Old Empires (sourcebook)

Old Empires is a 2-edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons accessory for the Forgotten Realms.
==Description==
Old Empires is the 10 book in the FR series and covers the regions of Mulhorand, Unther, and Chessenta.
Each kingdom is meticulously explored in dedicated sections within the accessory. The introduction, occupying a single page, sets the stage for the detailed examination that follows.
The initial pages (3–6) provide a historical overview of the Old Empires, enriched with a two-page timeline that chronicles key events. Subsequent sections (pages 7–10) offer a concise description of the geographical neighbors of the Old Empires, including Thay, Semphar, Murghôm, Aleaxtis, the Plains of Purple Dust, the Coastal Cities, Aglarond, Raurin, Durpar, Veldorn, Eastern Shaar, and Chondath.
An in-depth analysis of Mulhorand (pages 11–34) delves into its societal structure, geography, contemporary economy and politics, legal system, adventure opportunities, religious practices, notable personalities, cultural nuances, and technological advancements. Unique to Mulhorand, its inhabitants venerate deities reminiscent of ancient Egyptian gods, such as Isis, Thoth, and Osiris.
The section dedicated to Unther (pages 35–49) examines its demographics, societal norms, geography, religious beliefs centered around Sumerian deities like Ishtar and Ramman, prominent figures, and cultural practices.
Chessenta’s exploration (pages 50–64) encompasses its societal organization, geography, current economic and political climate, religious affiliations, influential personalities, mercenary groups, and cultural identity.
The booklet also proposes several concise adventure scenarios suitable for the Old Empires region (pages 65–70), introduces spells unique to southern magic distinguished by its indecipherability to practitioners of standard magic (pages 71–80), and outlines magical items exclusive to the area (pages 81–86). A chart for generating random encounters in Mulhorand is provided on page 87, followed by a presentation of eight new regional monsters—including the brown dragon, the dracosphinx, and the desert wraith—spanning pages 89–96. It also introduces the stone colossus, brown dragon, hakeashar, werecrocodile, divine minion and skriaxit.
Included with the book is a fold-out color poster map depicting the region in detail. The inside front cover features a layout of the Pyramid of the Sceptanar’s interior and corridors, while the inside back cover showcases a chariot race track diagram, enhancing the utility and immersive experience of the guide.
The 32" x 21" fold-out map consists of:
* 18" x 21" map of East Faerûn from the Yuirwood to the Great Rift and from Reth to Murghyr
* 14" x 10" map of Luthcheq
* 14" x 11" map of Skuld
==Contents==
* Introduction
* History of the Old Empires
* Lands Surrounding the Old Empires
* People and Society of Mulhorand
* Geography of Mulhorand
* Current Economy of Mulhorand
* Current Politics of Mulhorand
* Laws of Mulhorand
* Adventurers in Mulhorand
* Religion of Mulhorand
* Personalities of Mulhorand
* Culture of Mulhorand
* Technology of Mulhorand
* People and Society of Unther
* Geography of Unther
* Religion of Unther
* Personalities of Unther
* Culture of Unther
* People and Society of Chessenta
* Geography of Chessenta
* Current Economy of Chessenta
* Current Politics of Chessenta
* Religion of Chessenta
* Personalities of Chessenta
* Mercenary Companies of Chessenta
* Culture of Chessenta
* Adventurers in the Old Empires
* Southern Magic
* Magical Items
* Encounters in Mulhorand
* New Monsters
==Index==
===Characters===
: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mefraset • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
===Creatures===
: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Human Ethnicities: • • • 
===Locations===
;Bodies of Water
:;Bays
:: • 
:;Lakes
:: • • • • 
:;Oases
:: • 
:;Rivers
:: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
:;Seas
:: • • 
:;Waterfalls
::
;Buildings: • • • • • • 
;Countries: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • () • • • • 
;Deserts: • 
;Forests: • • • • 
;Islands: • 
;Landmarks: 
;Mountains: • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Mountain Passes & Roads: • • 
;Plains: • • • • 
;Regions: • • • () • • • • 
;Settlements: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Valleys: • 
===Magic===
;Armor & Clothing: • • • • 
;Artifacts: • • • 
;General Magic Items: • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Jewelry: • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Materials: 
;Potions: • • • 
;Rods, Staves, Wands: • • • • • 
;Spells: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Weapons: • • • 
;Others: • • 
===Organizations===
: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
===Miscellaneous===
;Art & Literature: 
;Clothing: • • 
;Conditions: • 
;Fields of Study: 
;Food & Drinks: • • • • • • 
;Games: • • • 
;Gemstones: • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Items: • • • • • • • • 
;Languages: ( • ) • 
;Materials & Substances: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Titles: • • • 
;Vegetation: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
;Vessels: 
;Weapons: • • • • • ( • ) • • • 
==Gallery==
Old Empires Back Cover.jpg|Back Cover
==Credits==
* Editing: Mike Breault
* Cartography: Diesel
* Keylining: Dee Barnett
* Typography: Kathleen C. MacDonald
* Cover Art: Brom
* Interior Art: Valerie Valusek
==Appendix==
===See Also===
* Images from Old Empires
===Background===
In Polyhedron #75, "The Everwinking Eye", one of the erratas provided therein notes that three locations on this sourcebook's color map are misspelled. Aerilpar Forest is misspelled "Aenlplar Forest," Fuirgar is misspelled "Furgar," and Thamor is misspelled "Thamon."
===External Links===
* RPGGeek
* DriveThruRPG product page
===References===
Category:Old Empires sourcebooks
Category:2nd edition sourcebooks
Category:Sourcebooks
Category:FR series
Category:Works by Scott Bennie
Category:Published in 1990
Category:Books