Sortar's Camp

The trails up the mountain can be treacherous on their own, but the tribe has added pit falls, rock slides, and other obstacles to discourage visitors. Within the shattered crater of one of the mountain tops, the tribe's home is an island surrounded by a pool of bubbling lava. Because of the protection offered by the crater and the lava pool, the tribe has not erected walls or permanent buildings. The tribe uses huge tents for shelter. Each tent houses over a dozen warriors, depending on it size. The largest tents can comfortably shelter as many as 40 tribe members. A series of stone bridges connects the island to the crater wall. The innermost bridge can be pulled onto the island to cut off access from the far side of the lava pool. This is done as a defensive measure, and only as a last resort, for the ex-slaves do not relish being trapped in the middle of the bubbling lava. To prevent such dire measures from being taken, the tribe maintains constant patrols in the surrounding mountains. If any sign of danger shows itself, the tribe is mobilized for battle. The warriors know all of the passages leading up to their island home, and they can sweep down the narrow passages quickly to engage and encircle any threat. The passages nearest the top of the lava crater are further protected by two catapults. Aimed down the narrow approaches, these weapons can rain rocks and rubble upon enemy forces, crushing them before they can bring large numbers to bear in the confined, canyon-like trails.