The Forest Oracle - Background

Nearly a century ago the Arch-mage Iggwilv sent her evil minions to conquer the lands around her abode. So sucessful was she that the marches of Perrenland were subjugated for a decade, and great indeed was the loot brought to Iggwilv's lair in answer to her insatiable demand for treasure. Legend states that the arch-mage gained much of her prowess from discovering the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, wherein was hidden magic of unsurpressed might. It is certain that Iggwilv ruled her domain from these caverns. There she also cunducted arcane experiments and rituals, trying to further increase her powers.

These experiments were her downfall, for during one she accidentally freed the demon Graz'zt, whom she had imprisoned and forced into servitude. There was a terrible battle, and although the demon was forced to flee into the Abyss, Iggwilv was so stricken from the contest hat her powers and strength were forever lost. With the wane of her evil, Iggwilv's realm was sundered. Her former henchmen and slaves stole her treasure and scattered to the four winds in the face of enemy armies. The arch-mage, however, used the last of her power to prepare a hiding place in the caverns for her remaining wealth. Legends say that this included several tomes of great power and the fabled lamp called Daoud's Wonderous Lanthorn. What else might be hidden no one knows, for no one has yet discovered Iggwilv's hoard.

That Iggwilv is long dead and gone cannot be doubted. Until recently though, the stories of her secret cache of treasure in the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth were regarded as another grandfather's tale to amuse the younglings. Cartloads of Tapestries and rugs, statues and rare art objects have been recovered over the years as well as chests of precious metals, sacks of coin and coffers filled with gems and jewelry. It was believed that all her treasure had been looted, and that no magic or wealth remained. However, recent investigations have indicated that the magical lanthorn did exist and that Iggwilv possessed it. Iggwilv's lair was definitelym located somewhere between the gorge of the Velverdyva river and the hiss east of tem town of Krestible. The realms of Iuz, Perrenland, and Ket have sent expeditions into the Yatil Mountains seeking the exact location of the caverns; the few that have survived have all failed.