Three Falls

Three Falls is a nation of monsters ruled by the Daughters of Sora Kell.  Each of these three hags is a legend in her own right, the subjects of tales used to frighten children.  Eleven years ago, they seized the lands northwest of the Dragonridge Mountains and re-established the nation.

Although Hosuth once laid claim to these now-barren lands, the Verdant Realm had never tamed this region.  Gnolls, Orcs, and Goblins commonly sought haven here, as well as Ogres, Trolls, Harpies, Minotaurs, Medusas, Tieflings, Changelings, Lycanthropes, and other races unwelcome in civilized lands.  In the past, these creatures fought one another more often than they raided Human settlements; however, under the leadership of the Daughters of Sora Kell, they have new purpose.  The Daughters use an ogre army and war trolls to maintain order.

To date, the other nations of Argones have refused to recognize Three Falls, and the region was not acknowledged in the Treaty of Thronehold.  Most people believe that the monstrous nation can't last - that even the Daughters can't hold the disparate alliance together - but Three Falls is currently thriving and stronger than ever.

Three Falls works closely with House Tharashk, selling the services of monstrous soldiers and laborers and Byeshk Ore, a form of metal with magical properties.  Beyond that, it's a still-expanding frontier nation.  The cities of Graywall and Great Crag grow larger and more organized every day, and the rest of Argones is uneasy with the potential power of a fully realized Three Falls.

The monsters that inhabit Three Falls retain their racial subcultures.  Most worship the Dark Six, but other religious traditions flourish as well.

Three Falls uses the supernatural abilities of its citizens as tools, just as other nations of Argones use magic.  The Daughters of Sora Kell keep their people fed with troll sausage and use harpy's song to quell brawls.  When dealing with monsters in this region, one must seriously consider the practical applications of their abilities.

When the Suns of Pelor purged lycanthropy from the Five Nations, a number of lycanthropes escaped into this region.  The Dark Pack alliance of lycanthropes, worgs, and other supernatural predators hunts southern Three Falls.

Minotaurs, orcs, gnolls, tieflings, changelings, and other monstrous species all have a place in Three Falls; they're not just humans with horns or green skin.  Many of the unique aspects of the region's people make them different from humanity, both physically and culturally.

Citizens of Three Falls are proud of their nation.  They know that the rest of Argones considers them monsters.  Some intend to prove that they and their kind are capable of deeds humanity can't imagine, while others are driven solely by their personal desires or the goals of their families or warlords.

The diverse creatures of Three Falls could include anything from a Kobold city-savvy Rogue urchin, an Orc outlander Barbarian with little knowledge of the outside world, or a Tiefling Warlock sage versed in arcana and history.

In the past, particular creatures dominated the communities of Three Falls.  The harpy flights lived in mountain peaks, while the medusas remained isolated in the citadel of Cazhaak Draal.  Under the rule of the Daughters of Sora Kell, the Threefallers are creating cities where all manner of creatures live and work together.

Three Falls as it is known today is barely a decade old (although the original area was founded by a Human tribe thousands of years ago in the Third Age, and had been inhabited by the Dhakaani Empire in the First Age as well).  The treaty nations refuse to acknowledge its sovereignty; according to the terms of the Treaty of Thronehold, it's a rebellionus territory of Hosuth.  As a renegade nation, it is a haven for war criminals and deserters, as well as brigands and mages pursuing forbidden paths of magic.  The monsters of Three Falls have no particular love for these bandits and fugitives, and outlanders have to watch their step.

Tensions remain high on the border with Hosuth, resulting in constant skirmishes and raids.  Deeper within the nation, the Daughters of Sora Kell build their power.  Graywall and the Great Crag are constantly expanding, with goblins and ogres laboring through the night.  Warlords drill their troops, forcing all manner of monsters to work together.  A predatory aspect permeates life in Three Falls but so does a sense of excitement, the belief that the Daughters will lead the nation to greatness.  For centuries the people of Three Falls have hidden in the shadows; now they stand in the light, and they are proud.