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The Kingdom of Durne
Located south-west of Avalon, Durne is a land of grassy knolls, gently rising hills, and sparse woodlands. There are no rivers, and
few lakes. The only visible "settlements" are the timber watchtowers of the Eastern Territory Army and a military encampment on the banks of the Long Bone River.
The Forest of Ironwood occupies the western portion of the kingdom. The steel-gray ironwood trees are very popular for use in
heavy construction, since the wood is extremely resistant to damage. Only the presence of a particularly large species of Anhkheg, deters those who would
exploit this resource. Given the lack of any sign of habitation, the casual traveler might be surprised to discover that this land does not lie unclaimed- rather, its possessors
merely dwell below ground. Durne is inhabited almost entirely by Gnomes.
A hereditary monarch known as the Gnomeking rules Durne. He is responsible for seeing that fair prices are received for the goods produced by his people, which are
delivered on the Underground Highway to Avalon once each month. Additionally, the Gnomeking is commander-in-chief of the country's small but feisty army, the
Fellowship. The Fellowship was very active and helpful to Avalon during the Winter War, their abilities to fight giants earned them much respect among the military elite of
that kingdom. The cooperative nature of the Gnomes keeps political strife to a minimum.
The subterranean city of Durne lies some 200 feet below ground. The settlement consists of numerous moss-lined cave dwellings (called nooks), connected by a
complex network of tunnels and underground lakes and streams. Large caverns are used for the growing of mushrooms and tubers, while the lakes serve as hatcheries for
several species of subterranean fish and mollusks. The Gnomes also are rumored to "grow" crystals, which are much in demand among certain wizards.
The only entrance to the Subterranean City is through a craggy mound of stone known as Tunnelrock, honeycombed with winding passageways and tunnels. The
Gnomes fashioned the elaborate network of passages, an unknown number of which lead to their underground city 50 miles to the southwest. The rest terminate in
deadfalls, bottomless shafts, and cul-de-sacs. The purpose of the maze is to baffle unwanted intruders seeking access to the Gnome capital. Without benefit of a map or
Gnome guide, it is practically impossible for outsiders to find their way through Tunnelrock.
Adapted from the Talislanta RPG. Artwork is by Larry Elmore.
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