Publisher: Troll Lord Games
Introduction
In this review, I will be looking at the latest sourcebook for the world of Aihrde, a high fantasy setting for the Castles & Crusades and D&D 5E game systems. The book is called The Environs of Aufstrag, and it focuses on the lands that surround the tower of Aufstrag, the former stronghold of the evil god Unklar. The book is written by Stephen Chenault, one of the creators of Castles & Crusades, and published by Troll Lord Games.
Overview
The Environs of Aufstrag is a 128-page book that provides terrain descriptions, history, and adventure hooks for the regions around Aufstrag, which include swamps, plains, and blighted lands. The book also covers some of the peoples and monsters that inhabit these areas, such as the Aenochians, the Grausummen, and the shadows of Aufstrag. The book is system neutral, meaning that it can be used with any game system that supports fantasy role-playing. However, some familiarity with the Codex of Aihrde and the A series modules is recommended, as the book references them frequently.
What are the most interesting locations
Some of the most interesting locations contained in Codex of Aihrde Expansion The Environs of Aufstrag are:
- The Swamps of the Grausumland: These are the vast and fetid marshes that lie south of Aufstrag, where the Aenochian civilization once flourished. Now, they are home to the Grausummen, a race of savage and cannibalistic humanoids that worship Unklar and his minions. The swamps are also infested with deadly creatures such as giant crocodiles, hydras, and swamp dragons. The swamps are a place of mystery and horror, where ancient secrets and treasures lie buried beneath the muck.
- The Toten Fields: These are the barren and desolate plains that stretch north of Aufstrag, where the armies of Unklar and his enemies clashed in the final days of the Winter Dark War. The fields are littered with the bones and weapons of the fallen, and haunted by restless spirits and undead. The fields are also plagued by storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, as the land itself is corrupted by Unklar’s power. The fields are a place of sorrow and danger, where few dare to tread.
- The Blighted Screed: This is the region that lies east of Aufstrag, where the shadow of the tower casts a permanent gloom over the land. The screed is a twisted and warped landscape, where plants and animals are mutated and monstrous. The screed is also the domain of the shadows of Aufstrag, the remnants of Unklar’s servants that still lurk in the dark. The screed is a place of madness and terror, where nothing is as it seems.
Highlights
Some of the highlights of the book are:
- The detailed maps and illustrations that show the geography and features of the environs of Aufstrag.
- The rich lore and history that explain the origins and effects of Unklar’s influence on these lands.
- The variety and creativity of the adventure hooks that offer many possibilities for exploration and conflict in these regions.
- The new races and monsters that add more flavor and challenge to the setting.
Codex of Aihrde Expansion The Environs of Aufstrag on DrivethruRpg
