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The Antaract Plains

Largely unpopulated, the plains see a significant volume of river-based trade, much of it destined for Delagore before continuing onward by ocean routes to other realms. The Cassiopean Trade Way follows the southern bank of the Azula River, which also forms the northern boundary of the plains. Beyond the river lies the Forest of Uni, stretching far to the north.

The southern border of the plains is defined by the Glyphwood—an ancient forest that was once home to the Elves of Velat and is now dotted with numerous inhabited ruins of Mekk. The forest extends far westward before terminating at Lake Azula.

Approximately five miles northeast of the Glyphwood, within the plains, lies the city of Eck. This settlement is inhabited by a large tribe of stone giants.

History

Antaract has endured a turbulent past. It was first settled by the Orcs of Mekk, whose ancient homeland lies just across the river to the north.

When Mekk was destroyed by the being who would become the Arch Lich, the Alliance of the Free Peoples fought a desperate retreat across the plains, eventually falling back to the fledgling fortress of Nestor. For several thousand years thereafter, the plains fell under the control of the Lich Empire and were used primarily as a staging ground for the Dragonflights of the Lich.

Following the eventual successes of the Resistance against the Lich forces, the plains once again became accessible to the living. Since then, there have been several limited attempts at settlement by human interests and elven groups from Velat, though none have met with lasting success.

The ruins of Eck -once a city of Mekk and now home to a substantial tribe of stone giants- remain one of the few permanently inhabited locations on the plains.

 

Rumors of Antaract

(What travelers, traders, and survivors whisper about the plains)

Common Traveler Rumors

  • “The plains look empty because they eat settlements.”
    Said by caravan guards. Grim exaggeration, but rooted in truth.

  • “If you follow the Cassiopean Trade Way at dawn, you’ll see ruins that weren’t there the night before.”
    False—but unsettling enough to slow travel.

  • “Stone giants from Eck watch the river traffic. They always know who’s lying.”
    Mostly true.

Other Rumours

  • “Something pulls boats off-course near the Forest of Uni at night.”
    True. Not magic—something worse.

  • “The Azula River remembers the Lich Empire.”
    Superstition… though... is it?

  • “Trade tolls are cheaper because no one wants to patrol the southern bank.”
    True, and intentional.

  • “Eck is built over something the giants fear.”
    Very true.

  • “The Dragonflights of the Lich left weapons buried under the plains.”
    True. Most are still buried for a reason.
  • “Stone giants remember the fall of Mekk—and blame everyone.”

Ruins & Old War Rumors

  • “The Dragonflights of the Lich left weapons buried under the plains.”
    True. Most are still buried for a reason.

  • “You can still find scorched stone where dragons once landed.”
    Easily confirmed.

  • “Some ruins of Mekk are still inhabited—not by giants.”
    Half true. Best left unexplored.

Giant‑Related Rumors (Eck)

  • “The giants of Eck were here before the Orcs.”
    False, but the giants don’t correct anyone.

  • “Stone giants remember the fall of Mekk—and blame everyone.”
    True.

  • “If Eck ever marches, the plains will burn.”
    Speculation… but widely feared.

Elven & Glyphwood Rumors

  • “The Glyphwood moves its borders when angered.”
    Elven truth, human myth, practical danger.

  • “Velat’s elves abandoned the plains for a reason.”
    True. They won’t say why.

  • “Cutting the wrong tree brings the forest closer.”
    Absolutely true.

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