Splitpaw

Dug within the very earth of the Southern Plains of Karana, this underground lair was built and originally inhabited by the Splitpaw tribe of gnolls indigenous to the area. For decades, the Splitpaw gnolls had thrived in this region, causing little havoc to the other inhabitants of the southern plains and posing only a minor annoyance to Qeynos and its surrounding outposts in the Karana plains.

In recent times, however, an unheard of clan of gnolls calling themselves the Verishe Mal, migrated to the region and slaughtered the entire Splitpaw tribe. Some speculate the Verishe Mal are from the nethermost regions of the unexplored Underfoot, while some believe them to be from the re-discovered continent of Velious.

The Verishe Mal are exceedingly more powerful than any other gnoll tribe to ever prowl the face or known underground of Norrath. Cunning, malevolent, and highly intelligent, they were not only able to vanquish their foe, but also to quickly revamp the Splitpaw complex, establishing their new stronghold in an amazingly short period of time.

Splitpaw Lair can be identified from the surface regions of the southern Karana plains. It's marked by a small copse of earthen dunes and gnarled spires, now coated in dried blood from the ferocious and short battle that was waged between the two gnoll tribes. Several Verishe Mal warriors and scouts can be found patrolling the dunes that mark the tunnel entrance to the lair.

The lair itself is a maze of twisting caverns and oddly shaped chambers. Verishe Mal scholars from all four arcane schools of magic, highly skilled warriors, and dark shaman of Serilis inhabit every corridor and chamber of the subterranean complex.

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"Many years ago, long before the sky fell, these lands were lush and green."

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"The proud race known as aviaks ruled the skies and large beasts called elephants shook the earth above us."

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"It's said, that late at night, cries of joy and anguish from mighty warriors battling for honor and glory could be heard coming from the great arena."

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"The world has changed greatly since those days, but the glory of the Splitpaw Gnolls lives on forever!"

* * * *

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"Gather 'round and hear my tale! I speak of ages long past, and heroes long turned to dust!"

Sarchel the Storyteller says,"Not long after the sky fell, a young pup by the name of Harclave wandered the deep reaches of the caves in search of adventure. It wasn't long before Harclave found himself lost and alone in the dark."