgylden has a strong merchant class that trades Højgylden's goods for needed supplies. As such, Højgylden generally tries to maintain friendly ties with all of its neighbours.
Empire of Alphatia
Tensions were high for hundreds of years after Højgylden reclaimed independence from Alphatia. Højgylden and Alphatia do not maintain any official ties, as Højgylden wishes to remain hidden from Alphatia's view. The Empress of Alphatia does know of the existence of Højgylden, but has yet had the time or will to re-establish contact.
Trade slowed to a near standstill as Højgylden refused to trade with Alphatia after independence. Looking for new markets, Højgylden turned to imperialism and established the colony of Bajreve in eastern Davania. Tensions slowly lifted and trade once again flourished with Alphatia. Jewellery, dyes and optics are briskly traded in the Kingdoms of Ambur and Floating Ar. Occasionally, Højgylden even participates in Air-Ship regattas in the Kingdom of Floating Ar. Paper is traded in the Kingdom of Foresthome and moderate trade occurs in Frisland and Qeodhar. Moderate trade was established in Esterhold, specifically for mineral wealth.
One of the greatest areas for trading remains with eastern Bellissaria, especially with the Kingdom of Meriander, a stop before the last push to the colony of Bajreve. Rare components, potions and glassware are traded within the Kingdom. The Great Hall of Magic even has a student exchange set up with the Alchemos University of Alchemy.
Kingdom of Thonia
The Kingdom of Thonia has maintained strained relations with Højgylden since its formation. Thonia had claimed the land long ago and maintains that Højgylden is not a sovereign nation as it claims. However, Thonia has not the strength or the desire to try and conquer this rebellious state. Little trade or contact has occurred between these Kingdoms and none is expected in the future.
Kingdom of Thorin
Little contact is maintained with the dwarven brethren of the Kingdom of Thorin. Occasional trade parties will make their way into Højgylden, only to leave just as quickly. These visits are not friendly, as the dwarves of Højgylden aggravate the dwarves of Thorin. If access was easier between these two nations, war would surely follow.
Colony of Bajreve
Bajreve was established shortly after Højgylden regained independence from the occupation of Alphatian forces. As Højgylden re-established its economy, it started construction of its own sky ships, which safely started trade with Alphatia and a new trading route was established through the Alphatian Empire's water. As the colony was established, sky ships were used predominantly for trade purposes.
The established colony created a lucrative trade with their small fleet of flying ships, bringing supplies of spices (especially vanilla and sugar), fruit, precious metals, gems and dyes back to Højgylden. New markets opened for jewellery, glassware and tools.
Hollow World
The people of Højgylden have long known of the existence of the northern dark lands and exploration revealed the existence of the Blysenbahr World, the land of the red sun. Contact has been made with both the Beastmen Territories and the Antalians, but never any formal relations. It is rumoured than a long forgotten ice tunnel was constructed within the darklands, allowing a relatively safe journey into the Hollow World.
What You Don't Know
The lands of the Burning Spires Mountain Range are infested with undead creatures of every breed and kind. Hel is heavily worshipped here. Kuldana, in her pursuit for immortality, captured an artifact of Hel, the Naglfar, a ship made from the nails of the dead. She planned to destroy it in her quest, but Hel approached her and eventually convinced her not to destroy the artifact. She later acquired an artifact of Thanatos and destroyed it. The agreement made between Hel and Kuldana was that Hel would not touch or plot against Højgylden as long as Kuldana did not attempt to destroy the undead in the Burning Spires Mountain Range. Thus far both have kept their word. Kuldana, since obtaining immortality, has become friends with Hel, at least off the job.
The Burning Spires Mountain Range is vitally important for many of Hel's plots, especially into the Hollow World. The Naglfar can sail easily through the tundra and stormy area of the darklands. She could care less of Højgylden, unless they decided to try and eradicate her undead children and the agreement with Kuldana, she felt, benefited her more than Kuldana or Højgylden.
The Fiery Serpent Sea was created during the Great Rain of Fire, when the explosion created a rift between the Plane of Fire and Mystara. Small to large gates to the Plane of Fire frequently open and close throughout the sea, usually creating a large amount of bubbles of evaporated water.
Military
Basis: Renaissance; male and female (up to 2% standing, up to 20% wartime); population 40,000; peacetime
| Item | Cost | Weight | Size | Type | Speed Factor | Damage (S,M/L) | Range (S/M/L) |
| Pavekemaar | 5,000 | 8 lb | L | P | 6 | 1d6+1/1d6+1 | 8/16/24 |
Pavekemaar: This is a 3-foot long rifle shaped magic object that is enchanted with magic missile (permanent). A lever on the bottom of the shaft releases one magic missile and up to two can be fired in one round. Dwarves can use this item without fear of magic failure.
Division Name: Her Royal Majesties Sky Legion
Type of Division: Elite Sky Naval Division
Number of Such Units: 6 (2 in Højgylden; 4 in Bajreve)
BR: Personnel: 110 Troop Class:
Division Breakdown:
Navy Commander: Lord General (human, female, M20; Int, Wis, or Cha bonuses +6). Deputy Commander: General (dwarven, female, C14)
Regiment 1: 28 elite marines (C3), plate mail and med. shield, mithral dwarven warhammer and pavekemaar*; 72 elite infantry (F3), chain mail and med. shield, spear, broad sword, light crossbow, and pavekemaar*; 6 sergeants (C7), 2 lieutenants (M7) , 1 captain (M15); on 1 flying frigate; AC: 6, HP: 82; L: 103' B: 30' D: 12', Ench: Fly, Protection from Evil, Protection from Fire 3/day (240hp; 20 turns); Arty: 4 ballista enchanted with Heat Metal
Division Name: Her Royal Majesties Legions
Type of Division: Regular Division
Number of Such Units: 2 (both in Højgylden)
BR: Personnel: 103 Troop Class:
Division Breakdown:
Division Commander: High General (dwarven, female, C12; Int, Wis, or Cha bonuses +4). Deputy Commander: General (gnome, female, M12 illusionist)
Regiment 1: 60 elite heavy infantry (human and dwarves) (C2), plate mail and med. shield, warhammer and pavekemaar*; 1 lieutenant (C5), 1 captain (C7)
Regiment 2: 40 sharp-shooting cavalry (predominantly Gnomes) (F2), leather armour and small shield, short sword and pavekemaar* with ocular scope (+1 Att); 1 lieutenant (M5), 1 captain (M7); mounted on 11 mammoths with chain barding and castled saddles (+4 AC)
Division Name: Her Royal Majesties Bajreve Legions
Type of Division: Regular Division
Number of Such Units: 15 (spread throughout the cantonments)
BR: Personnel: 314 Troop Class:
Division Breakdown:
Division Commander: High General (dwarven, female, C12; Int, Wis, or Cha bonuses +4). Deputy Commander: General (human, male, F14)
Regiment 1: 60 elite heavy infantry (human and dwarves) (C2), plate mail and med. shield, warhammer and pavekemaar*; 1 lieutenant (C5), 1 captain (C7)
Regiment 2: 200 cavalry (F1), chain mail, spear, broadsword, mace, and short bow; 4 sergeants (F2), 4 lieutenants (C4), 2 captain (C5)
Regiment 3: 40 sharp-shooting cavalry (F2), chain mail and med. shield, short sword and light crossbow with ocular scope (+1 Att); 1 lieutenant (C5), 1 captain (C7); mounted on 21 elephants with chain barding and castled saddles (+2 AC)