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.
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.
In the tabletop RPG world (notably for 5E and Pathfinder ), the Southlands Campaign Setting by Kobold Press offers a vastly different vision. For the Southlands
The human inhabitants were "Low Men" whose ancestors had sided with the dark lord Morgoth during the First Age. Because of this "blood oath," they were watched over for centuries by Silvan Elves, creating deep-seated resentment.
It is depicted as a massive continent over 2,000 miles long, featuring jungles, deserts, and ancient titan empires. The setting is a thematic blend of Ancient
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.
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 In the tabletop RPG world (notably for 5E
"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