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The Cloudlords of Tanara was the first module of the Loremaster series designed for Rolemaster (see the clever anagram?), even though it was preceded in publication by both The Iron Wind and Vog Mur. The 50page module comes with a number of full-colour maps (although I question the usefulness of the Vale of Merisia), a striking cover by Gail McIntosh, and reasonable interior art by the author and Charles Peale. Terry K. Amthor also did the excellent (and numerous) floorplans throughout the module. The text is very dense, usually in small (thankfully serif) font which is further reduced when describing the contents of buildings.
Tanara is set in an isolated south-eastern region of the continent of Jaiman, surrounded by mountains. The opening pages describe the wider setting, including the conflict between the Unlife and the Loremasters. Following this is a sufficiently detailed overview of Tanara itelf, including the geography, environment, ecology and the four cultures in the region; the semi-Elven Sulini, who inhabit the coastal regions and islands, the reclusive forest-dwelling Duranki with a penchant for enslaving the Myri, the simple and hardy Myri themselves, who inhabit the central highlands, farming and herding, and finally the highly religious, ritualised and warlike Yinka.
The real power in the land however belongs to the Cloudlords who have established a base high in the mountains with their flying horses, the Steardan. A powerful group of knights with fire-blazing "sunrods", their appearance in the sky during a sun-worship ritual of the Myri have led those people, initially, into fawning approval. Since the Cloudlords have been demanding tributes of gold and wine however, the Myri are less certain. The Cloudlords have also wasted a Yinka village, and the Duranki have made it clear that they are not wanted in their lands. In addition to descriptions of the Cloudlord's inner circle, and key individuals, the high council of the Duranki, the two Priest-Lords of the Yinka are also described, along with the Prince of the Sulini, the Clan-Chief of the Myri, the two Loremasters in the region, and finally the fanatical religious cult of Ezran.
Also described in this section, in loving detail, is a demon sword (and its wielder) called the Implementor. This is the big bad guy of the region, and responsible for quite a number of PC deaths in my old Rolemaster campaign many years ago. Fortunately, the Lords of Essence forged three swords to combat the powers of the Implementor, which are known as the Narselkin (the Firesword, the Iceblade and the Windblade). These are, as to be expected, currently lost, providing a neat hook for medium-high level PCs to go searching.
Following this is the pages and pages of "Holdings of Note", including Merisia Vale, the Ruins and City of the Cloudlords, the Underground Fortress of the Cloudlords, the Duranki Council Chambers and High Temple, the house of T'revor Arain, the locations of the Narselkin, the Lords of Essence forge, the capital of the Yink, a Myri village, the headquarters of the Cult of Ezran and, finally, the villa of the Loremaster Randae Terisonen. The detail of these holdings is extremely impressive, especially given the size of the module itself.
The final chapters include master military and NPCs charts and stats for various beasts, poisons, herbs and enchanted items, player character backgrounds and a number of scenario ideas, which actually can be described in brevity given the background detail.
The Cloudlords of Tanara is an excellent publication. When TSRs modules at the time were virtually absent of politics, culture, environment and background, I.C.E. combined these details with adventuring locations, providing great opportunities for many months, indeed even years, of utility. The product itself is very well organised and detailed albeit a little flimsy - handle with care as it will get a great deal of use. Although long out of print, it is relatively easy to pick up secondhand, engage in the easy conversion to another system (if Rolemaster isn't your cup of tea). Do yourself a favour and find a copy.
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