Greetings soldier!
Perhaps the most strange and uncanny locale in Dinosaur Swamp is an isolated region hidden near the border of the Georgia portion of the Eastern Marshes. This is a place that is unique for its closely packed collection of ley lines and nexus points. But even more intriguing is the sight of numerous large, grass-covered earthen mounds dotting the landscape, some of which reach forty feet in height. It's obvious that these flat-topped pyramidal mounds are man-made, and their placement no accident, since their positions demarcate each of the area's ley lines and nexuses. Collectively, these primitive structures are known as the Ocmulgee Mound Complex, and it's a name that you should remember.
This Complex, built by an ancient pre-Rifts culture, is one of the great mysteries of the Swamp. Few, if any, outsiders have ever heard of the Ocmulgee mounds, and even many natives of Dinosaur Swamp are ignorant to their existence. These mounds, though simple in appearance, are coursing with magical power and represent lost secrets of magic. The Indian Tribes who guard the place are wary of visitors, for the mounds are powerful and have the potential to be abused. Though the IMCN doesn't recommend going to the mounds (since it may antagonize the locals), the stories about the mounds' abilities are impressive. If they're true, then the Ocmulgee Complex is capable of everything from dimensional travel to raising the dead. Consequently, we can't rule out the possibility that you may need to pay Ocmulgee a visit. Just mind the Indians...
The following information about Ocmulgee has been pieced together from previous interviews with Jebediah Stone, Ryloth, Jean St. Jean, and other who've spent large amounts of time in the Swamp.
Perhaps the most strange and uncanny locale in Dinosaur Swamp is an isolated region hidden near the border of the Georgia portion of the Eastern Marshes. This is a place that is unique for its closely packed collection of ley lines and nexus points. But even more intriguing is the sight of numerous large, grass-covered earthen mounds dotting the landscape, some of which reach forty feet in height. It's obvious that these flat-topped pyramidal mounds are man-made, and their placement no accident, since their positions demarcate each of the area's ley lines and nexuses. Collectively, these primitive structures are known as the Ocmulgee Mound Complex, and it's a name that you should remember.
This Complex, built by an ancient pre-Rifts culture, is one of the great mysteries of the Swamp. Few, if any, outsiders have ever heard of the Ocmulgee mounds, and even many natives of Dinosaur Swamp are ignorant to their existence. These mounds, though simple in appearance, are coursing with magical power and represent lost secrets of magic. The Indian Tribes who guard the place are wary of visitors, for the mounds are powerful and have the potential to be abused. Though the IMCN doesn't recommend going to the mounds (since it may antagonize the locals), the stories about the mounds' abilities are impressive. If they're true, then the Ocmulgee Complex is capable of everything from dimensional travel to raising the dead. Consequently, we can't rule out the possibility that you may need to pay Ocmulgee a visit. Just mind the Indians...
The following information about Ocmulgee has been pieced together from previous interviews with Jebediah Stone, Ryloth, Jean St. Jean, and other who've spent large amounts of time in the Swamp.
The Ocmulgee Mound Complex is an 702 acre area located near the ruins of what was once Macon, Georgia, along the eastern bank of the Ocmulgee River. Prior to the Rifts, the locale with known as the "Ocmulgee National Monument," and served as a tourist attraction and cultural landmark.
The mounds (also known as "tumuli") were constructed thousands of years ago by the mysterious "Mound Builders," a collection of early indigenous cultures who were the ancestors of modern day Indian Tribes like the Cherokee. The Mound Builders created various mounds throughout Eastern North America, particularly in the Southeast and the Ohio Valley. Most such mounds survived the Great Cataclysm intact, and to this day, the Magic Zone and the Eastern Wilds are riddled with these primeval tumuli - some are stand alone creations; others are complexes of interrelated structures.
Most of the mounds created by the Mound Builders are places of power, and the mounds at Ocmulgee are no exception. The site is home to no less than seven nexus points; the largest being a nexus of four intersecting ley lines that converge at the Great Temple Mound. Each mound holds a reservoir of P.P.E. and has its own unique functions accessible to those who know how. The Cherokee and their allies have enough of an understanding to be able to activate and use the tumuli. However, the secrets of repairing damaged mounds, and building new ones, were lost with the passing of the Mound Builders themselves, and for whatever reason, the Native American Spirits seem unwilling to share such secrets with their current followers. As such, the Lesser Temple Mound, which became damaged during the Great Cataclysm, is only partially usable; a portion of its abilities are unknown and inaccessible.
Guardianship of the Ocmulgee Mound Complex is shared by the traditionalist Indians of Camp Cherokee and the Wilder-ness Scouts of Fort Hawkins. Long ago, the two groups came to the conclusion that the mounds were too much of a responsibility for any one person or faction. The Cherokee broke with their usual policy of isolation and came to an arrangement with the Wilderness Scouts; one in which both groups agreed to keep and eye on the Complex and protect it from foreign interests. And so it's been for nearly a century. Outsiders who want to make use of the mounds must obtain the permission of Gran and Pennet of Fort Hawkins, and the elders of Camp Cherokee (not an easy thing to do). However, since only the Indian Medicine Men actually know how to activate the mounds, it's really their consent that truly matters.
Held under the watchful eye of Camp Cherokee and Fort Hawkins, the Ocmulgee Mound Complex is a double-edged sword for the region. On one hand, the mounds have scores of potential beneficial uses. If they could be controlled, the mounds could serve as the heart of a city of magic similar to Lazlo. If properly mastered, the vast potential of power waiting to be harnessed could open new doors into the understanding of magic. On the other hand, the vast amount of power and potential for misuse make the mounds a serious threat not only to Dinosaur Swamp, but possibly to the entire North American continent. For now, its isolation and obscurity, along with the protection provided by Fort Hawkins and the Cherokee Tribe, keep the Ocmulgee Mounds out of the hands of any one power. However, they are sure to play heavily in the region's future.
The Ocmulgee Mound Complex has at least eight known temple mounds, a burial site, an earthlodge, a series of pre-historic trenches, and the ruins of the museum and offices. The museum is little more than a ruin that was utterly obliterated during the Great Cataclysm. However, the rest of the site is in remarkably good shape, preserved by the mystic energies that make the mounds so dangerous. As tales of the mound complex spread, they will surely become a sought after destination for practitioners of magic; good, evil and those in between. The Indians of Camp Cherokee, as well as the Wilderness Scouts of Fort Hawkins, know that someday, someone too powerful for them to stop will come to seize control of the mound village. When that day comes, they only hope that it will be someone who uses the mounds for good and not for nefarious purposes. However, despite their respect for the power contained at the mound complex, not even the Indians know the full extent of the mounds' variety of unique powers.
The mounds (also known as "tumuli") were constructed thousands of years ago by the mysterious "Mound Builders," a collection of early indigenous cultures who were the ancestors of modern day Indian Tribes like the Cherokee. The Mound Builders created various mounds throughout Eastern North America, particularly in the Southeast and the Ohio Valley. Most such mounds survived the Great Cataclysm intact, and to this day, the Magic Zone and the Eastern Wilds are riddled with these primeval tumuli - some are stand alone creations; others are complexes of interrelated structures.
Most of the mounds created by the Mound Builders are places of power, and the mounds at Ocmulgee are no exception. The site is home to no less than seven nexus points; the largest being a nexus of four intersecting ley lines that converge at the Great Temple Mound. Each mound holds a reservoir of P.P.E. and has its own unique functions accessible to those who know how. The Cherokee and their allies have enough of an understanding to be able to activate and use the tumuli. However, the secrets of repairing damaged mounds, and building new ones, were lost with the passing of the Mound Builders themselves, and for whatever reason, the Native American Spirits seem unwilling to share such secrets with their current followers. As such, the Lesser Temple Mound, which became damaged during the Great Cataclysm, is only partially usable; a portion of its abilities are unknown and inaccessible.
Guardianship of the Ocmulgee Mound Complex is shared by the traditionalist Indians of Camp Cherokee and the Wilder-ness Scouts of Fort Hawkins. Long ago, the two groups came to the conclusion that the mounds were too much of a responsibility for any one person or faction. The Cherokee broke with their usual policy of isolation and came to an arrangement with the Wilderness Scouts; one in which both groups agreed to keep and eye on the Complex and protect it from foreign interests. And so it's been for nearly a century. Outsiders who want to make use of the mounds must obtain the permission of Gran and Pennet of Fort Hawkins, and the elders of Camp Cherokee (not an easy thing to do). However, since only the Indian Medicine Men actually know how to activate the mounds, it's really their consent that truly matters.
Held under the watchful eye of Camp Cherokee and Fort Hawkins, the Ocmulgee Mound Complex is a double-edged sword for the region. On one hand, the mounds have scores of potential beneficial uses. If they could be controlled, the mounds could serve as the heart of a city of magic similar to Lazlo. If properly mastered, the vast potential of power waiting to be harnessed could open new doors into the understanding of magic. On the other hand, the vast amount of power and potential for misuse make the mounds a serious threat not only to Dinosaur Swamp, but possibly to the entire North American continent. For now, its isolation and obscurity, along with the protection provided by Fort Hawkins and the Cherokee Tribe, keep the Ocmulgee Mounds out of the hands of any one power. However, they are sure to play heavily in the region's future.
The Ocmulgee Mound Complex has at least eight known temple mounds, a burial site, an earthlodge, a series of pre-historic trenches, and the ruins of the museum and offices. The museum is little more than a ruin that was utterly obliterated during the Great Cataclysm. However, the rest of the site is in remarkably good shape, preserved by the mystic energies that make the mounds so dangerous. As tales of the mound complex spread, they will surely become a sought after destination for practitioners of magic; good, evil and those in between. The Indians of Camp Cherokee, as well as the Wilderness Scouts of Fort Hawkins, know that someday, someone too powerful for them to stop will come to seize control of the mound village. When that day comes, they only hope that it will be someone who uses the mounds for good and not for nefarious purposes. However, despite their respect for the power contained at the mound complex, not even the Indians know the full extent of the mounds' variety of unique powers.
The Ocmulgee Mounds
The Great Temple Mound
Rising 40 feet (12.19 m) into the air and 300 feet (91.44 m) wide at the base, the Great Temple Mound is one of the largest Native American mounds in the southeast. When the site was an active religious center, it had several wooden huts and buildings on top, but these were destroyed as the site fell into disuse. For centuries before the Coming of the Rifts, the Great Temple Mound was a curiosity, serving as a place for the railroad to ac-quire fill dirt, as an archaeological center, and eventually, as a tourist attraction. Since the Coming of the Rifts, the site has undergone a transformation, and many of its original features have returned.
Rising from atop the Great Temple Mound are four spectral huts. These huts are small, single story structures that look as though they were crafted out of hewn logs with thatch roofs, except now the organic material has been replaced with pure magic energy. The huts crackle with an iridescent blue light and glow with an unearthly intensity as the ley lines flare with energy. These huts have faint, ghostly wisps of fog rising from their doorways, which serve as small dimensional portals to other locations in North America. The mound appears to channel the energy produced at the nexus and funnel it into manifesting the Rift openings to these four huts. Each but corresponds to the four cardinal points of the compass, although the four ley lines that intersect at the mound do not. The chances of a larger, random Rift opening at the top of the mound during a surge in the ley lines is not mitigated in anyway by the existence of the huts. Nor are the but entrance ways constantly open dimensional doors, they seem to open and close at completely random intervals, and unless magic is used to control these mini-Rifts, the portal seldom remains open or attuned to the same location for more than 60 seconds.
Rising 40 feet (12.19 m) into the air and 300 feet (91.44 m) wide at the base, the Great Temple Mound is one of the largest Native American mounds in the southeast. When the site was an active religious center, it had several wooden huts and buildings on top, but these were destroyed as the site fell into disuse. For centuries before the Coming of the Rifts, the Great Temple Mound was a curiosity, serving as a place for the railroad to ac-quire fill dirt, as an archaeological center, and eventually, as a tourist attraction. Since the Coming of the Rifts, the site has undergone a transformation, and many of its original features have returned.
Rising from atop the Great Temple Mound are four spectral huts. These huts are small, single story structures that look as though they were crafted out of hewn logs with thatch roofs, except now the organic material has been replaced with pure magic energy. The huts crackle with an iridescent blue light and glow with an unearthly intensity as the ley lines flare with energy. These huts have faint, ghostly wisps of fog rising from their doorways, which serve as small dimensional portals to other locations in North America. The mound appears to channel the energy produced at the nexus and funnel it into manifesting the Rift openings to these four huts. Each but corresponds to the four cardinal points of the compass, although the four ley lines that intersect at the mound do not. The chances of a larger, random Rift opening at the top of the mound during a surge in the ley lines is not mitigated in anyway by the existence of the huts. Nor are the but entrance ways constantly open dimensional doors, they seem to open and close at completely random intervals, and unless magic is used to control these mini-Rifts, the portal seldom remains open or attuned to the same location for more than 60 seconds.
The Funeral Mound
Most likely used as a burial place for important and powerful members of the tribe, this mound is located to the northwest of the Great Temple Mound. Originally 25 feet (7.62 m) tall, 100 feet wide (30.48 m) and over 230 feet (70.10 m) long, the Funeral Mound is currently only half of its original size. It still serves as the tomb. for over 100 remains under the foundation, but there were undoubtedly more. The mound has suffered greatly over time through looting, being used for fill dirt, excavation, and general erosion. Since the Coming of the Rifts, the mound has been infused with significant magical energies, but it is only a shadow of what it once was.
The southeast corner of the Funeral Mound marks a nexus of two ley lines, and the mound itself is the site of many ghostly hauntings. Whether the actual spirits of those entombed in the mound, or simply magical energy given form, the top is littered with skeletal figures lying in state atop wooden funeral biers. These forms do not seem to be conscious, and take no notice of anyone approaching the site. They simply lay there, unmoving, like spectral 3D holographic images to remind the living of who was once buried in the half of the mound that has been destroyed. Despite their quiet, peaceful state of rest, many visitors find their presence unsettling and haunting. Anyone coming within 30 feet (9.14 m) of the mound must make a. saving throw versus Horror Factor at a 12 or higher or otherwise cannot move closer to the mound. Those who are able to approach the mound, and know how to activate its powers, will find that there isn't anything frightening about it at all. In fact, most people report feeling calm and at peace with themselves.
The Funeral Mound is a site dedicated to healing the sick and the injured. As power is drained from the mound, each of the individual skeletal apparitions fades away, being regenerated during the next cycle. It is an unearthly sight, but the healing of the mound is unequaled anywhere in Dinosaur Swamp. It can be especially useful to anyone suffering from the diseases and poisons that flourish in the region.
Most likely used as a burial place for important and powerful members of the tribe, this mound is located to the northwest of the Great Temple Mound. Originally 25 feet (7.62 m) tall, 100 feet wide (30.48 m) and over 230 feet (70.10 m) long, the Funeral Mound is currently only half of its original size. It still serves as the tomb. for over 100 remains under the foundation, but there were undoubtedly more. The mound has suffered greatly over time through looting, being used for fill dirt, excavation, and general erosion. Since the Coming of the Rifts, the mound has been infused with significant magical energies, but it is only a shadow of what it once was.
The southeast corner of the Funeral Mound marks a nexus of two ley lines, and the mound itself is the site of many ghostly hauntings. Whether the actual spirits of those entombed in the mound, or simply magical energy given form, the top is littered with skeletal figures lying in state atop wooden funeral biers. These forms do not seem to be conscious, and take no notice of anyone approaching the site. They simply lay there, unmoving, like spectral 3D holographic images to remind the living of who was once buried in the half of the mound that has been destroyed. Despite their quiet, peaceful state of rest, many visitors find their presence unsettling and haunting. Anyone coming within 30 feet (9.14 m) of the mound must make a. saving throw versus Horror Factor at a 12 or higher or otherwise cannot move closer to the mound. Those who are able to approach the mound, and know how to activate its powers, will find that there isn't anything frightening about it at all. In fact, most people report feeling calm and at peace with themselves.
The Funeral Mound is a site dedicated to healing the sick and the injured. As power is drained from the mound, each of the individual skeletal apparitions fades away, being regenerated during the next cycle. It is an unearthly sight, but the healing of the mound is unequaled anywhere in Dinosaur Swamp. It can be especially useful to anyone suffering from the diseases and poisons that flourish in the region.
The Cornfield Mound
Mystifying to pre-Rifts scholars, the Cornfield Mound was apparently at one time cultivated. There was evidence of some sort of structure built on top, but it was clear that it also served as a field. This was unusual, because the original builders of the mound village kept their agricultural fields near the river. To have a cultivated field this far from water, and to have a structure built on top of it, was quite a puzzle.
Currently, the mound is only six feet (1.8 m) high and 200 feet (61 m) long, but was originally higher and larger than those dimensions. The Cornfield Mound serves to mark a ley line, but not a nexus point, which runs through the Burial Grounds and intersects three other lines at the Great Temple Mound. Because of this, it is one of the weaker places of power in the mound village, but it is still quite impressive and unique.
Like the Funeral Mound, the summit of the Cornfield Mound is home to a luminescent, translucent field of spectral corn stalks that crackle with magical energy. These corn stalks made of magical energy are only partially tangible, and anyone passing through them will feel them brush across their body and rustle like real stalks of corn, but the plants and their ears of corn can-not be physically touched or damaged. Contact with them also gives off a slight tingling sensation, but is otherwise harmless. Just like the spectral dead, the spectral corn stalks act as a relative measure of power stored in the mound, and will wink out of existence as the power is used. They will similarly regenerate as the P.P.E. is restored to the mound with the passing of each 12 hour cycle (noon and midnight).
Mystifying to pre-Rifts scholars, the Cornfield Mound was apparently at one time cultivated. There was evidence of some sort of structure built on top, but it was clear that it also served as a field. This was unusual, because the original builders of the mound village kept their agricultural fields near the river. To have a cultivated field this far from water, and to have a structure built on top of it, was quite a puzzle.
Currently, the mound is only six feet (1.8 m) high and 200 feet (61 m) long, but was originally higher and larger than those dimensions. The Cornfield Mound serves to mark a ley line, but not a nexus point, which runs through the Burial Grounds and intersects three other lines at the Great Temple Mound. Because of this, it is one of the weaker places of power in the mound village, but it is still quite impressive and unique.
Like the Funeral Mound, the summit of the Cornfield Mound is home to a luminescent, translucent field of spectral corn stalks that crackle with magical energy. These corn stalks made of magical energy are only partially tangible, and anyone passing through them will feel them brush across their body and rustle like real stalks of corn, but the plants and their ears of corn can-not be physically touched or damaged. Contact with them also gives off a slight tingling sensation, but is otherwise harmless. Just like the spectral dead, the spectral corn stalks act as a relative measure of power stored in the mound, and will wink out of existence as the power is used. They will similarly regenerate as the P.P.E. is restored to the mound with the passing of each 12 hour cycle (noon and midnight).
The Lesser Temple Mound
Only slightly smaller than the Funeral Mound, much of it destroyed by construction of the nearby railroad in the 19th century, this mound is rather lopsided. The Lesser Temple Mound was most likely the site of lesser religious functions. Located a short distance to the northwest of the Great Temple Mound, the Lesser Temple Mound, like many of the other mounds, had a small wooden structure built atop the peak. What exactly it was used for before the Great Cataclysm is unknown. Today, it is an active P.P.E. battery with a couple special properties. Its north-east corner marks a ley line that intersects with the Great Temple Mound, but seems to either have been of little importance, or it has suffered so much damage throughout the centuries that it has lost its more significant powers.
At peak surges of the ley lines, the top of the mound shows a faint, flickering but with a thatch roof, similar to the four atop the Great Temple Mound. This but looks to be in serious disrepair, and is only visible at night, as it is too faint to be seen in the light of day. If some way were to be found to properly reconstruct the mound, its true purpose and powers might be revealed. As it is now, it is only a weak reservoir of magic energy and a humble landmark.
Only slightly smaller than the Funeral Mound, much of it destroyed by construction of the nearby railroad in the 19th century, this mound is rather lopsided. The Lesser Temple Mound was most likely the site of lesser religious functions. Located a short distance to the northwest of the Great Temple Mound, the Lesser Temple Mound, like many of the other mounds, had a small wooden structure built atop the peak. What exactly it was used for before the Great Cataclysm is unknown. Today, it is an active P.P.E. battery with a couple special properties. Its north-east corner marks a ley line that intersects with the Great Temple Mound, but seems to either have been of little importance, or it has suffered so much damage throughout the centuries that it has lost its more significant powers.
At peak surges of the ley lines, the top of the mound shows a faint, flickering but with a thatch roof, similar to the four atop the Great Temple Mound. This but looks to be in serious disrepair, and is only visible at night, as it is too faint to be seen in the light of day. If some way were to be found to properly reconstruct the mound, its true purpose and powers might be revealed. As it is now, it is only a weak reservoir of magic energy and a humble landmark.
The Southeast Mound
Directly to the east of the Great Temple Mound, the South-east Mound stands as a marker for a small nexus point and for a ley line that intersects at the Great Temple Mound. Extremely small compared to the rest of the mounds, the Southeast Mound is little more than a dome barely three feet (0.91 m) high at its apex. In fact, unless one knows what they are looking for, it is easily dismissed as a natural part of the landscape. The mound has no powers, and aside from marking a nexus and ley line, it is mostly insignificant. It was probably used as a survey marker for the larger Temple Mounds and the Funeral Mound to the west. This hypothesis is reinforced by the fact that it has no significant powers, and shows no sign of use as a ritual site unlike many of the other mounds.
Directly to the east of the Great Temple Mound, the South-east Mound stands as a marker for a small nexus point and for a ley line that intersects at the Great Temple Mound. Extremely small compared to the rest of the mounds, the Southeast Mound is little more than a dome barely three feet (0.91 m) high at its apex. In fact, unless one knows what they are looking for, it is easily dismissed as a natural part of the landscape. The mound has no powers, and aside from marking a nexus and ley line, it is mostly insignificant. It was probably used as a survey marker for the larger Temple Mounds and the Funeral Mound to the west. This hypothesis is reinforced by the fact that it has no significant powers, and shows no sign of use as a ritual site unlike many of the other mounds.
The Northern Mound
Similar in size and construction to the Southeast Mound, the Northern Mound, sometimes known as the McDougal Mound, is obviously a survey marker. It displays no known properties of the other mounds, but it does mark a small nexus and a ley line that intersects with the Great Temple Mound. However, it does-n't mark just any ley line, it marks the one that proceeds along an exact orientation with Magnetic North, hence the name Northern Mound. It apparently had little religious significance, but consequently, does have a few related powers.
Similar in size and construction to the Southeast Mound, the Northern Mound, sometimes known as the McDougal Mound, is obviously a survey marker. It displays no known properties of the other mounds, but it does mark a small nexus and a ley line that intersects with the Great Temple Mound. However, it does-n't mark just any ley line, it marks the one that proceeds along an exact orientation with Magnetic North, hence the name Northern Mound. It apparently had little religious significance, but consequently, does have a few related powers.
The Two Brothers Mounds
Far northeast of the Great Temple Mound are two small mounds known as the Two Brothers. Originally, there was thought to be only one mound, named the Dunlap Mound. Excavation in the 21st century, however, uncovered two remarkable finds: a burial in the foundation of the original Dunlap Mound, and a second mound, complete with an identical burial in its base. The mounds were then named the Two Brothers by archaeologists who had unanimously agreed upon the unusual name during the final days of the dig.
Nearly identical in size and shape to the Northern Mound, the Two Brothers mark a ley line that runs east-west through the Northern Mound, but neither of them marks the intersection of ley lines. However, a ley line does run an equal distance between them to intersect with the Great Temple Mound. These were clearly not constructed as survey mounds for the mound village at large, and it seems unlikely they were used in construction of the Northern Mound, making their use as funeral markers unique among the culture known to have built them. Adding to the mystery, they are far removed from the rest of the mounds, and the other known burials at the site, almost as if they were in exile. They continue to remain a mystery to this day, as no amount of meditation has ever revealed any magical functions, aside from marking a ley line.
However, despite the inability to discover any secrets about the mounds, there are a few items that deserve mentioning. Anyone who sleeps or meditates atop either of the Two Brothers will receive a powerful vision of two native youths locked in unarmed combat, moving to the rhythm of the following poem:
Two Brothers, of honor and courage.
Two Brothers, of promise and hope.
Two Brothers, with strength of body.
Two Brothers, with holes in their hearts.
Two Brothers, who fell into darkness.
Two Brothers, who brought us to ruin.
Two Brothers, we banish from sight.
Far northeast of the Great Temple Mound are two small mounds known as the Two Brothers. Originally, there was thought to be only one mound, named the Dunlap Mound. Excavation in the 21st century, however, uncovered two remarkable finds: a burial in the foundation of the original Dunlap Mound, and a second mound, complete with an identical burial in its base. The mounds were then named the Two Brothers by archaeologists who had unanimously agreed upon the unusual name during the final days of the dig.
Nearly identical in size and shape to the Northern Mound, the Two Brothers mark a ley line that runs east-west through the Northern Mound, but neither of them marks the intersection of ley lines. However, a ley line does run an equal distance between them to intersect with the Great Temple Mound. These were clearly not constructed as survey mounds for the mound village at large, and it seems unlikely they were used in construction of the Northern Mound, making their use as funeral markers unique among the culture known to have built them. Adding to the mystery, they are far removed from the rest of the mounds, and the other known burials at the site, almost as if they were in exile. They continue to remain a mystery to this day, as no amount of meditation has ever revealed any magical functions, aside from marking a ley line.
However, despite the inability to discover any secrets about the mounds, there are a few items that deserve mentioning. Anyone who sleeps or meditates atop either of the Two Brothers will receive a powerful vision of two native youths locked in unarmed combat, moving to the rhythm of the following poem:
Two Brothers, of honor and courage.
Two Brothers, of promise and hope.
Two Brothers, with strength of body.
Two Brothers, with holes in their hearts.
Two Brothers, who fell into darkness.
Two Brothers, who brought us to ruin.
Two Brothers, we banish from sight.
The Burial Grounds
Located near the center of a small triangle formed by the Great Temple Mound, the Funeral Mound and the Southeast Mound are the Burial Grounds. These burial grounds are not part of the original mound builders' design, but from a later group of Native Americans, the Creek Indians who came to in-habit the site. It is interesting to note that while the Creek did not contribute to the mound structures, and displayed no knowledge of the significance of the mound placement, they did ar-range their burial grounds at the center of this ley line pyramid, and in near perfect orientation with Magnetic North. The grounds are typically quiet, however, with all of the magical energies concentrated in the mound village, and who knows how many supernatural occurrences have resulted from the burial grounds becoming active.
The Burial Grounds have no known significant impact on the mound village as a whole, and possess no special powers or phenomena of their own. Whether this is because they are not part of the overall power of the site, or simply dominated by the significance of the mound village, is not exactly clear. The boundary of the burial grounds is marked by a cold layer of fog that does not shift with the wind, nor does it burn off during the day.
The modern day Creek Indians of Dinosaur Swamp know of this site, but are fearful of the powerful magic present at the Ocmulgee Complex. They regard it as a place of evil, and caution their children against exploring near it.
Located near the center of a small triangle formed by the Great Temple Mound, the Funeral Mound and the Southeast Mound are the Burial Grounds. These burial grounds are not part of the original mound builders' design, but from a later group of Native Americans, the Creek Indians who came to in-habit the site. It is interesting to note that while the Creek did not contribute to the mound structures, and displayed no knowledge of the significance of the mound placement, they did ar-range their burial grounds at the center of this ley line pyramid, and in near perfect orientation with Magnetic North. The grounds are typically quiet, however, with all of the magical energies concentrated in the mound village, and who knows how many supernatural occurrences have resulted from the burial grounds becoming active.
The Burial Grounds have no known significant impact on the mound village as a whole, and possess no special powers or phenomena of their own. Whether this is because they are not part of the overall power of the site, or simply dominated by the significance of the mound village, is not exactly clear. The boundary of the burial grounds is marked by a cold layer of fog that does not shift with the wind, nor does it burn off during the day.
The modern day Creek Indians of Dinosaur Swamp know of this site, but are fearful of the powerful magic present at the Ocmulgee Complex. They regard it as a place of evil, and caution their children against exploring near it.
The Earthlodge
Adjacent to the Cornfield Mound is a reconstruction of the original Earthlodge. Unlike the Lesser Temple Mound, which was in a state of disrepair, the Earthlodge was complete and whole during the Cataclysm, and has been imbued with mystical energy. The curious factor is that unlike every other original mound structure in the village, the Earthlodge does not mark a nexus, or even a ley line. It does fall in line with both the South-east Mound and the Northern Mound, and may have marked a ley line in the distant past, but for whatever reason, that ley line has not erupted. Perhaps it has something to do with it being a 20th century restoration (or perhaps not). Whatever the reason, the Earthlodge does have some small unique powers of its own, and is sometimes used as shelter for anyone wishing to remain at the mound village for any length of time.
Rising 30 feet (9.14 m) into the air, and 100 feet (30.48 m) in diameter, the mound is constructed around a square, four-post frame with a thatched roof that comes to a point in the center, giving the mound a conical shape. This sets it apart from the rest of the mounds in the village, which are all domed or step-pyramid in shape. The doorway is framed by four large timbers rough hewn from logs, and is aligned with the sun as to allow the light of the winter solstice to flood the inside of the structure. Inside, a raised platform, shaped like a stylized predatory bird, is set directly across from the narrow entrance. This plat-form has three seats carved into it, and the circular wall of the mound has 47 seats carved into it, each setting slightly higher than the next, most probably indicating importance. In the center of the room is a broad fire pit, with a chimney in the roof that acts as an exhaust for the smoke. While the Earthlodge does not possess any of the powers typical of the other mounds, it does possess a few unique to itself.
Adjacent to the Cornfield Mound is a reconstruction of the original Earthlodge. Unlike the Lesser Temple Mound, which was in a state of disrepair, the Earthlodge was complete and whole during the Cataclysm, and has been imbued with mystical energy. The curious factor is that unlike every other original mound structure in the village, the Earthlodge does not mark a nexus, or even a ley line. It does fall in line with both the South-east Mound and the Northern Mound, and may have marked a ley line in the distant past, but for whatever reason, that ley line has not erupted. Perhaps it has something to do with it being a 20th century restoration (or perhaps not). Whatever the reason, the Earthlodge does have some small unique powers of its own, and is sometimes used as shelter for anyone wishing to remain at the mound village for any length of time.
Rising 30 feet (9.14 m) into the air, and 100 feet (30.48 m) in diameter, the mound is constructed around a square, four-post frame with a thatched roof that comes to a point in the center, giving the mound a conical shape. This sets it apart from the rest of the mounds in the village, which are all domed or step-pyramid in shape. The doorway is framed by four large timbers rough hewn from logs, and is aligned with the sun as to allow the light of the winter solstice to flood the inside of the structure. Inside, a raised platform, shaped like a stylized predatory bird, is set directly across from the narrow entrance. This plat-form has three seats carved into it, and the circular wall of the mound has 47 seats carved into it, each setting slightly higher than the next, most probably indicating importance. In the center of the room is a broad fire pit, with a chimney in the roof that acts as an exhaust for the smoke. While the Earthlodge does not possess any of the powers typical of the other mounds, it does possess a few unique to itself.