Going to Balazar

originally published in Griffin Mountain

by Rudy Kraft, Paul Jaquays, and Greg Stafford

This document is copyright © 1999 Issaries Inc. It may be freely linked to and one copy may be printed for personal use, but any other reproduction by photographic, electronic, or other methods of retrieval, is prohibited.

Table of Contents

These scenario ideas provide motivation for already-known player characters to enter this region, hinting at the best known or most feared legends and treasures whose existence may tempt people to come. Entry into the region may be from any noted point. Praxians might enter through Gonn Orta's Castle, though the way is known to very few. Dragon Pass residents might come in through the Wyrms High Pass, or through Tarshford if they obey the Lunar laws. Lunar characters could come in from any of the kingdoms surrounding the region. Horse nomads approach from the north.

The Wind Sword

This famous weapon was lost by an Orlanthi hero over 1000 years ago, during wars against elves and chaos. Rumor says the sword is in Balazar. Legend adds that it detects chaos and was created to destroy it.

The Iron Crown

This is a famous magical itemthat once belonged to a Orlanthi worshipper from Aggar. It was stolen by ancient Balazar and subsequently lost. A worthy and powerful enough wearer may command worshipers of Orlanth within an area to come to the user. An unworthy or weak user will find himself attacked by Orlanth's spirits of reprisal for daring to command his people in the name of Orlanth.

Heartpiercer

Heartpiercer is the name of a magical spear said to return to its owner's hand upon command. It is also said to be capable of being thrown for over a keymile with total accuracy, if the thrower overcomes its secrets. Owned by a succession of famous people through the centuries, it (like so much else) was lost during the Dragonkill War. But a bard from Dragon Pass came through once and told of Heartpiercer being owned by some petty savage king in Balazar.

Giant Hawks

A new species of animal has been sighted coming from the Land of Balazar. It is a giant predatory bird marked simitarly to a vrok hawk. Knowledge temples want to find out more and, ever since someone discovered that the birds could carry men, military types and adventurers are curious, too.

Castle of Giants

Old tales relate that a part of the Giant Land is inhabited by a great, ancient, benevolent giant who is the treasurer of many magical things. He is indestructable (unlike his petrified mountain kin about him). He is said to be willing to trade magic items for magic items, sometimes even being interested in the most worthless object. He might even sell magic crystals.

Death to Chaos

There are several places in Glorantha where chaos found a weakness in the cosmic fabric and oozed through. There is one known to be stirring in Balazar of late, though what it has spawned is unknown. Some temples relate that this is a place called Festering Island, but they know nothing else about it. Since most cults fear chaos, they will be willing to outfit an expedition to find Festering Island and fight the chaos it holds for fear of it spreading further.

Castle of Vivamort

A persistant rumor in this land says that a primeval fortress in Balazar was once frequented by Vivamort, the vampire god himself. He was driven out before Time by his foes, but one of his officers has lived there ever since and is sitting on treasure accumulated for the last 1500 years or more.

Refuge

There are many reasons for someone to wish to depart their civilized lands and take to the wilderness. Tough and bold foreigners might make fair living in such a place, and even strike it rich before their term of exile is up. A caravan is outfitting: they won't hire guards for pay, but will feed them for the journey.

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