In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age (as portrayed in The Rings of Power ), the Southlands was a lush, fertile region of plains east of the Anduin river.
Unlike standard settings, it features playable races like Ravenfolk (associated with the god Horus) and Minotaurs , alongside living gods who physically manifest to meddle in mortal affairs. Other Notable References For the Southlands
"For the Southlands" is a evocative concept spanning several iconic fantasy worlds, most notably serving as the tragic origin of in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and a vibrant "Fantasy Africa" campaign setting for tabletop RPGs. Middle-earth: The Pre-Mordor Southlands Other Notable References "For the Southlands" is a
In the tabletop RPG world (notably for 5E and Pathfinder ), the Southlands Campaign Setting by Kobold Press offers a vastly different vision. and sub-Saharan African kingdoms
The storyline centers on the search for a "Rightful King" of the Southlands, a mantle eventually claimed by Halbrand, who is later revealed to be Sauron in disguise. Tabletop Gaming: The Southlands Campaign Setting
The region's fate was sealed by the Orc-leader Adar, who used a mysterious sword-key to trigger the eruption of the volcano Orodruin (Mount Doom). This transformed the verdant plains into a darkened wasteland, eventually renamed Mordor —the land where shadows lie.
The setting is a thematic blend of Ancient Egypt , Arabian Nights , and sub-Saharan African kingdoms, prioritizing a "pulpy adventure" feel over traditional medieval tropes.
