Eldervast

The time has come to begin the early-access release of our homebrew world, Gaiathrae! The world of Gaiathrae is an original homebrew world and campaign setting created by D&D ReinKarnated.

In this new series, we will be releasing the regions that comprise the continents of Eldervast and Veridya in rich detail complete with lore, maps, and key persons of the cities, towns, villages and hamlets. We will also be making available the PDF pages of what will ultimately comprise the Gaiathrae Campaign Setting book.

During this early-access phase, the content that will comprise the world of Gaiathrae will be reserved exclusively for our top supporters on the 'Heroes of the Realm' tier.

In the coming months, we will explore the mystical Ardent Woods, brave the treacherous Tempest Peaks, and uncover the secrets of the Endless Expanse and beyond as we bring to you the first of two continents: Eldervast.

This introductory post provides a quick overview of each of the regions of Eldervast which is intended as a sneak peak of what's to come. To support this project and get full early access to the campaign setting, please consider supporting us as a Hero of the Realm!

The Continent of Eldervast

This map of Eldervast is Version 1. It is subject and likely to change as we create more cities, towns, and natural features.

Eldervast is a land of striking contrasts, where ancient forests whisper with untold secrets, and vast deserts stretch endlessly beneath the scorching sun. Dense woodlands teem with mystical creatures, while wetlands brim with life hidden beneath a veil of mist. Towering mountains loom in the north, their peaks shrouded in perpetual snow, while deep valleys cradle fertile meadows painted with wildflowers. Along its coasts, jagged cliffs rise defiantly against the relentless ocean, offering sanctuary to seabirds and treasures lost to the waves. In the far reaches, tundras lie frozen and silent, concealing ruins and ancient magic beneath layers of ice. Yet, amid this raw beauty lies danger—the land is as unforgiving as it is alluring, with treacherous swamps, foreboding forests, unpredictable volcanoes, and deserts where the horizon blurs into a mirage. Eldervast is a continent shaped by nature’s untamed hand, offering both wonder and peril to those who venture into its depths.

Ardent Woods: A Land of Eternal Autumn

The Ardent Woods are a sprawling, ancient forest where the light filters through a dense canopy of amber and gold, casting an ethereal glow upon the forest floor. Towering trees, with leaves forever in an autumnal hue, rise from a landscape woven with verdant undergrowth and moss-covered ruins.

Legends say the forest itself is alive, steeped in ancient magic that lingers in the air like a quiet whisper. Creatures both mundane and mystical roam its depths, from graceful deer to elusive woodland spirits that vanish as quickly as they appear.

The inhabitants of the Ardent Woods are primarily elves who live in perfect harmony with the ancient forest around them. The capital city of Quel'anor is the bastion of High Elves in Eldervast while the nearby Moonbeam Village is home to the reclusive Wood Elves. The elves are skilled hunters, herbalists, and craftsmen, known for their deep connection to the land and its magic. They share the forest with a variety of other beings, including Firbolgs, gnomes, and the occasional druid, all of whom revere the sacred nature of the woods. Their culture is rich with folklore, honoring the spirits of the trees and the mystical forces that run through the forest. Living in harmony with the cycles of nature, the inhabitants of the Ardent Woods are guardians of its secrets, defending their home from those who would disrupt its delicate balance.

Brackish Brinelands: The Coastal Estuary

The Brackish Brinelands stretch across Eldervast’s western coast, an array of serpentine waterways, murky bogs and mist-shrouded marshes. The cool damp air is thick with the scent of saltwater and earth, and the lentic waters mirror the gnarled willow trees that rise like sentinels from the bog. Life thrives in the shadows—frogs croak in the distance, waterfowl skim across the misty surface, and strange creatures slither beneath the dark waters. The landscape is in constant flux, shaped by the tides and the shifting ground, where unseen dangers lurk beneath the muck.

Those who call the Brackish Brinelands home are a resilient and diverse people who have adapted to life in the ever-shifting wetlands. Scattered across the marshes in stilted homes or floating villages, they are primarily composed of hardy humans, halflings, lizardfolk, and the occasional dwarf settlement. Living among the misty channels and bogs, they rely on fishing, foraging, and crafting goods from the swamp’s abundant resources. Their way of life is deeply tied to the water, with traditions and rituals honoring the tidal rhythms and the swamp's creatures. The people of the Brinelands are known for their deep knowledge of the swamp’s flora, using rare herbs and plants for medicine and trade. Despite the eerie beauty of the landscape, they live in harmony with its dangers, navigating the murky waters with skill and respect for the land’s hidden mysteries and ancient magic.

Briarthorn Bluffs: Sentinels Against the Sea

The Briarthorn Bluffs stand as a formidable coastline, their jagged cliffs rising sharply from the crashing sea below. The landmass has been shaped by the currents of the Serentide Sea for a millenia etching out waterways of rapids and caves at the base of cliffs. Winds howl across these towering heights, carrying the scent of salt and brine. Vegetation clings stubbornly to life—thorny bushes and hardy sea grasses dominate the rocky terrain, while the occasional Alpine Heath tree grows in the more sheltered crevices. The cliffs are home to seabirds, whose cries echo against the stone, and marine creatures navigate the turbulent waters below. Hidden coves, only accessible by the daring or the lost, dot the rugged shoreline, rumored to hide treasures washed up by the sea or left behind by ancient mariners.

The inhabitants of Briarthorn Bluffs are a hardy and solitary folk, shaped by the rugged cliffs and the untamed sea. Fishermen and hermits dwell in small settlements perched along the treacherous coastline, eking out a living from the perilous waters and the sparse vegetation that clings to the cliffs. Among them is a reclusive tribe of Goliaths, whose ancestors migrated from the frigid northern lands of Eldervast to seek refuge in the Bluffs. These Goliaths have adapted to the jagged terrain, building their homes into the cliffs themselves and developing a deep bond with the windswept mountains. They live apart from the smaller races, maintaining their ancestral traditions and honoring the spirits of both the sea and the sky. The Dwarven capital city of Thorn'del is located in the highlands of the Bluffs. This fortress built of mosaic stonework is a testament of endurance, strength, and regency for the hardy dwarven folk.

Brightcrown: The Heart of Human Civilization

Nestled between towering mountains and the sprawling Verdant Weald, Brightcrown stands as a beacon of civilization and beauty in Eldervast. Established 350 years ago, the capital city is a marvel of modern classical architecture, with grand stone walls encircling its districts, each of which serves a unique purpose. At the heart lies the Crownheart Ward, where Brightcrown Palace, home to the current monarch King Aelar, sits in resplendent glory, the seat of political power for over 10 generations. Radiating outward are bustling marketplaces, scholarly enclaves, and artisan quarters, all connected by a river that flows gently through the city, providing both defense and commerce. Brightcrown is a melting pot of races and cultures, with humans, elves, dwarves, and others contributing to its rich tapestry of life. Festivals celebrating art, chivalry, and the changing seasons are common, making it a place of vibrancy and tradition. Known for its skilled craftsmen, scholars, and knights, Brightcrown represents the heart of culture, learning, and leadership within Eldervast.

The Wards of Brightcrown:

• The Crownheart Ward: The political and administrative hub of Brightcrown, home to Brightcrown Palace, council chambers, and other government buildings. This is where the most important decisions affecting the kingdom are made.
• The Scholar's Ward: On the northeastern side of the kingdom, the Scholar’s Ward is a district dedicated to knowledge and learning, featuring the City Archives, libraries, and schools. It attracts scholars, historians, and students, serving as the intellectual heart of Brightcrown.
• The Market Ward: On the eastern side of the kingdom, the Market Ward is the bustling economic center of the city, filled with shops, stalls, and a rebuilt market. The Market Ward is a melting pot of cultures and commerce, where people from all walks of life come to trade.
• The Artisan's Ward: On the southeastern side of the kingdom, the Artisan’s Ward is home to the finest crafters and artists in Brightcrown. This ward is replete with studios, galleries, and theaters. It is a vibrant cultural district that showcases the creative spirit of the city.
• The Riverward: On the southwestern side of the kingdom, nestled along the banks of the city's main river, Riverward is essential for trade and transportation. It's also known for its bustling docks, fish markets, and riverside taverns.
• The Verdant Ward: On the western side of the kingdom, providing road access to the Verdant Weald, the Verdant Ward is a blend of rural charm and urban sprawl. It's where the city's growth meets the forest, and it has a mix of residential areas and small farms.
• The Steel Ward: On the northwestern side of the kingdom, the Steel Ward is where the city's military might is concentrated. It includes barracks, training grounds, and armories. It's also where the city guard is headquartered and Cachot Keep, Brightcrown’s infamous prison, is located.
• The Sunken Ward: Encompassing the entire underbelly of the Kingdom, the Sunken Ward is known for its hidden cellars and catacombs. It is a place of mystery and intrigue. It's also the poorest district, where the city's downtrodden and the seedier elements congregate.

Emberfall: Land of Fire and Renewal

Dominated by the looming presence of Mount Vendetta, an active volcano in the south, Emberfall is a land of stark contrasts and untamed beauty. Fertile lands, born from volcanic ash, stretch across the valley, their vibrant greenery set against the backdrop of smoldering lava flows and ash-covered plains. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur, and the ground trembles with the occasional rumble from the fiery mountain. Despite the ever-present threat of eruption, life thrives here—exotic plants, resistant to the heat, bloom in the fertile soil, and creatures born of fire, such as salamanders and fire beetles, are often seen darting through the landscape.

The inhabitants are a resilient people, drawn to the valley’s abundance, who have adapted to the dangerous environment. Among them are daring settlers and nomadic tribes, including Changelings, Centaurs, and Orcs who brave the valley's extremes. Their culture is deeply intertwined with the volcano, viewing fire as both a creator and destroyer. Emberfall is a place where nature’s raw power is constantly on display.

Endless Expanse: The Desert of Secrets

The Endless Expanse stretches across the southern reaches of Eldervast, a vast desert of shifting sands, boneyards, and towering dunes. Under the scorching sun, the horizon blurs into a mirage of endless heat and light, where only the most resilient flora and fauna can survive. Sparse oases provide rare havens of life, their waters a precious resource to the nomadic tribes that traverse the desolate landscape. By day, the desert is an unforgiving realm, with searing winds and parched earth. But by night, it transforms into a place of surreal beauty—the sky above becomes a canvas of stars, casting a silver glow over the dunes, and the temperature plunges, offering respite from the day's heat. Rumors of lost cities and ancient ruins buried beneath the sands draw adventurers seeking forgotten treasures. The Endless Expanse is a place of both isolation and allure, where time seems to stand still amidst the ever-shifting sands.

Nomadic tribes traverse the desert, their culture rich with stories of lost cities and treasures hidden beneath the sands. The Gnomish Kingdom of Sandwatch rests at the northern border of the Endless Expanse, a tribute to the gnomes optimism and ingenuity.

Gloomshade: Forest of Perpetual Twilight

Gloomshade is a mysterious and shadowed forest situated along the eastern coast of Eldervast. Perpetually enveloped in twilight due to its dense, towering canopy, the forest floor rarely sees the light of day. A thick mist weaves through the gnarled trees, and the air is cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and ancient wood. The vegetation here has adapted to the low light, with bioluminescent fungi and shade-loving plants casting an eerie glow in the darkness. The fauna of Gloomshade includes elusive creatures like shadow wolves, owls with silent wings, and whispers of more mystical beings such as wraiths and forest spirits that are said to roam the depths.

Few choose to make their home in Gloomshade due to its somber atmosphere. However hamlets and villages of permanent residents have been established along the outskirts of the region. Those who reside here are often solitary individuals seeking isolation or mystics drawn to the forest's arcane energy. Settlements of Elves, Changelings, and Reborn are the most prominent of inhabitants in Gloomshade. These inhabitants live in harmony with the enigmatic environment, often becoming adept in herbalism and the lore of the forest. They respect the arcane energies that seem to permeate the area, believing the woods to be a place where the veil between worlds is thin.

Saltspray Swamp: Land of Coastal Mysteries

Located in the southeastern stretches of Eldervast, is Saltspray Swamp. This region is a hauntingly beautiful coastal wetland where the boundaries between land and sea blur in a labyrinth of lotic waters, cypress trees, and mist-shrouded channels. The air is heavy with humidity and the pungent scent of musk and earth, while a canopy of dense twisted trees casts shifting shadows on the murky waters below. The swamp is a realm of contrasts, where eerie silence is punctuated by the distant calls of birds and the occasional splash of unseen reptiles and carnivorous fish moving through the dark waters. The swamp is a host to freshwater aquatic creatures inland, while the coast is home to saltwater predators that thrive in the humid climate, along with rumors of ancient, lurking monsters deep beneath the surface.

The inhabitants of Saltspray Swamp are hardy and resourceful, living in elevated homes built on the islands within the swamp. Their livelihoods revolve around fishing, foraging for rare plants, and crafting goods from the swamp’s abundant resources. The swamp is also known for its valuable medicinal herbs and unique flora, which attract herbalists and alchemists from afar, though few dare venture too deep.

Rumors and mysteries surround the swamp, with missing persons being prevalent yet indeterminate based on the nature of the environment. The few settlements that exist here are made up of humans, half-elves, halflings, and goblins.

Shattered Coast: Battleground of Earth and Ocean

The Shattered Coast stretches along the western edge of Eldervast, a rugged and volatile shoreline where jagged cliffs rise dramatically above the crashing waves of the Torrentide Sea. The coastline is a place of stark beauty, where the endless battle between earth and ocean has shaped the landscape into sharp outcrops, hidden coves, and treacherous reefs. The air is thick with salt, and the winds howl ceaselessly, carrying the cries of seabirds and the whispers of old shipwrecks lost to the depths.

The waters around the Shattered Coast are perilous, known for their unpredictable storms and strong currents. Fishermen and sailors who brave these seas are skilled and cautious, navigating the dangerous shoals with expertise passed down through generations. Legends tell of sunken treasures guarded by merfolk and monstrous sea creatures that lurk in the depths.

The few settlements along the coast are home to hardy souls—fishermen, sailors, and those seeking solitude in the harsh beauty of the land. Stormwatch Priory, an ancient monastery perched high on a southern cliff, watches over the sea, while villages like Anchorest dot the coastline, relying on the bounty of the ocean for survival.

Sorrowind Pass: Cursed Canyon

Sorrowind Pass is a dark and foreboding region, a shadowed canyon that weaves between the arid Endless Expanse and the fiery Emberfall Valley. Accessing the pass by land is through only one route located in Saltspray Swamp. Once a vibrant forest, this land has been twisted by a dark curse or mysterious blight, leaving behind withered trees and a perpetual mist that clings to the jagged cliffs of the mountains that border this land. The ground is covered in thick fog, muffling the footsteps of travelers, while an eerie stillness hangs in the air. Gnarled branches reach out like skeletal hands, and the sky is obscured by swirling, unnatural clouds that cast a pale, ghostly light over the landscape.

Few dare to travel through Sorrowind Pass, as it is said to be haunted by malevolent spirits and creatures that roam the blighted land. Shadowy wolves and twisted deer, corrupted by a curse, stalk the mist-laden trails. Legends speak of lost souls trapped within the pass, forever wandering its winding paths.

Abandoned villages and hamlets are all that remain of the past. The rare inhabitants who reside here are outcasts, hermits, or practitioners of dark arts seeking hidden secrets while homesteading on the outskirts of the cursed pass. They live in isolation, mastering survival in this desolate place, and some even delve into the arcane mysteries tied to the pass. The land holds little in terms of economy, fishing along the southern coast and rare herbs that can be transformed into powerful alchemical elixirs can sometimes be found, prized by those brave enough to search for them.

Tempest Peaks: Mountain of Storms

The Tempest Peaks rise as a towering, jagged barrier in the northern reaches of Eldervast, their snow-capped summits piercing the storm-filled skies. Home to the First Ones, this formidable mountain range is renowned for its fierce and unpredictable weather, with powerful winds and blizzards that sweep through the peaks, creating a near-constant veil of clouds. The air is frigid, and the paths treacherous, carved by ancient glaciers and prone to sudden avalanches. The howl of the wind through the crags tells of lost expeditions and ancient mysteries hidden deep within the frozen heights.

Few dare to venture into the heart of the Tempest Peaks, for the environment is as hostile as the creatures that inhabit it. Aggressive wildlife such as snow leopards, arctic wolves, and massive mountain goats roam the slopes, while more mythical creatures, like ice drakes and frost giants, are rumored to dwell in the highest, most inaccessible regions.

Located in the northern stretches of the Peaks is the kingdom of the First Born named Gol-kae, inhabitated by the Goliaths that were created by the pantheon as the first mortal race of Gaiathrae.

The sparse nomadic tribes that call the lower passes home are expert survivalists, having adapted to the harsh cold and fierce terrain. Their culture is deeply intertwined with the mountains, with traditions that honor the spirits of the peaks and the icy winds that shape their lives. The few valleys within the Peaks are guarded by fierce natural spirits, making the land as mystical as it is treacherous.

Vastwyn Valley: A Verdant Paradise

Cradled between towering mountain ranges, Vastwyn Valley is a breathtakingly serene region, its rolling meadows awash with wildflowers and crystal-clear streams meandering lazily through the landscape. The valley is a place of peace and abundance, where the air is sweet with the scent of pine and fresh blooms, and the gentle winds carry the songs of birds and rustling leaves. Towering trees form scattered groves that dot the valley, offering both shade and sanctuary to its inhabitants.

Vastwyn Valley holds great history for the First Men of Eldervast. It was in these valleys over 350 years ago, where they escaped from the clutches of the First Born, also known as the goliaths and found their freedom. Both Humans and Reborn alike, have ties to the region and their fates determined by the battles and exodus from the North. Thus the valley is held as a sacred reminder of history's past.

Vastwyn Valley thrives with life, from the grazing herds of deer to the colorful fluttering of butterflies, and beneath its surface, ancient magic is said to linger, guarding the land’s natural beauty. The valley’s gentle climate, with mild summers and cool winters, fosters fertile farmland and flourishing communities. Here, farmers, artisans, and shepherds live in harmony with the land, deeply attuned to the cycles of nature. Their culture is one of hospitality and shared prosperity, where festivals mark the changing of the seasons and gatherings strengthen communal bonds.

Verdant Weald: The Ancient Forest and Cradle of Civilization

The Verdant Weald is a mix of lush and vibrant forest and homestead farms that stretches across the heart of Eldervast, a vast expanse of towering trees and bountiful meadows where life thrives in abundance. The forest is a living tapestry of vibrant greens, with ancient oaks and whispering pines rising high above, their branches forming a thick canopy that filters sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. Beneath the trees, a carpet of ferns and wildflowers blooms, filling the air with the fragrance of fresh earth and the songs of countless birds.

The Weald is a place of harmony, where nature’s balance is revered by its inhabitants—small, scattered communities that live in tune with the rhythms of the forest and thriving in its close proximity to the Capital City of Brightcrown. These people practice sustainable hunting, foraging, farming, and woodcraft, respecting the land that sustains them. Legends speak of powerful druids and ancient forest spirits who watch over the Weald, protecting its hidden secrets and guiding those who seek its wisdom.

Wanderlust Plains: The Breadbasket of Eldervast

The Wanderlust Plains stretch endlessly across Eldervast’s western reaches, a vast expanse of golden grasslands that sway gently in the breeze beneath an open sky. Known for its rolling pastures and endless horizons, the Plains are both tranquil and untamed, a land where the distant mountains meet the sky and the stars blaze brightly in the night. Once called the "Breadbasket of Eldervast," the region was famed for its grain farms, though much of the land has now returned to nature, dotted with wild boars, herds of wild horses, and the remnants of forgotten settlements.

The people of the Wanderlust Plains, including nomadic centaur clans and hardy human settlers, live in tune with the rhythms of the land, following the migrations of wildlife and celebrating the cycles of the seasons. Their culture is one of respect for the open land and its weather, believing the plains’ bounty is tied to divine forces.

Whispering Tundra: Frozen Wasteland

The Whispering Tundra stretches across the northern reaches of Eldervast, a desolate and frozen expanse where snow blankets the land in an eternal frost. This barren, windswept landscape is defined by its endless stretches of ice and snow, broken only by jagged outcrops and the occasional frozen lake. The tundra is a place of stark beauty and deep history for the people of Eldervast, where the harsh cold creates a world of eerie silence, broken only by the howling winds that sweep across the plains. In the darkest nights, ghostly auroras dance across the sky, casting a mystical glow over the frozen land reminiscent of former travelers seeking respite and refuge while trekking to the lands found further south.

Life in the Whispering Tundra is rare and resilient, with arctic hares, wolves, and migrating caribou braving the unforgiving cold. Nomadic tribes, mainly Goliaths and Dwarves, travel the tundra, following the herds and surviving through their mastery of the frozen wilderness. Their culture revolves around survival, storytelling, and a deep respect for the tundra's unforgiving nature, believing the winds carry the whispers of ancient spirits.

Though inhospitable, the tundra holds hidden treasures beneath its icy surface, from rare minerals to ancient ruins entombed in glaciers, luring daring explorers. Points of interest include the Echoing Icefields, where the wind carries haunting sounds, and the Frozen Lakes, whose mysterious depths are said to hide forgotten relics of a bygone age. The Whispering Tundra is a land of icy desolation, where the cold is both a barrier and a keeper of ancient secrets, waiting to be uncovered by the brave.

Eldervast is a continent brimming with diverse biomes, each offering unique adventures and experiences. The Great Trees of Eldervast found in the central regions serve as spiritual and cultural anchors, reminding inhabitants of their divine origins and the magic that permeates their world. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking hidden treasures or a storyteller crafting epic tales, Eldervast’s rich landscapes provide endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.

You can support this project and have full access to each of the regions of Eldervast as they are released including maps, lore, NPCs, and PDF pages of the book as it is written! Become a D&D ReinKarnated Hero of the Realm!