High Country

OCAL legends – even in the days when orcs ruled – have always held that the High Country was home to sometimes invisible ‘little people’ (sprites), and although a wanderer in the High Country will rarely meet these quiet folk, there are areas – particularly small, hidden dells crowded with old, moss-covered trees and sparkling pools – that prudent shepherds avoid. If weather or mischance brings an experienced shepherd into one of these areas, their custom is move quickly and quietly, light no fires, and cut no trees. They depart quickly and leave behind one or two sheep, tethered to a stake, with a loudly-spoken but humble apology for trespassing. The less prudent take their chances, but fewer return to bring back tales of the hidden dells.

Sheep-trails crisscross much of the High Country, but the sprites tolerate few buildings. Most shepherds use simple, temporary turf huts. A few lonely, widely-separated stone towers standing in the easternmost reaches of the High Country are said to belong to powerful, reclusive mages, who the sprites leave unmolested because they turn back most of the orc bands that wander down from the surrounding mountains.

From Ravens Bluff and Environs by Ed Greenwood (LC2: Inside Ravens Bluff, The Living City).

Burantine

At the eastern edge of the High Country, near the Impiltur border, the small village of Burantine sits in almost complete obscurity. One hundred miles east of Dragon Falls, it is a ride of about eight days through hilly trails along the Fire River to reach the settlement. The village surrounds Burantine Keep, founded forty years ago by Sire Burantine. Sire Burantine and his comrades defeated the lich of Foulfog Tower hidden within the nearby Foulfog Swamp.

Sire Burantine had hopes that rich caravans from Ravens Bluff, Tantras, and Procampur would traverse through this area en route to Impiltur. However, the trek through the High Country made the path impractical. Furthermore, four years after the founding of his keep, major victories were won against pirates, making the aquatic trade route even more attractive.

The Burantine family persisted. The land around their Manor proved to be good for growing fruit trees, olives, and wine grapes. A small community developed. Sire Burantine managed the many farms about the area, supplemented by flocks of sheep and goat that thrive within the land. Sire Burantine turned over the running of the keep to his only son, Lord Vance Burantine ten years ago, as his old age began to catch up with him. The Keep is a largely empty place, housing only Lord Burantine, Sire Burantine, and the Sire’s old manservant, Kleary.

Sire Burantine stands 6' 3’ tall, with only thin wisps of gray hair, blue eyes and pale white skin spotted with age.

Lord Vance Burantine is a tall cavalier who fought for the defence of Ravens Bluff in the recently concluded war. Lord Burantine is a courageous and headstrong man.

Kleary, is 5'8’ and bald with quick green eyes. He is quick to protect his master, and has no time for small talk. He will do as Sire Burantine tells him without question. Kleary is an old mapmaker for Sire Burantine. He is no longer able to survey due to his age, so the Sire keeps him around as a valet.

From Lich Hunt by Dave Wolen (1998)

Consult the guide to the best inns and taverns
Find out about the calendar
Find out about the customs and festivals
Learn about the political background
Consult the maps

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