thanks yet again Alluvian_Est-Endrati GM of White Flame & Only-WAR Lore Master comes through
www.only-war.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4035Introduction
Naggaroth is the name given to the part of the Warhammer world inhabited by the Dark Elves. This region of the world directly borders the Chaos Wastes to the north and Lustria to the south. It is a very harsh and dangerous land, and because of its climate it has also earned its name as the "Land of Chill". This is a very interesting geographic region of the Warhammer world, a place of rugged mountains, icy cold forests, windswept plains and other fun features. It might be interesting to visit, but a lot of people would not like to live here I would imagine.
I will be dividing my description of Naggaroth into several smaller sections. This first section is the introduction of course, where you get to enjoy reading this very sentence! The second section will cover the Geography and Geology of Naggaroth, where I will talk about the features of the terrain and notable points of interest. The third section of this article will be on the Flora and Fauna of Naggaroth, where I will get to talk a bit about all the relatively normal plantlife (and abnormal of course!) as well as all the strange, and possibly dangerous creatures of this part of the world. The fourth section will be the Naggaroth Visitors Guide where I will talk about the settlements of the Dark Elves and other civilized races that can be found here, usually as slaves.
Geography and Geology of Naggaroth
Naggaroth is the name given to the northernmost component of the 'western' continent of the Warhammer world. This geographic region is bordered to the north by the Chaos Wastes, to the east and west by ocean and it is to the south that lie the lands of Lustria. Naggaroth is a very geologically active part of the world and is heavily dominated by mountains in many parts of the landscape. The main brunt of this mountain range is known as the Black Spine of the World, or more simply the Blackspines. This range runs (roughly) Northwest to south-east from up in the Chaos Wastes all the way down to the land bridge with the southern continent.
There there is still some volcanic activity in some isolated parts of Naggaroth, the majority of the mountain formations are those that have been caused by extreme geologic forces that have thrust great parts of the deeper material of the world upwards. As this is an ongoing process, the mountains of Naggaroth are very harsh and 'sharp' as they are both being constantly refreshed from beneath and their core materials are highly resistant to erosion from wind and weather. Some of the individual clumps of these mountains have received their own names, most likely from unusual visual features or their composition and nature of the overlying terrain.
The central geographic region of Naggaroth is that centered upon the civilization of the Dark Elves of course, situated upon a rough plain that descends from the ranges of the Iron Mountains and the Spiteful Peaks south (and east) into the Sea of Malice. Covered by very little topsoil and little plant and animal life, this region is constantly swept by very icy winds from the north and down from the mountains. Because of this, and the generally high elevation of most of this area is how Naggaroth earned its name as the Land of Chill. Temperatures during the summer months would still be quite cold, and in the fall and winter death can swiftly claim unprotected travelers in these lands.
Other than mountain-building the geologic forces acting upon this region of the world have created numerous cracks and chasms, many quite deep. Some of these have filled with water to form large freshwater lakes, while others still lie open, exposing the deep dark parts of the world for all foolish enough to explore them. Glaciers are also quite common in many of the northern and central parts of Naggaroth, and many peaks retain their icecaps year round.
West of the mountains lie a very treacherous and broken land, wracked by numerous earthquakes. The whole western cost of Naggaroth was sundered long ago, with many of the offshore islands having once been connected to the mainland. These islands grant some protection to the coastal regions from the fierce storms that blow out of the western ocean, but many still make it as far as the mountains. Those storms that make it over the mountains usually bring torrential rains or snows upon the eastern faces and adjacent plains.
As you travel further south from the main part of the continent, the mountain ranges are more moderated as the forces acting upon the world are lessened here. Great dark forests also cover much of this lower part of Naggaroth, with so many trees towering and striving against one another that very little light can make it to the forest floor. Even here the land is quite rough and inhospitable to plantlife.
One very interesting facet of all of the intense geologic activity within Naggaroth is the existence of untold thousands of caverns, natural tunnels and underground rivers that have been created. Many of these dark passages beneath the world are quite extensive, and their full depth has never been measured. Many of these passages and waterways are quite stable, but others are prone to occasional tremors and collapse. Still too while old passages may be filled in or move with the shifting earth, new ones may open up as well from time to time.
The seas and oceans which beat upon the shores of Naggaroth are often quite violent. Much of this turbulence can be attributed to the equally rough undersea structure that exists. Immense chasms, underwater ranges of mountains and the like conspire to make for far rougher seas than in most other parts of the world. Whirlpools are often considered one of the most dangerous water-formations of the open seas, but there are other terrible perils that can form as well. Because of the dark and turbulent waters, passing ships cannot identify structures near the surface which may rend and tear at the hulls of their ships. In some parts with the changing of the tides, strong counter flows can spring up which may dash ill-fated ships against sheer cliffs or rocks.In some places occasional geysers or waterspouts may form, and there is always the risk of inclement weather and dangerous winds when close to land.
In the extreme southern parts of Naggaroth lie much more pleasant lands, as the whole nature of the continent seems to shift across the land bridge with Lustria. Here jungles and exotic plant life grow, and the soil is much deeper and richer. The weather also grows warmer with every league south traveled, till things such as snow are almost unheard off. The great and terrible mountains of Naggaroth come essentially to an end in these parts, replaced by much more tempered and eroded landmarks.
Flora and Fauna of Naggaroth
Here there be Monsters. Naggaroth is without a doubt a very isolated part of the world, and it is here that before the coming of the Dark Elves that many strange and monstrous creatures drew their breath. Though the landscape itself is barren, there is life here. Some of the creatures would be undoubtedly familiar to visitors from other regions of the world, as for before the fall of the Polar Gates many forms of natural animal life had spread to far corners of the globe. Even before the gates fell however this was already a harsh and unforgiving region, and only the hardiest of animals and other creatures could hope to survive.
The plantlife of Naggaroth has some significant variations and unique growths compared to some other more 'normal' parts of the world. The towering trees of the dark forests of the more southern parts of the land are far greater than many of even the most ancient trees found in the wilds of the Empire. Harsh competition exists between the trees of the forest, as they all struggle with one another to obtain the precious few resources of soil, water and sun that is available. All of the trees of this region are ones which are able to survive in near-arctic conditions, as for much of the year it is possible (even should snow not blanket the ground) for the temperatures to be below freezing most nights.
Other strange plantlife exists as well, but there is no certainty as to whether these growths existed before the coming of Chaos or if they are something that has sprouted anew. Many of the small flowering plants and oily and thorny bushes are highly toxic or poisonous. Animals have long since learned to not forage among these growths, as to do so means a very painful and lingering death. Other plants grow too that while not as dangerous as these, do present perils of a far different kind. Should they be properly prepared, though some may simply be eaten or chewed to release their wealth, there are also many plants that offer to those with the skill a very potent hallucinogen.
Many monsters creatures make Naggaroth their home, and while some are great and terrible monsters that many stories have been told about, others are more 'normal' creatures that have grown to terrible and terrific size in these lands. Great and deadly arachnids as well as many species of incredibly large insect can be found. Most of these vermin live in shallow caves or subsurface dwellings they have found or made, but a few live in more open areas in the hopes of catching additional prey. Since ancient times Dragons have also made their home in these lands, however few of these fell creatures still exist and those that do are but a shadow of their ancient kin.
Though pure and true dragons are a fading race, there are other creatures that abound that are much more vivacious. Hydras, wyverns and similar creatures can be found here, but of all the reptilian monstrosities that make this realm their home the most famous of them all is the 'Cold One'. These great lizards walk partially erect upon their hind legs. Their forelimbs are much more akin to arms, and both these and their feet are tipped with razor-sharp claws. Beware their bite, for other than the wicked teeth and strong jaws that could bite through armor, some of these creatures may inflict wounds that fester with disease if left untreated. Like the lands they dwell in, these creatures are cold of blood and often quite lethargic. When roused however they grow quite fierce and are well known for their habit of entering into a state of frenzy in the heat of battle.
Discounting the strange and wicked creatures such as beastmen which may spill forth from the wastes, there are also other fell beings which inhabit these lands that bear the mark of chaos. Harpies dwell among some of the lower peaks of the mountains, where they can easily prey upon passing creatures from on high. Not just from the skies must you be ware of danger, for it is beneath the surface of the world here that monsters too can be found.
The immense network of tunnels beneath the world are home to many foul creatures, the least of which are the seeming omni-present Skaven who burrow and tunnel throughout the world. Dark things stir in the depths, creatures that cannot easily be described for nearly all who encounter them perish. Like the Skaven, other vermin also make these depths their home, though most are quite larger than their more natural relatives. The deep places of the world are quite deadly, and seldom traveled for good reason.
It is not just upon or beneath the land that terror may stalk the unwary, for life too brims within the seas around Naggaroth. Sea monsters, such as those described by drunken and superstitious sailors, do indeed roam the oceans of the world. Great beats with jaws that could bite easily into the side of a ship, or with many writhing arms that can reach out and pull sailors to a gruesome death within snapping jaws. Even some of the smaller creatures can be quite deadly, for though the seas around Naggaroth are quite cold there are those smaller fish and other sea-creatures that have adapted well to this northern environment. While some may swarm and attack anything which resembles prey, others have more insidious means to deliver death. Poisonous fish, or strange eels which can shock whatever they touch and peculiar sea-snakes with deadly venom, each of these may spell certain doom to any who swim in the frigid waters off the coast.
The most deadly form of life that dwells within Naggaroth however are the Dark Elves of course, but this is not the proper place to discuss the more civilized terrors of the world.
Naggaroth Visitors Guide
Aside from the natural wonders of the land, there are those works of civilization that are also worthy of mention. Ever since their exile from their ancestral homeland the Dark Elves have carved out their new domain within Naggaroth. It is here on the border of the Chaos Wastes and the Sea that they have erected wondrous cities, painstakingly built upon the backs of tens of thousands of slave laborers.
The Dark Elves of Naggaroth are actually but a small portion of the total population of their dark empire, for it is through slavery that they are able to maintain their decadent way of life. Estimations as to the exact size of the slave population are nigh impossible to make, as their numbers are regularly culled for sacrifice, sport or because they are simply worked to death. Though many new slaves come from raiding other regions of the world, most are actually born in the prisons and dungeons of the Druchii. No manner of creature is safe from potential enslavement, humans, other elves, skaven, dwarfs... all have felt the bite of their new masters lash.
One of the rather impressive achievements of the Dark Elves have been the construction of numerous tower-fortresses upon the northern boundaries of their lands. These sites server as garrisons for troops, as well as points by which to watch over the Chaos Wastes and any activity that may threaten their dominion. The mightiest of the accomplishments of course are the great cities of the Dark Elves: Naggarond, Ghrond, Karond Kar, Har Ganeth, Hag Graef and Clar Karond. Travel between these settlements upon the surface is so dangerous, even to the fearsome Dark Elves, that they have made usage of the underground passages and waterways to connect their cities. It is by these means that they are able to travel much more freely among themselves, though still not entirely without risk, than any invading force could hope to.
The capital city of Naggaroth is known as Naggarond and is where Malekith rules as king of his people. Even discounting the enormous population of slaves Naggarond is still one of the greatest and most populous cities in all of the world. Nearly one fourth of all Dark Elves dwell within Naggarond at one point in their lives, and this is reflected in the dark grandeur of their capital city. As each city must also serve as a fortress and bastion of their people Naggarond is surrounded by a great wall and many dark towers. It is from these emplacements that great weapons of war are mounted which can fire upon any hostile sighting. The buildings and streets of the city reflect the dark nature of its people in its architecture, many grates exist on the street level not just to allow water (or blood...) to flow freely away, but also so that those who pass overhead may occasionally hear the cries of slaves and prisoners in the dungeons beneath the city.
The other cities of the Dark Elves, while not as large or as populous also serve quite important functions to their society. In the north the city of Ghrond serves as their holy place and site of their main temple to their worship of Khaela Mensha Khaine. The infamous Witch Elves make this city their home, and it is here that the rule of the Hag Queens is nearly absolute. Karond Kar is an island city in the east on one of the many large islands between the main of Naggaroth and the open sea. It is at Karond Kar that many of the beastmasters and slavers of the Dark Elf make their home, a rallying point from which they may more easily conduct their raids upon other regions of the world. The great slave market of Karond Kar is one of the greatest in the world, rivaling that of the Chaos Dwarfs and far surpassing that of the Skaven.
Dark Elves are well known for their cruelty the world over, and it is in Har Ganeth that this fascination of theirs has developed into a whole subculture. Har Ganeth is the city of executioners, grim warrior-guards who both serve to enact the bloody 'justice' of their king but also train for when they are occasionally called forth into battle. The screams and bloodshed each night within the dungeons of Har Ganeth rival that of the Witch Elves in sheer brutality. In the south-western part of their dominion the Dark Elves have established a city known as Hag Graef, which is known as the Dark Craig by many other races. This fell city is located over some of the deepest and richest mines of the Dark Elf domain, and is where a great many of the slave laborers end up to work out the remainder of their days deep below the surface. Much of the mineral wealth extracted here is also processed by the laborers, and while there is some production of materials here in vast quantities, it is nothing that can rival the master craftsmen of some of the other cities of Naggaroth.
Few of the original Black Arks now remain to serve the Dark Elves. These great fortress-islands and ships of their fleet are often too precious to waste on anything but the most important of assignments. Because of this the city of Clar Karond was founded among the forests of Naggaroth, to produce new ships and vehicles of war for the Dark Elf armies. Wood is gathered from the surrounding dark forests, and great parties of Dark Elf masters and their slaves work and toil among the towering trees. A dark river, made poisonous from the runoff of craft and industry leads from Clar Karond to the sea, by which the newly constructed ships may then travel to their proper home port.
There are few other settlements in this dark land that are worth nothing. The High Elves usually maintain at least one permanent (and supposedly secret) settlement by which they may watch over their troublesome kin more easily. Skaven too have tried, and often failed, to establish warrens and settlements in this region and their presence can be felt at times. It is only the dominion of the Lizardmen to the south who have thus far successfully defied the advancement and encroachment of the Dark Elves to every corner of the western continents. Much to the dismay of the other races it seems that the Dark Elves may well be thriving and prospering in their new lands, though they constantly bloody themselves against their High Elf cousins and other foes within the world. One day all too soon they may well be strong enough to overthrow their rivals, and lay forth their rightful claim to Ulthuan. Little however save the oblivion of Chaos could hope to lift the dark stain of this wicked civilization from the land
