Clueless Delver

 Hajer's mind raced as he tried to think of a strategy to deal with the creature. While he had felled a few iguanas and chameleons as part of his mercenary work, he was usually well prepared and rode a mount, allowing him greater mobility around large creatures. But now he found himself on his feet - he had to admit he was in a severely disadvantaged position.

An ornament often used as an accessory to girdles. Said to provide a blessing of attachment - ensuring the girdle never comes undone from the principles that allow a lizard to hang from a wall. Marble is specifically chosen due to its association of Gil-Olos, the Deity of Binds, who was said to have formed marble by the layering of a thousand knots of tiny crystals, invisible to the eye.

 As he turned, Hajer saw the giant sillhouette of a towering boar whose jaw let blood from the blow he made with his axe as he avoided the creature's charge. Just what in the name of the Anthre was such a creature lurking about within the Buttress? Hajer shook his head as he extinguished that thought in him. Now he had to find away to get out of here alive. No doubt if that boar were to strike him in that charge he would be down for good. And so Hajer decided it was not a good idea to flee for the moment.

Ritual instrument of the a clique of Aeromancers that defected to Gur-Qet. Usually shaped like a realistically sculpted oriole, it can only be played with the use of air sorceries. It is said these Clay Orioles are used to transmit secret messages over long distances - but the mechanism of this use is unknown to this day.

 Following his instincts, Hajer lept backwards diagonally the moment a shadow was cast upon him by whatever was behind him. In the same movement, he swung his axe in an arc towards his back as he spun around from the force of his backstep. He felt his blade cleave flesh along with the rush of wind.

 A large wind instrument that produces percussive sounds similar to a swarm of croaking frogs. The instrument itself is made from clay and fitted with small bronze bells which resonate when the performer blows into a clay mouthpiece. It is said to be one of the first instruments created following the discovery of bronze, and is typically used in grand musical rituals and funerals of exalted or powerful individuals.

Rustle after rustle, came from Scarf, her attempts at surreptitious movement. Then followed a loud rustle. Hajer's hand shot to his axe, which he drew in less than a heartbeat. But it came naught from Scarf but Glass, the one eyed woman who began running in Scarf's direction. Scarf flinched for a moment before she turned and made no regard for stealth, as she burst into a sprint in the same direction as Glass. Hajer's face turned even more solemn, as did Staff, who appeared to be frozen on the spot.

A remarkable type of wood known for its intricately patterned bark resembling interlocking tongues of snakes. It is known to give off a unique, somewhat intoxicating aura capable of affecting the mind. When used as incense its mind affecting effects are particularly potent. It is also known to be occasionally shaped into staves which the Incensers of Agash, formidable masters of fumes, employ to subdue belligerents.

They stood still as moments passed. Then a rustle of grass. Gazing at it's source, Hajer saw Scarf -  the woman who wore a partly ripped checked manteau step to one side. The attention of the others also turned to her. Scarf looked back with a surprised expression as well, raising her brow as though asking why they were looking at her. But then she took another step. The moustached man carrying a stick who called himself Staff flinched in slience as she did so.

A black gemstone with a remarkable hexagonal patterning across its surface. First discovered in the the Grand Caves in Greater Agash, it is also found deep within various caverns in the regions and sought after by many with the intention of turning them into jewelry which is much sought after by the gentry. Rumor has it that the Ant's Eye is a remnant of the Prophet Beast mentioned in ancient records, who was said to have been able to describe matters of the future with unusual detail.

 Before treading ahead Hajer instinctively took a low stance and began looking about carefully. As he did so he heard a four faint rustles of grass from behind him. Glancing backward, he saw the three other strangers who followed him in their crossing into the Buttresses. Noticing that he had not taken a step further, their faces turned solemn as they began looking about cautiously as well.

 A sheath of a sicklesword made of burnt Rattan. Said to have belonged to Mu-Gildur one of the most loyal followers of Nunul-Ruk, the exiled Throne of Rattan.   It is one of the artifacts that is sought after and given an unusually high bounty throughout Ulrunir - and despite the fall of the Rattan domain being ages past, the bounty of the the sheath is still announced and cried through the large cities throughout the land.   It is for this reason that many suspect Mu-Gildur still lurks the land, but the power that be refuse to acknowledge their failure to slay him.

Crossing the wall was easier than Hajer had expected. After leisurely striding to the edge of the wall, he scaled the wall slowly and carefully with the other three strangers he met some time ago who also sought entry into the Buttresses. After reaching the top of the wall, he was surprised to find not a single person in the vicinity, and hurriedly climbed down the other side to a wet, open field that stood before a row of ramshackle huts. Despite his good fortune, he felt a great unease well in his chest.

A tribe of small nomadic warriors known for their ferocity and their characteristic attire of wearing the fleece of large sheep and their formidable clubs made of heavy ochre. They are typically encountered at the frontier of the Scorched Wastes to the west of Ulrunir where they raid border settlements. Despite their ruthlessness, they are sought after by many manhunters who seek to turn in their ochre clubs which are used to sculpt exotic fetishes sought after by many across the region due to its unique lustre and rumored luck bringing property.

He saw the young man flinch the moment he made his move, and he responded with an uppercut. But due to the interruption in his rhythm of breathing, his swing was sluggish. In a blink Domel closed in to the young man to a forearm's length. At this range, the halberd was useless. And with a lunge, Domel pierced the young man's chest. A furious yell followed by the clattering of metal onto stone then rang through the air.

Fragment of the petrified remains of an Oracle, an unusual five eyed ancestor beast that was said to have existed in the primordial age only to be sealed in stone due to what is called the Grand Petrifaction. These stones are known to have a remarkable gray color that cannot be replicated by any other rock and is rumored to bestow extrasensory capabilities to those who wear it as an amulet. There are also rumors that the stone may give one a vision of the near future when crushed, but none have attempted to do so due to their priceless value.

A series of misty plateaus teeming with wyrmflies and wetlands upon which are flocks of wooly frogs, a part of which are herded by shepherds on flying carpets - secret wizards seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Encounters Roll Encounter 1 A herd of 4d6 Wooly Toads. If 1d6 > 3 the herd is led by by a Herd Wizard . 2 A pack of 3d6 hungry Frost Scorpion Wolves . 3 A platoon of 2d6 Skeletal Vulture Cavalry , fumigating Frost Dragonflies with cones of steam 4 A pond of pink flowers. The water has healing effects that restore 1d6 hp with taken in small amounts but may poison when drinking more than 1 vial a day. Taking too much water may awaken 1d6+3 Swamp Golems which will attempt to chase away nearby creatures 5 A swarm of Frost Wyrmflies . They drain the life force of creatures in their way. 6 Cluster of 1d6 floating yurts. If 1d6 > 3 their owners are residing within, and will trade various goods and crafts for their flying carpets, whose ench...

"Go, now!" a deep voice barked from ahead as Domel rolled to a crouching position and looked towards the source of the voice. As he readied the middle stance position the point of the meager dirk straight ahead, the sight of a lanky, turbaned young man came into his view. His body lacked much bulk and seemed too weak to handle the large halberd which Domel cast aside earlier while attempting to restrain the invader who was by now rapidly growing in distance from him. I made the wrong call - Domel thought as he felt perspiration roll down his forehead while studying his new adversary. This new person was clearly out of breath. Which meant that the opportunity was now. Without a second thought, Domel stepped forwards the moment he saw the young man in the middle of exhalation.

One the the banished Thrones of the Heroic Covenant of Ninur-Sin, who was exiled to the treacherous Sea of Toads at the southern coast of Ulrunir, past the Marshes of Banishment where few, even immortals, dare to tread. All monuments and writings describing his appearance and feats have been destroyed for reasons unknown, to this day. The only known fragment of his description depicts a luxurious, bushy but well combed beard with occasional bundles threading through small wooden beads. Rumored to have been banished due to his sacrilegious feat of stealing Deific Lightning from a descended Deity. All his holdings in southern Ninur-Sin were seized in an ensuing war between the other Thrones and the neighboring Agash upon his excommunication by the Grand Priestess of Divine Ka-Abir. Despite his disappearance, Nunul-Ruk remains a popular, though taboo figure among the populace, with many fictional tales spun from thoughts of what transpired between the Hero and the Deities that ended naugh...

 As Domel bent the tribesperson's arm forcefully, a yell of pain came - and she released the dagger from her grip. But just Domel could heave a sigh of relief as he now took control of the weapon with his other hand, he saw a silhouette approach him from behind, causing his heart to drop. Following his instincts Domel rolled to one side, releasing the tribesperson and rapidly moving away from her. And as he did so, he heard a loud crashing sound - which likely came from where his head was a moment ago.

 Domain of the venerable toad Qisi-Itar, one of the oldest beings in Ulrunir, located deep under the salt-marshes between Shur-Qamet and Gur-Qet. Despite being alive however, Qisi-Itar is said to be in motionless stasis and a deep slumber, which has prolonged his life immensely. Few dare to travel to his domain due to the sheer concentration of salt in the region which is said to be fatal when inhaled.

Domel hurriedly assumed stance the moment he saw the approaching threat. This was no time to restrain his target. Positioning his right forearm to shield his neck, he shot his left arm from above in attempt to strike away what he predicted would be a back-handed thrust with the dagger. And as expected, Domel heard the sound of drawn steel which shot on an arc as the woman attempted to plunge the blade into his neck from the side. As his forearm came into contact with her own, Domel's other hand clasped onto her wrist as he used his belly to twist about in his prone position, locking her arm.

One of the heavenly restrictions created by the Sacred Beast Dam-Istir of Vines. Bestowed to his direct servants the Binders, Bell-Binds serve as extremely potent artifacts capable of arresting the movement of creatures and objects. Their use is often associated with the ringing of many bells of a remarkable high pitch. The Endless Collapse is one of the feats enacted by multiple Bell-Binds, which hold a terrible landslide above the Groves of Olsalas in stasis to this day.

Domel felt his gaunleted hand touch flesh, and as his weight moved forwards the tribesperson began to fall, crashing onto the brick floor of the battlements. A shout of pain escaped, as Domel now attempted to restrain the invader who began to struggle. Now up close, Domel saw the furious frown of a young woman who reached for the sheathed dagger hanging from the belt around her torso.

A precious substance that requires immense skill to tincture.  While barley is widespread, being the staple of Ulruniri civilisations, the nectar of blooming barley is exceedingly rare due to the immense difficulty of extracting it. It is said the mark of a grand master tincturer is to be able to extract a drop of Barley nectar. The nectar itself is known for its heavenly aroma and it's ability to satiate for months from a single drop. It is rumored that the nectar forms in the belly of some of the transcendental hermits of Shur-Qamet, allowing them to survive without food or drink.

Domel's mind drifted for a moment as his mind began attempt to recall regarding the tribes person he identified. But he quickly shook the thoughts away. This was no time to be pondering on lore. As he focused on his pursuit, he noticed the tribes-person gaining fatigue and losing speed. Domel on the other hand felt far from exhausted.  This was the moment. Casting his halberd to the side, Domel sprinted and dove onto his target in a leaping takedown. 

A masterwork large brass bell commissioned by the the Throne of Stone, Usu-Malak.  The bell is hung on the Engraved Bell tower in the mesa city of Olok, upon which are depicted the mythical battle between the the first Thrones and Beast of Summer, a terrifying creature whose skin is composed from the faces of a thousand tigers. It is rung at the height of midsummer, as a commemoration of the glorious triumph which marks the the start of a week of festivities in the region.

After treading on the growing pool of blood that was the bisected remains of the pink feathered bird he struck, he began gaining on the silhouette, revealing it's owner. Billowing in the wind was a long black braid which trailed behind a cloak of checkered blue and white. The Mergoat tribe, Domel instantly recalled the symbol of a goat with the tail of a fish - it's scales were of the blue-white checker.

An unusual mural made of cobbled sandstone that rises around 20ft high, stretching a length of 60ft. Despite the uneven surface of the mural, numerous perfect concentric circles are engraved upon it in an unusual architectonic pattern. The mural was discovered in the wilds along the Crescent of Sundered Sickles by a wandering Ilunite Mas-Amal, who declared it one of the gifts of Ilun, turning it into an important pilgrimage site. Despite the treacherous way there, many Ilunites from Lal-Mit make pilgrimage there to this day.

Advance! Domel decided immediately. He made a wager that the other guardsmen would hear the ringing of their station's bell and rush to support. In which case, it only made sense that he do what only he was capable of doing in the moment. And with a heavy stomp forwards, Domel pursued the scurrying silhouette ahead.

One of the Wonders of Ulrunir, found in Southeastern Shur-Qamet. Known also as the Hedges of Chaotic Order, the garden is a maze of partly wilting date hedges that beset a path paved with sandstone pebbles, giving the appearance of a garden painted in golden-brown colours. All of the hedges blossom with pale brown flowers during spring, and bear a fleshless fruit similar to that of a date. Despite being left unattended to, the Garden bears an unusual order which is said to contain an ascetic secret, which none have divined to this day.

 As the piercing sound of the bronze bell rang behind him, he saw the silhouette dart forwards away from him. "He's getting away!" Whelds yelled as she continued ringing the bell. Domel swallowed as he forced himself to make a decision. Leaving his post would not be a wise move - what if this infiltrator was a decoy? Yet... to allow an infiltrator to cross into the walls! Domel found himself truly at a standstill, he shuffled ahead with the intent to pursue, but he was reluctant to do so.

 A creature of bad omen typically used as a symbol in the divination rituals of Gur-Qet, which involve the dealing of slips of bark engraved and painted with ornate pictures of of exotic creatures. Depicted as parrot tinged in with its wings spread apart with wings made of 6 large feathers of the colours red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet holding a whip and sickle with its two claws. The Rainbow Parrot depicts chaos, revolt and transformation. According to some historical records, lesser fiefs were said to fall within three months after its sighting, typically in the dreams of people at night or witnessed in the night sky. When sighted in the day, or during an afternoon slumber, it is the omen is said to be averted.

A soaring terraced tuya made of dark rocks, caked in powdery snow stepping upwards erratically up above the clouds. It's height is only second to the tall pillar of ice that is Trathulin's Tide, which can be seen from above the clouds on top of some of the taller terraces, where cones of limestone with tips of glass can be found - ancient observatories watching the stars. Travel across the land is difficult, requiring 3 days on foot, and 2 days when riding a mountain goat. Encounters Roll Encounter 1 Courier of the Astrologers. An undead Astrologer Mummy riding a Psionic Goat. They often carry messages and gifts sent between the few ancient astrologers that still gaze the stars to this day. They ride extremely quickly and will try to avoid being followed as best as they can unless one bears the badge of an astrologer. When acquainted, they may offer directions if it is within their knowledge. 2 Observatory pyramid. Roll 1d6 , on a 1 the pyramid is decent cond...

 "Whelds! Ring the bells! Someone is trying to cross the walls!" Domel shouted as he spotted a smaller, dark silhouette climb out from under the bisected corpse. At this sight, Domel advanced one step forwards, transitioning the the middle guard.

A type of honey found on the treetops of the tall swamp trees of Gur-Qet. Despite the intense sweetness, it bears a remarkable pungent scent that is wards most creatures. Yet, despite its dislikable aroma, it is known for its unusual curative properties when combined with particular herbs, making it a key ingredient of many powerful healing remedies concocted by the herbalists of the land.

Domel felt his halberd cleave flesh as his body moved in the form of the High Shepherd's strike - a movement that had been beaten into him from the first day he picked up the halberd. A stifled caw rang as the silhouette fell before him, revealing the bisected corpse of a giant bird with a dark pink plumage.

A precious confectionery made from the baked sap of the Wheeled Tree, often mixed with the essence of multiple aromatic herbs. It is also named called the Nightslayer's Grape due to its immense stimulating effect which is capable of keeping one awake through the night, though at the cost of increasing pain to the heart as it is said to draw energy from the soul, though many tincturers claim that it has no soil draining effects.

"Well... I was denied food a few times... Just a few! But here I am still!" Whelds said with a tinge of pride as she slightly adjusted the helm on her head as she smiled. As Domel thought this, he chuckled slightly to himself. But then a silhouette passed before him and he felt his body jerk into stance instinctively.

A weed with silvery curvy leaves only slightly thicker than hair. Known for its remarkable springiness that is retained even when strongly compressed. Despite its association with the precious color of silver, it is inexpensive and often used ironically to refer to the lack of wealth. Usually harnessed for brushing implements specifically from large land animals that take particular pleasure from being brushed.

As Domel made that remark he was reminded of his own early days undergoing basic training in the fort. The cloud that covered his mind after he had had his first fill of gruel from the mess hall was utterly overwhelming and he was thereafter punished with more laps around the training grounds after succumbing to drowsiness.

One of the high Ascetics of Shur-Qamet who convene in winter in randomly chosen hermitage in the land during which they debate the insights gleaned from their meditation which indirectly sets the course for the land. Sul-Erek is known in particular for his terse and extremely incisive clarity which has earned him many adherents to his path. His vessel bears the shape of a bell-ended cylinder which resembles a drum, and is often is said to powerfully symbolise the clear rhetoric it's resonance with the masses.

"Hrmmm... Standing guard... I enjoy not being at the front of charging iguanas... But..." Whelds had said as they marched towards their post several turns ago as Domel had initiated some small talk in an early attempt to ward away the lethargy. "I think I'll feel so weary, I'd doze off and get denied dinner!" "I'm impressed you got through most of the training at all..."

A type of pottery vessel crafted by the ascetics of Shur-Qamet. Though ascetics are known to have virtually no possessions other than simple coverings to preserve their modesty, and an occasionally stick to lean on during their treacherous pilgrimages, they are known for their highly remarkable and unique, self shaped jars often the size of a skill with which they hold their alms donated by the regular folk of the land. It is said the form of the Alms-jar reflects the part of the essence of the ascetic which becomes more defined through years of meditation and self denial.

A large floodplain filled with terraced frost-rice paddies watered by a smouldering hot spring canals. The frostrice that grows on these paddies tower 20-30ft in the air and are densely packed across a field flooded by 5ft high hot spring water. Towering Straw golems made of enchanted rope and bundles of old rice chaff patrol the paddies, chasing away young Crowdragons seeking easy food. Very rarely a Crowdragon outsmarts a golem, swooping across the paddies, collecting rice with its large beak. At the northern extent of this region, lies a wall of towering cylindrical windmills with menacing, serrated blades. The air is mostly stagnant, but is extremely cold other than near the canals which are warmed by clouds of warm air. Hail falls twice every week. Points of Interest Granary of Gastric Grandeur A gargantuan granary dungeon ruled by the Granary Devil Oesovatar who was compelled by forgotten magics to manage the region for eternity. Rumor has it every week, a giant Swallowy...

Based on a quick introduction before he began his guard duty, he became briefly acquainted with his partner on duty. Whelds was a recruit near the end of her basic training and was assigned as part of the training cycle to determine her strengths and which part of the army she would serve the best in.

An extremely dangerous whistle made of sharpened bronze, but makes an extremely sharp and clear sound that can be heard from leagues. Bladewhistles are fetishes crafted by Ascetics following the Path of the Blade's Embrace, which is known for its extremely low membership due to its highly dangerous ascetic practices involving the dangerous and almost suicidal handling of sharp tools. Despite their low numbers, they are considered the most accomplished of the Ascetic cults of Shur-Qamet, and comma d respect even higher than the Thirteen Thorned Mats that guide the peoples of the land.

While Domel was desparately struggling against the wave of lethargy that assailed him from all directions and within himself, he heard a loud yawn come from his right. Turning his head slightly, he could see his duty partner to his right - Whelds. Her mouth was wide open in her unabashed yawn which seemed to be quite protracted.

An extremely windy mountain range. Small creatures with inadequate footing may be blown off balance. Occasionally one hears the croaking chorus of distant herds of wooly toads and the cawing of crafty Crowdragons who roost and nest in the shadow of the dark blue peaks the cut the welkin like a jagged wound. The terrain is extremely steep and precarious. It takes 3 days to cross the mountain range on foot with adequate mountain gear. Experienced riders of mountain goats may take 2 days. Encounters Roll 1d6 Encounter 1 Flock of 2d6+2 Young Crowdragons 2 Stampede of Giant Wooly Toads. Receive 3d6+42 bludgeoning damage on failure to evade the stampede. 3 Crowdragon nest with 1d6 Crowdragon eggs and 1d6 Crowdragon hatchlings. Roll 1d6 again - if roll is <3, 1 Adult Crowdragon returns to the nest. Nest also has a hoard of gems worth 2d6 * 1000 gp , a random set of +2 armor worn by a skeleton of a fallen veteran adventurer. 4 Toad Herd-wizard - Wizard HD8 ri...

I came across this awesome hex-filling game jam, which re-imagines Antarctica as a fantasy land filled with danger and mystery...  Very exciting! I will be participating in it. Feel free to join it here: https://itch.io/jam/antarctica-jam . I've joined the for the jam's Discord and am looking for fellows to collaborate with as well.  As I am still committed to delivering my daily #Lore25 and #Tale25 posts, this one will be a less regular, but I'm aiming to deliver one hex every 2 to 3 days.  Today I spent around an hour planning the names of each hex... and I wrote the content for 1 hex as well.  Here is what I have for now, but it is tentative to change as I plan to collaborate with some participants to mix things up!