This keep was originally constructed by a self-styled Bandit lord
who raided caravans from its prominent location. But while rumours
still persist about his glorious treasure hidden within, the keep
is now home to a small army of Kobalds. Yes Kobalds. These vicious
little lizardy-dogs will fly into a murderous frenzy at the mere
sight of a gnome, and treat other adventurers with only slightly
less scorn.
For the Novice Adventurer: It is recommended you bring along a
companion or two when heading to Galaths Roost. Kobalds breed rather
fast, So it is nice to have some back-up. I am told by a reliable
source that Galaths Roost is quite a good place for wizards to
acquire new magic-papers (Scrolls) with which to learn new spells.
Once more remember the ‘Golden Rule’ and you shall be well on your
way to Glory.
Galath's Roost At the other end of Mistledale lies the abandoned
keep known as Galath's Roost. Galath was a bandit captain who raided
the Dale and the lands nearby extensively. About 400 years ago,
Sembian forces struck back and destroyed the keep with the aid of
powerful magic. Galath and his band were killed. The Sembians
searched thoroughly for any sign of the bandits' treasury or loot,
but nothing was ever found. It is widely believed that a sizable
hoard may still be hidden in the keep or buried somewhere in the
nearby woods. The Roost itself is rather dangerous, and is rumored
to be haunted by the ghosts of Galath and his band. Other people
claim that the keep is infested with orcs or some other unsavory
types.
The Standing Stone
was a large, imposing stone obelisk that served as a symbol of unity
between the elves of Cormanthyr
and the humans of the Dalelands. More specifically, the monument
celebrated their alliance that grew out of the agreement known as
the Dales
Compact. It also marked the beginning of the use of Dale reckoning calendar, which gained
widespread use throughout Faerûn It was located just south of Myth
Drannor within the forest of Cormanthor, at the junction between
Rauthauvyr's Road and the Moonsea Ride, about halfway between
Blackfeather Bridge and Hillsfar.[1]
THE STANDING STONE
AT A GLANCE: The Standing Stone is a huge plinth of glossy grey
rock, incised with elvish runes which wind about its base in a
series of bands. The stone itself is about twenty feet in height,
and may be found where the road from Mistledale joins the Hillsfar
Essembra road.
ELMINSTERS NOTES: The Standing Stone was erected 1357 years ago
by mighty elvish mages to commemorate the pact between the Elvish
Court and the newly-arriving Dalemen. The winding script at the
base of the Stone states the terms of that pact; that while there
are elves in the forest, the men of the dales may settle in those
lands at theirborders, but not to reduce the wood or invade elven
territories.
The wood has been reduced severely since the stone was erected,
often by other human agents (in particular the Sembians), who have
had little love of the People. When the Sembians forced the road
through to Hillsfar, the elves responded by laying that road to
run at the base of the stone, ironically pointing out that not all
men need to deal at the point of a sword.
The Standing Stone has some enchantment upon it, and radiates
magic. It cannot be defaced or marred, for stains or cuts heal on
its surface.
This dark, glossy-gray monolith stood 20' (6 m) tall and was
covered in Elven runes that specified the terms of the treaty
known as the Dales Compact. It was magically enchanted in such a
way that any attempts to deface, or vandalize its surface rapidly
repaired.
The lords of the Elven Court granted that request in return for aid
from these new Dalelanders against outside aggression, both
monstrous (orcs and goblins from the lands of Thar) and human (the
rising powers in Cormyr and Sembia). In commemoration of this pact,
humans and elves raised the Standing Stone that is now seen where
the Moonsea Ride reaches Rauthauvyrs Road, the road from Essembra
to Hillsfar. It is from the date of the raising of this stone that
Dalereckoning is counted
VALE OF LOST VOICES
AT A GLANCE: Hidden in the depths of the elven wood is a wooded
defile that lies across the trade road between the Standing Stone
and Essembra. This Vale of Lost Voices is a rich and fertile area,
yet unsettled.
ELMINSTERS NOTES: This vale is a place sacred to the elves, for
here they placed the bodies of their fallen, and here their ghosts
wander. The elves seldom seldom go there, preferring to visit it
alone in search of spiritual guidance and peace, or with family, to
make a burial or come to a wake. But the Vale is said to be guarded
for the Elves by another unknown being, even in these later days.
The name Lost Dale is one given by men, who, in cutting across it
with their road, saw a natural valley or dale that was forbidden to
men in the Pact made at the Standing Stone, and forever lost to men.
All the elves of the woods would have to be dead before one tree of
this Vale could be cut, it has been said more than once, and this is
now common knowledge around the dales. None have seen fit to test
this promise, even with the passage of the Elven Court
Lost Voices
The Vale of Lost Voices is a sacred burial place for
honored elf warriors. Created on the spot where Venom ambushed and killed those who had
killed his mate, the Vale of Lost Voices is now guarded by baelnorns from the sylvan elf clan Audark.
Over time this place has been used by other elves to bury their honored dead.
Rauthauvyr's Road passes though the middle of the vale and while
travelers are not disturbed if they stick to the road, any attempt
to interfere with the tombs and mausoleums usually ends poorly for
the adventurer. Cormanthor drow give this place a wide berth.[1]The Vale
of Lost Voices is a sacred burial place for honored elf
warriors. Created on the spot where Venom
ambushed and killed those who had killed his mate, the Vale of
Lost Voices is now guarded by baelnorns
from the sylvan elf clan Audark.
Over time this place has been used by other elves to bury their honored dead.
Rauthauvyr's Road passes though the middle of the vale and while
travelers are not disturbed if they stick to the road, any attempt
to interfere with the tombs and mausoleums usually ends poorly for
the adventurer. Cormanthor drow give this place a wide berth.[1]
Most elves may walk the vale without fear, but other outsiders may
encounter the restless spirits of elven warriors. It is rumored that
an old power of some kind resides in the valley and guards it for
the remaining elves. For many centuries, the elves of Cormanthor
buried their fallen warriors in this lightly wooded valley. It is a
rich, beautiful region, but the elves did not settle it nor allow
any outsiders to come here. The vale is bisected by
Rauthauvyrs Road, which runs from Essembra to Blackfeather Bridge.
Travelers along the road report a vague sense of unease and
unnatural silence when passing through the area, which has helped to
deter settlement in the area.