Atlas of Lunar Pelanda and the Western Reaches

Osthens
“Notable for a fissure split open by Turos the Shaker.  From this the god speaks to pilgrims, and his priests interpret oracles.” TotRM16

Folks here are upset because the Priests of Turos have begun to report dire omens from the Oracles.  Popular rumor, discouraged by the City Fathers, is that the city will fall to the forest again.

“Twice the forest to break her streets, once to mark the rise, once to mark the fall.  Once reborn of earth to sing, and once  reborn of  sky to mourn.  For who shall envy the victorious ones when Winter sits upon the Blue Throne and darkness swallows the land of Five Mountains Home?”

People of Note:
 
Sirdar Vastagin Hamas – Initiate of Carmanos - Idle Banter 5W2, Tasteful 15W
Vastagin is the second son of Haraxalur the Bald, and rivals his father for both his good and bad qualities.  Vastagin is good natured and kind, loves well prepared food and eloquent conversation, and has no real sense of how to govern.  The task of running his Sirdarcie is handled by a council of advisers appointed by Haraxalur (and thus by the High Council of Jhor).  These men well understand the benefits of having a compliant ruler, and strive to run the city with an almost republican zeal.

Jifforas of House Ginadil – Lay Worshipper of Carmanos 5W,  Charming 15W
The Sirdar’s right hand man, partner in debauchery, and agent for the Sirdar’s Council.  Jifforas’ layers of deception are many.  He is the likable fop, loyal agent of the Council, tool of the city merchants, spy for half a dozen Houses.  His House, Ginadil, is a minor vassal of Great House Hamas.

Carvandos, Visir to the Sirdar of Osthens – School of Malakinus Sorcery 15W, Court Etiquette 5W2
Carvandos is the principal adviser to Sirdar Vastagin, and follows him around most places.  He is most certainly loyal to the Advising Council, and feels that they know what is best for the City and its Carmanian rulers.  He is aware that Jifforas is an agent of the Council, but disapproves of such underhanded methods.

Lady Pilforida – Initiate of Oria 5W, Disguise True Feelings 10W
Vastagin’s current favorite wife, and daughter of the Fazzik of House Graunzadai.  She is young and headstrong – which Vastagin finds amusing.  Jifforas has been her secret lover for some time, and has been gradually instructing her in the arts of deception.  In public she feigns disdain for Jifforas, but in private she will do anything for him.

Mintinus
“Site of the largest temple to Bentus, the god of Pleasure, whose festivals are riotously popular.” TotRM16

Mintinus is a small port city on misty Lake Oronin. It sits halfway on the road from Osthens to the Lunar Empire and its sailors trade with the Pelandan cities in the Lunar Sultanate of Darjiin. This trade has made Mintinus wealthy and considerably more vibrant than is typical of the Western Reaches. Nowhere is this more in evidence than on the famous “Wine Way” leading up to the Temple of Bentus, which is located near the docks and thus frequented by sailing men of all kinds. The fact that the Temple of Bentus rivals that of the nearby Temple of Charmain has caused a long standing rivalry.

The talk around town is of increased sightings of Castle Blue – generally taken as a good omen.

People of Note:
Sirdar Gerkindas Hamas – Initiate of Carmanos 15W, Court Intrigue 5W2
Gerkindas of House Hamas is third son of Harxalur the Bald.  He is overweight, and strains to conceal it through loose clothing, tight undergarments, and magic.  He does this because he is desperately in love with Voriana, High Priestess of Charmain.  His inner torment manifests itself as prudishness – eating and drinking to excess is considered a sure sign of weakness.  To Gerkindas, High Priest Penanthir of the Temple of Bentus is the foremost example of wanton debauchery – made all the more intolerable by the fact that Penanthir seems fit and trim despite a lifetime of hedonism.

Penanthir, High Priest of Bentus – Devoted to Bentus 10W2, Mintinus Politics 5W2
Penanthir is beloved of the common folk of Mintinus, and strives (often in vain) to appease the prickly Voriana, Priestess of the Blue Lady.  This is not a simple task, considering that the Cult of Charmain has the patronage of House Hamas and the Magi from across the Great Lake.  Penanthir survives through a combination of magic (he completed the Bentus and Ikadz Journey soon after taking office), bribery, and strong association with Mintinus’ popularity as a tourist destination.

Voriana, High Priestess of Charmain – Devoted to Charmain 10W2, Beautiful 5W2
Voriana has the heart of the Sirdar of Mintinus in her hands, but chooses to remain chaste.  She deeply despises Penanthir, High Priest of Bentus, but has not been able to unseat the masterful politician.  Lately she has been plagued by dreams depicting the Oronin as a frozen wasteland, and Castle Blue besieged by demons.  In the dream, the land is saved by twins – a boy  and a girl.  Voriana is convinced that they are the true heirs of Carmanos the Prophet, and she has committed herself to finding them.