Map of the Duchy of Retebius
by Sven JeskeHere is my take on the Duchy of Retebius. Not exactly "adventurer territory" (officially monster free due to the Retebius Air Fleet), but still - a mostly overlooked region that may have an interesting area or two ...
Many details will be covered by an upcoming Mini-Gazetteer ... as a teaser, here are some excerpts from my notes:
Varonia
A quaint small town (1150 inhabitants) dating back to Etrusnan times, then as the city of Verona, allegedly founded 753 BC by the Etrusnan tribe of the Retii, and during Hesperian times being a powerful independent city state. While other cities of that time were completely razed (like Felzna at the Mesonian, or Spna that sank beneath the sea), this place was continually inhabited. A fact the locals take tremendous pride in, often boasting that their town is “older than Thyatis City”. The town of Varonia even has the same colors – a golden cross on blue ground.
Sanctum Artumes – a Shrine of Diulanna
Dating back to Etrusnan times as well, the shrine was a holy Etrusnan site dedicated to the Immortal Artume (Diulanna) and is still at this time. It is said that the High Priestess Artelana sacrificed herself to Artume and thus through some kind of Immortal intervention spared the town of Verona the total destruction during the Alphatian attack of 192 BC. Her mortal remains are interred in a crypt deep below the shrine. Touching her coffin allegedly offers protection from evil.
Bridgewater
A lot of merchandise from Halathius coming down the Kantridae river but destined for Thyatis is unloaded at Bridgewater and transported via Varonia, Palazzone and Litohoron to the Mesonian River. Thus, although the village isn’t big, it is always bustling with workers loading goods from ships to caravan wagons.
Ruins of Spna
Spna was an independent Etrusnan city state (founded 540 BC) allied with the Thyatian League when the Alphatians attacked in 192 BC. Alphatian magic-users caused an earthquake that sent the city completely under the sea. Where it still is and may even still hold ancient treasures. If so, then you can count on meeting some underwater undead and/or magical guardians.
Palazzone
The Palazzone Gap is a lowland area between the foothills of the Altan Tepes to the north and the Baxman Heights to the south. Not quite as densely populated as the coastal and the river areas of the Mesonian and Dolothius, this region is very rural, calm and considered backwater. Most of the roughly 500 Halflings in the Duchy settle in or around the village of Palazzone. The village is likewise famous for producing very delicious sausages.
The huge Happy Pimple Caravanserai, owned by the Hin Gulliver Buddenbrooks, is taking up half the village's space, since many caravans make a stop here on their way between the two rivers. The inn serves excellent food and beverages; never, ever, ask about the name though.
Montebulo
The Montebulo district lies in the foothills of the Altan Tepes and between the river valleys. It is the poorest and least populated area in the duchy. Most prevalent economy is sheepherding. And then more sheepherding. The locals usually keep to themselves and are considered an uncouth lot. Rumour has it that some of them resort to banditry to make a living, but if so then they keep a low profile, probably because doing spectacular stuff will only get the RAF involved. Occasionally there are encounters with wolves or mountain lions in the hills.