Fantasy Core RPG
(c) Jerry Harris, 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.
Index
The Five Provinces
Leinster-SE, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford (Norse settlements),
Munster- SW, Cork and Limmerick (Norse settlements)
Ulster-NE, Emain Macha
Connaught-W, Shannon River
Meath-E, Tara (capital), Newgrange site: Meath is the traditional province of the high-king. The other provinces have their own kings.
Viking Settlements: Dublin, Cork, Limmerick, Westford, Wexford. In spite of the hostility, there is a good deal of commerce between the Norse and the Irish. The cities are open to visitors and traders.
Fortifications:
Raths (ring forts): mostly earthenworks or loose stone, residences of wealthy farmers.
Crannog: artificial island in a swap or shallow lake, usually made of heavy timber, forts of minor nobles.
Dun: Hill forts of the kings, usually stone. Some were full on castles.
The Otherworld: Home of the Fey. A hidden magical kingdom. Entrances exist in forests, glades, lakes, caves, islands in the ocean, and under mounds (fairy mounds). They can typically only be accessed under certain conditions (stars, moon, season) and with a ritual, or as invited guests. Distance in the Otherworld is highly subjective. The Rowan Inn, for example, can always be found behind any screen of trees in the Otherworld. The Palace of the court of the Fey can only be found by invitation and a guide. Maeve’s real tomb, can only be found under certain conditions with a special ritual. Other Otherworld locations can traveled to in similar fashions of varying degrees of complexity.
There is a sad truth that the Otherworld is fading. More and more of the magic of the land is being drained to maintain it. The eldest of the Fey are aware of it. Eventually, the Otherworld will have no connection to reality and will abide only in men’s dreams and stories.
Traditionally, on the night of All Hallow’s Eve, all the gates to the Otherworld and the Underworld are opened and elves, goblins, spirits, and men may cross over freely (sometimes to exact vengeance). Most families light a bonfire for protection, though most consider it just a quaint tradition.
The Rowan: A tree hostel in the Otherworld. It is famous (for those few who have ventured into the Otherworld) for its hospitality. Elves, dwarves, humans (especially bards and druids), and even Fomorians may be found there. It is the closest thing to neutral ground in Ireland, and so attracts high-level and sensitive meetings.
Tir na N’Og (The Western Paradise): This is the earthly paradise that lies somewhere over the western sea. The Irish monk Bran searched for it. There are several islands that are part of the Otherworld. They are populated by fantastic and dangerous creatures (such as giant ants, giant birds, giant horses, and beautiful, wanton women) and magical treasures.
Valley of the Deaf: Cuchulain was hidden here while he was being hunted by the Children of Cailidin. Its location is unknown. It may only exist in the Otherworld. The valley is a place of absolute refuge.
Connla’s Well (or the Fountain of Knowledge): Spring of the Otherworld and source of Ireland’s major rives. Though it exists in the Otherworld, its traditional gateway is in County Tipperary, Munster. Once, nuts from the trees around the spring were eaten by salmon. Finn MacCool ate one of the fish and acquired Otherworldly wisdom. A few random wisdom nuts and perhaps other salmon of wisdom may exist. When a goddess tried to drink from it, it flooded, and swept her away into a newly created river, which bears her name, Shannon. Her spirit haunts the river and will attempt to drown the unwary. Shannon may also be consulted for her knowledge if properly approached.
The Underworld: Home of the dwarves and the Fomorians. The entrances to the Fomorian Underworld often exist inside of ancient tombs, guarded by the undead. The Dwarven underworld is often accessed on mountaintops, upon perilous ledges. If the site is occupied, it is normally hidden and locked from the inside. Entry is likely to only be obtained by invitation, or as prisoners, or even by accidental digging or an odd earthquake.
However, sapping warfare between the races (and with the fey and humans), has left behind several abandoned structures. These can be considered typical dungeons. Normally they are populated with dangerous squatters and raiders. Locals may be unaware of these Underworld sites or are actively avoiding them.
Dun Aonghusa (Inishmore Aran Islands off of Connaught): Large coastal fortress built by the dwarves. It has been long abandoned and is presumed haunted. It is also be an entrance to the Underworld.
Mag Tured (the Plain of Pillars): Located in Connaught. The decisive battle between the elves and dwarves (the first battle of Mag Tured) was near Cong in County Mayo. The battle between the elves and the Fomorians (the second battle of Mag Tured) was near Lough Arrow in County Sligo. Both sites are haunted under certain conditions and are avoided. The Otherworld and the Underworld have entrances at both battle sites. Many ancient graves are also there.
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