Ilvir’s Trail

Some of the inspiration and details are derived from Colombia Games.

The Pilgrimage

At least once in their life, a devoted worshiper of Ilvir must visit the wonders of Araka-Kalai.

Jarinese pilgrims from the Kingdom of Orbaal often take the shortest route from the Castle of Leriel along the dangerous Ilvir’s Trail to Araka-Kalai. Pilgrims travel at all times of the year, but the most devout travel in the autumn and plan their arrival at Araka-Kalai to coincide with the great religious Festival of Araksin.

The Hazards

The trail follows the bank of the Anoth River west through the Ymodi Barbarian tribal range and then through the passes of the Rayesha Mountains. The Ymodi generally ignore pilgrims. Here is the most dangerous part of the journey. The Gargu-hyeka (Common Orc) Kingdoms of Jobasa and Huxuth are an ever-present threat. The Gargu-kyani (White Orc) Kingdom of Bwaft can be a hazard; however, the White Orcs are much less prone to violence. 

The most dangerous part of the journey is the Stairs of Grief. The trail passes uncomfortably close to the Orcs of Huxuth, and the mountain pass is particularly steep and treacherous, especially in winter. To guide travelers during the month of Ilvin, a beacon fire is lit on Beacon Rock to help parties of pilgrims caught by winter storms.

Waypoints

Ancient campsites sit along the trail roughly a day’s journey apart. Most contain a simple shrine to Ilvir, a well or cistern, an enclosure for animals, and a simple shelter. Several are walled compounds. Before the Orcs arrived in the region, clerics of Ilvir manned or maintained these waypoints.

Ilvir, art by Columbia Games

Owner/Ruler

Ilvir

The Stairs of Grief

When Ilvir’s Trail meets the Wose River, it descends more than 2000 feet in only a few leagues. This journey can be exceptionally perilous during early winter storms. Many pilgrims have died attempting it.

The Orc of the Kingdom of the Huxuth established their settlement nearby. One of its entrances is only a few hundred yards off the trail, and the Gargu-hyeka have been known to attack travelers. A recent rockslide has blocked this entrance; however, Gargu-hyeka are excellent miners, so it is a matter of time before a new exit is excavated.

Over the last decade, the Orcs of Huxuth have become steadily more organized and aggressive.