The Goblin Holy Land & Center of Lady Elaine's Crusade

Location: Southern Kildar, where the Unknown Mountain Range meets the sea

Significance: Sacred valley, center of Lady Elaine’s Crusade

Spiritual Connection: Rumored Feywild portal and home of the Goblins’ faith in Lady Elaine

Overview

Anfyn, often referred to as the Goblin Holy Land, is a sacred valley located in the south of Kildar, where the Unknown Mountain Range meets the sea. This valley holds profound spiritual significance for the goblin people and has become the center of Lady Elaine's Crusade, a movement dedicated to freedom, redemption, and the overthrow of evil oppressors.

The valley is particularly revered for its unique connection to the Feywild, the ethereal plane that intertwines with the Material Realm. It is here that the goblin souls of fallen followers are believed to ascend to paradise, and where Lady Elaine, the Fey Lady, first came to her followers with her divine mission. This mystical connection also makes Anfyn a spiritual and political center for the Crusaders of Lady Elaine.

The Crusade

The Crusade of Lady Elaine was sparked by a divine vision received by Gorgoth, the First Crusader of Lady Elaine. In a dream, Lady Elaine called upon Gorgoth, instructing him to form a holy mission to liberate the oppressed and destroy the forces of evil that enslave numerous species. The mission was clear: bring the sword of vengeance to the oppressors, and the chalice of freedom to the enslaved.

The Crusade, which began with Gorgoth and his followers, has grown in strength and fervor, and Anfyn now stands as the heart of the Crusade, a place where Lady Elaine’s teachings are lived out and her divine influence is strongest.

The Tenets of the Crusade

The Crusade is governed by several guiding principles, known as The Tenets of Lady Elaine:

1. Bring the Sword of Vengeance to the Oppressors: Crusaders are tasked with liberating those enslaved by wicked powers and striking down those who perpetrate tyranny and injustice.

2. Bring the Chalice of Freedom to the Enslaved: The Crusaders offer freedom and hope to the oppressed, extending a metaphorical chalice to bring them into the light of Lady Elaine.

3. Save the Souls of Those Bound by Wickedness: Even those who once served evil can find redemption through Lady Elaine. The Crusaders work to free the souls of those trapped by corrupt deities and their wicked ways.

4. Protect Those Who Are Unable to Defend Themselves: The Crusaders are guardians of the innocent, always ready to protect those who cannot fight back against their oppressors.

5. Convert the Wielders of the Blade: Those who have cast aside their wicked pasts, including many goblins and other monstrous species, take up arms to defend the faith and fight for freedom.

The Two Factions of Lady Elaine's Crusade

The Crusaders of Lady Elaine are made up of two primary factions: the Converts and the Pilgrims.

• Converts, the Wielders of the Blade: Converts are individuals who were once seen as monstrous or evil, but found redemption through Lady Elaine. Among these, the goblins of Anfyn are the most numerous. Having been freed from the oppressive god Maglubiyet, they now serve as some of the most devoted followers of Lady Elaine. Converts typically become zealous warriors, channeling their righteous fury into battle. Many are barbarians or other martial classes who take up arms to liberate others and strike down those who perpetuate evil.

• Pilgrims, the Bearers of the Chalice: Pilgrims are those who willingly seek out Lady Elaine's guidance, often as clerics, paladins, or warlocks who have entered into a pact with her. Pilgrims wander the world, offering aid and spreading the teachings of Lady Elaine. They are typically tasked with spreading the message of Lady Elaine, converting others to the faith, and bringing the chalice of freedom to those who have yet to embrace the divine light. Pilgrims may also serve as spiritual leaders, offering wisdom and guidance to Converts.

The Goblins of Anfyn

The goblins of Anfyn are central to the Crusade. Once enslaved by the god Maglubiyet, the goblins found salvation through Lady Elaine. Now, they are some of her most devoted followers, seeking to break free from their past and fight for a better future. Many of the goblins who reside in Anfyn are Converts, individuals who have cast aside their violent tendencies and become righteous defenders of freedom.

The valley is considered the Goblin Holy Land because it is where the souls of fallen goblins ascend to the Feywild to join their ancestors in paradise. The valley’s mystical connection to the Feywild gives it a divine aura, making it a sacred space for those devoted to Lady Elaine.

Anfyn in the Present Day

In modern times, Anfyn serves as the central hub of Lady Elaine’s Crusade, a place where followers from all corners of Kildar come to pay homage, receive blessings, and train for the battle ahead. The valley is home to the Temple of Ascension, a holy site built into the cliffs above the sea, where Lady Elaine’s followers gather to receive her guidance.

Every year, the faithful celebrate the Day of Ascension, a festival where the Crusaders honor Lady Elaine and reflect on the sacred mission that has been entrusted to them. On this day, the valley is filled with prayer, rituals, and celebrations, as Lady Elaine’s followers reaffirm their commitment to her tenets.

The Future of Anfyn

As the Crusade of Lady Elaine continues to grow in strength, the future of Anfyn remains as pivotal as ever. The valley’s connection to the Feywild ensures that it will always be a source of divine power, and as more and more oppressed beings join Lady Elaine’s ranks, Anfyn stands as a beacon of freedom in a world still marked by darkness.

In time, the Crusaders will no doubt march forth to liberate those still enslaved, and Anfyn will remain at the heart of this righteous movement, guiding the way toward a world of peace, freedom, and justice for all.

Diary entry of an adventurer that visited Anfyn

Day 1, Anfyn

As I stepped off the ship onto the bustling docks of Anfyn's port, I was immediately enveloped by the vibrant sounds and smells of this thriving maritime hub. The sea air was filled with the cries of seagulls, and the scent of saltwater mingled with the distant hint of Feywild magic that seems to permeate every corner of this sacred valley. I watched as ships from all corners of Kildar came and went, their crews busy with cargo and passengers. The port, situated on the east side of the valley, was a melting pot of cultures, with travelers and crusaders from far and wide.

Following Amadeus, my host, as we made our way through the valley, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the natural beauty that surrounded me. The massive mountain range that flanks both the north and south sides of the valley was breathtaking, its peaks cutting through the passing clouds. The valley itself was a tapestry of rolling green hills, mystical flora, and sacred groves that all seemed to glow with an ethereal light, as if infused with the magic of the Feywild. Wildflowers and delicate fungi emitted soft, colorful glows, and curious wildlife appeared and vanished like illusions from another realm.

Amadeus warmly welcomed me to stay at his home for the duration of my visit. His home was filled with instruments, stories, and songs of the valley's history and the teachings of Lady Elaine. Over the few days I spent there, I learned much about the goblins' journey from oppression to freedom and their deep connection to Lady Elaine in the Feywild. The sense of community and unity among Elaine's followers was palpable, and their reverence for the Lady was evident in every aspect of their lives.

Day 2, Anfyn

In the heart of the valley, I saw numerous smaller temples, each dedicated to various aspects of Lady Elaine's teachings. The grand Temple of Ascension, however, was the most striking feature. This sacred site is reserved for devoted priests who have dedicated their lives to Lady Elaine's service. An honor guard of the finest warriors from the Crusaders stands vigilantly at its entrance, protecting the temple from any who would seek to desecrate it.

Day 3, Anfyn

Today, I visited the massive wall at the western mountain pass, where a statue of Grixxlze the inventor stands proudly. Local storytellers shared tales of the goblins' victory against an orcish horde, and the wall, rebuilt and reinforced afterward, serves as a testament to their ingenuity and determination to protect their sacred land.

Day 4, Anfyn

As I prepare to leave Anfyn and board a ship to Stormhaven, I feel a sense of warmth from the experience. The valley has been a place of peace and spiritual energy, so far removed from the darkness of Grand Mother and her coven. The journey north along the coast will be a stark contrast to the serene beauty of Anfyn, but I know that the memories of this sacred place will stay with me forever.

Description of Anfyn 80 Years Ago:

The valley of Anfyn, a sanctuary of goblins beneath the guardianship of Lady Elaine, is set against a backdrop of rolling green hills, mystical flora, and sacred groves. The centerpiece of the valley is a crystalline river that winds its way from the Unknown Mountains, adding an ethereal, almost otherworldly charm to this haven. The landscape teems with Feywild-infused magic, where wildflowers and delicate fungi emit soft, colorful glows, and curious wildlife appears and vanishes like illusions from another realm.

Anfyn’s significance lies not only in its natural beauty but in its connection to the Feywild. Deep within the valley is a portal to the Feyrealm of Anfyn, a sacred pathway where the spirits of deceased goblins ascend, finding eternal peace in the afterlife. This portal is housed within a grove of ancient, towering trees rumored to be remnants of the Feywild itself, their bark etched with runes of protection and wisdom, seemingly written in the language of nature itself.

The goblins of Anfyn revere Lady Elaine, whom they believe to be the protector of goblinkind. She is symbolized throughout the valley in statues, carved wooden icons, and shrines draped in vines and wildflowers. The goblin tribes honor her not only as a guardian spirit but as a motherly figure guiding them towards peace and unity. Her teachings of community and resilience shape the valley’s culture, fostering a sense of kinship that has led even some of the fiercest goblin warriors, like Chief Grukthak, to embrace a path of peace and unity.

Goblin Defense of the Valley

The goblins, despite their smaller stature, are a resourceful and united force. Under Chief Grukthak’s leadership, they’ve organized a defense strategy that relies on cunning and the magical landscape rather than brute strength. The defense of Anfyn includes a network of tunnels hidden beneath the valley, allowing goblins to maneuver unseen and launch surprise attacks on invaders. Traps woven with Feywild enchantments line the valley’s borders, ranging from hidden pits to illusions that disorient and mislead enemies.

Goblin Siege-Defense Master Zixxle Sparkfuse, a talented artificer, has devised a series of rudimentary yet effective war machines—simple catapults, spring-loaded traps, and fire-spitting contraptions crafted with goblin ingenuity. These defenses, combined with the valley’s natural magic, make for a formidable stand against the orcish warhost approaching Anfyn.

The Orc Threat: Grokka’s Ambitions

Grokka, the Orc Warchief, and son of the legendary Gruumak the Unifier, views the valley as a strategic prize. He aims not only to claim its lands but to seize control of the goblins, adding them to his ever-growing army to fulfill his ambition of staving off the Hadarian Apocalypse through bloodshed. Grokka's bloodthirsty crusade has led him and his forces to the very gates of Anfyn, where goblin scouts now report the arrival of his army.

Grokka’s surviving son, Urgoth, a shaman previously swayed by the players to reconsider his loyalty, has been imprisoned by the goblins. Now, with tensions mounting, the fate of the valley rests on the goblins’ alliance with the adventurers and the ancient power rooted in their valley.

The Feywild’s Magic in Anfyn

The Feywild’s influence permeates the valley, offering both blessings and dangers to those who venture within. Magic here is unpredictable, prone to triggering sudden surges that can aid or hinder those who disturb the sacred peace. The Feywild roll tables, previously noted, apply whenever a creature taps into the valley’s magic during the battle.

The Final Stand

The stage is set for a climactic battle as warhorns echo across the valley, signaling the advance of Grokka’s warhost. A massive ogre, adorned in crude armor, crashes through the valley’s gate. The goblins, led by Chief Grukthak and Siege-Defense Master Zixxle, stand ready with their traps and rudimentary war machines.

Destro Fortica’s arrival—accompanied by wyvern-mounted reinforcements—heralds a pivotal moment in the battle. His presence serves as a rallying cry for the goblins and their allies, raising their spirits as they prepare to defend their home and the Feywild portal that lies within.

In the heart of this Holy Valley, as Feywild magic interweaves with the clash of steel and the cries of war, the goblins of Anfyn and their allies make their stand, defending not only their sanctuary but a realm beyond their own.