The Islands

Scattered about the world are several chains of islands, many of which have their origin in volcanic activity. Although most of these islands are either uninhabited or very sparsely populated, two of these islands are home to larger settlements. Both of these communities, while isolated from the rest of the world, nonetheless have their own unique culture and history, and in their small way contribute to the region around them.

1. The Town of Agart

Size: Small Town (3500)

Government: Town Council

Affiliation: Independent

Trade & Industries: Knowledge, Mining

Crime Level: Low

The small town of Agart is located upon a medium-sized island just south of the kingdom of Baron. The island is of obvious volcanic origin, and much of it consists of rocky, nearly impassable mountains. Although rather isolated from the rest of the world, infrequent trading by merchant vessels brings in resources that can't be obtained locally, including much-needed foodstuffs. The island does support limited agriculture, and indeed the inhabitants of this island show remarkable skill in farming what many would consider non-arable land. The town's inhabitants claim they are descendents of a small band of dwarves that traveled to the surface of the earth, and have a rich oral tradition of legends and lore found nowhere else. Finally, the town is the victim of the occasional earthquake, which while certainly disruptive rarely causes any large-scale damage or death.

History

Although details are difficult to come by, it would appear that this island was inhabited early on by a small group of simple natives, who struggled to produce a basic living from the abundant marine and bird life of the island. But, sometime around the middle of the eighth century, these natives were greeted by a large group of strange humanoids that emerged one day from the nearby mountains. These short yet strong folk claimed to have journeyed from deep underground seeking a new home on the surface. Although the natives were originally quite suspicious and fearful of these newcomers, the advanced skills and knowledge of the strange people eventually laid these fears to rest, and seemingly overnight the lives of the island natives changed forever.

The newcomers, who called themselves dwarves, were quick to establish a rudimentary city on one of the highest bluffs near the center of the island. They built walls and larger buildings, expanded the existing fresh water springs, and began mining operations within the nearby mountains. The newly mined ores, in turn, were used for all sorts of metal implements and tools, many of which were completely new to the native population. For their part, the dwarves were quite accepting of the locals, and were quick to share their seemingly advanced knowledge and skills. In recognition of their new home, the dwarves named the settlement Agart.

Over the next two hundred years, the two people groups gradually merged as the small settlement continued to grow and develop. Although providing enough food to support the growing population was a constant concern, the dwarves had brought with them a variety of exotic plants that could grow in the rocky soil or even deep underground. Fishing supplemented this unusual fare, as did the occasional bird. At some point within this period, it would appear that the people of Agart made contact with a merchant vessel out of Baron blown off course by a fierce storm. This, in time, would provide the growing community with much-needed foodstuffs and resources that simply could not be produced locally.

Today, the town of Agart continues much as it has in past generations. Other than the town's mining operations that produce large quantities of iron ore and its research of the night sky, the town has little to offer to outsiders. A few bards, however, can often be found within the town, gathering stories from the locals that come from a very different oral tradition than those found in other parts of the world.

Key Landmarks

Astronomer's Tower - The Astonomer's Tower is the most distinctive building in the small town. It is quite evident from the exterior that the structure was originally a common house that was later enlarged by building upwards. Now, the tower's slender spire reaches high into the sky, and is visible from anywhere on the island. The lowest level has been converted into a small library, where scholars can be found most days comparing notes and observations concerning their chief study: astronomy. A small dormitory occupies the next level, with a sturdy ladder leading up to the highest level, which is dominated by a large, long, circular tube running most of the way up the tower's spire. Dubbed a telescope by its inventor, this unique instrument creates an enhanced view of the night sky and enables the observer to even see features of the Earth's two moons.

The Ancient Well - Near the center of town is what appears to be a small park, walled off from the surrounding area. The park contains elegantly designed fountains and pools along with carefully maintained landscaping, and is a popular place for couples to find a few moments of privacy. The park also holds an old looking well. Dubbed the Ancient Well by the locals, it dates back to the original construction of the town, and is no longer functional. However, it is rumored that the well is bottomless, and that anyone unfortunate enough to fall into it would descend into the fiery core of the Earth and perish. Fortunately, the well is so small that it would be almost impossible for anyone to actually accomplish such a feat.

The Fireside Inn - As the only inn and tavern within the town of Agart, the Fireside Inn is a popular place among the locals to swap idle gossip and news of the wider world. In relation to the size of the town, the inn is actually quite large, and is able to accommodate many more guests than have ever visited Agart at one time. The inn also serves as an infirmary for those citizens who are too old to properly care for themselves any longer. In return for this care, these elders spend several evenings each week telling stories from a seemingly inexhaustible store of legend and lore. On such nights, almost every table at the Fireside Inn is full, and in nearly complete silence the patrons strain to hear each word as stories are told and retold.

Important People

Corillo "Kory" Duncan

Human male age 53

Job: Average level Time Mage

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Awareness (Trained), Cudgels (Low), Invent (Trained),

Lore: Astronomy (Talented), Lore: Arcane (Trained), Teaching (Trained)

Equipment: Average

Corillo Duncan, commonly known around town as Professor Kory, is the current head of the Astronomer's Tower. At the age of 39, Corillo presented the town of Agart with plans to construct his newly invented device that would allow one to more clearly see objects in the night sky at a great distance. Although many were skeptical, Corillo personally financed the venture, and after three years of work his invention was completed within the newly built Astronomer's Tower. Since that time, Corillo has directed the research on the heavens, employing several scholars from across the Earth and happily teaching others to follow in his footsteps. He is well respected within the small community, and has served on the town council for many years.

Thelma Blackrock

Human female age 83

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Low), SPD (Low), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Acting (Trained), Awareness (Low), Lore: Dwarves (Trained),

Lore: Legends (Trained), Lore: Underworld (Trained), Singing (Trained)

Equipment: Very Poor

Thelma Blackrock is the oldest living citizen of Agart, and may indeed be the oldest living woman in the world. Due to her advanced age, she is no longer able to get around or take care of herself, and spends each day inside the Fireside Inn, cared for by their patient and courteous staff. Thelma was an eloquent singer and storyteller in her youth, and loves to entertain anyone who will listen with her songs and tales, especially concerning the legendary forerunners of the town known as the dwarves and their mysterious homeland deep beneath the surface of the Earth. Her stories, told during the customary evening gatherings in the Fireside Inn, are clearly the favorites among the few other elders living within the inn.

2. The Town of Silvara

Size: Small Town (1500)

Government: Town Council

Affiliation: Independent

Trade & Industries: Armor, Mining, Weapons

Crime Level: Low

The town of Silvara is one of the most unusual settlements in the known world. This small town exists on the largest island in the Eastern Archipelago, well isolated from the other kingdoms of the world. Like all the nearby islands, this small island is volcanic in origin, with rich but very limited soil and rich ore deposits. Although the town existed for many years in relative obscurity, its abundant supply of a rare ore known as mithril simply was too good a commodity to keep from the rest of the world. But by far the most unique characteristic of this small town is its inhabitants. For, it is populated by a strange mix of humanoid pigs, tiny frogs, and tiny humans, who despite their unusual shape and appearance seem otherwise similar to the other intelligent races of the world. Whether the inhabitants are victims of an incredibly power curse or simply an otherwise unrepresented people-group is unknown.

History

When asked about their origins, the inhabitants of the town of Silvara simply shrug and reply that they have always lived upon their island home, mining the rich veins of ore for construction, for trade, and simply for the love of doing so. From other historical accounts, however, it would seem that these strange creatures were almost completely cut off from the rest of the world for most, if not all, of the town's existence. For, it was not until the early ninth century that the settlement was discovered by sailors exploring the seas south of Fabul. These explorers were amazed at the unusual nature of the island's inhabitants, and astounded at the abundance of rich minerals and ores that the natives regarded as commonplace. Trade agreements were quickly drafted between the two, and soon merchant vessels were a common sight throughout much of the Eastern Archipelago.

However, it was not until late that same century that mithril was discovered on the neighboring island, prompting a frenzy of mining activity on the otherwise insignificant island. Although this new metal was at first mistaken for silver, it was discovered to have many unique properties, including resistance to heat, unusual durability, light weight, and a magnificent gleam when properly finished. Although the metal was widely sought after for many different projects, the most common use of this unusual metal was in the forging of arms and armor, a craft that the people of Silvara soon excelled in. As word of the discovery spread across the region, the town of Silvara agreed to freely trade with each of the interested kingdoms, in return for a pledge to never attack or invade their small island home, which the other nations quickly assented to.

In the mid ninth century, a small group of scholars traveled from Mysidia to Silvara in order to study the unusual characteristics of its inhabitants. Although they discovered that the shapes of the natives were similar to those caused by some of the more powerful magical curses, the bodies of the inhabitants were completely resistant to magical means of curing these sorts of curses. Eventually, these scholars decided that the ancestors of these tiny frogs, tiny humans, and humanoid pigs must have been transformed by some form of powerful magic or curse, but that in the centuries since that time the changes had become permanent, in effect creating three completely new races. As for the inhabitants themselves, they would only shrug when pressed with questions and simply reply that things had always been that way.

Today, the town of Silvara remains a small, unwalled settlement upon an otherwise unnamed island in the midst of the Eastern Archipelago. Mithril continues to be mined in small quantities from the neighboring island, and exports of the town's weapons and armors travel by merchant ship all across the known world. In addition, it is rumored that even more exotic ores may have recently been discovered, but are being carefully tested and concealed by the natives. Whether such tales are truth or merely fancy has yet to be discovered.

Key Landmarks

The Silvara Armory - The Silvara Armory is one of the largest buildings in town, second only to the inn in size and importance. Day and night, the armory resounds with the sound of metal being stored, refined, and forged into a wide variety of useful wares. The armory is operated by a seemingly unorganized group of frogs and tiny humans, the former busily refining the metals brought in by the pigs from the mountains while the latter happily forge the refined metals as needed. Most of the time, merchants from across the world are haggling over prices of a shipment or commissioning a special weapon or piece of armor from the skilled craftsmen. For their part, the locals happily chat with their customers, whistling or humming to themselves as they work and clearly enjoying every moment of their busy lives.

The Silvara Inn - The Silvara Inn is the only building of any size or significance within the small town, serving as a popular hangout for the locals and catering to the many travelers that have business upon the small island. The inn's food and lodging can accommodate both locals and visitors, although prices for food and drink for the town's larger guests tend to be more expensive than other places, as the lack of significant agriculture on the island means that these must be imported from elsewhere. Like the rest of the town, the locals happily chat with whomever will listen to them, and carry on with obvious happiness and contentment.

Important People

Mayor Thom Thorpe

Tiny human male age 45

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (High), SPD (High), MAG (Avg), SPR (Avg)

Skills: Crafting: Blacksmith (Trained), Etiquette (Trained), Lore: Metals (Talented), Lore: Mining (Trained), Negotiation (Trained), Trading (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Thom Thorpe is the current mayor of the town of Silvara, serving as the head of the small town council that meets once a year to discuss issues relevant to the whole community. In reality, these councils are almost unnecessary, as the hard-working and good-sensed locals generally work for the greater good and make wise decisions with little prompting from their leaders. Still, Thom greatly enjoys the prestige of his position, and most days can be found strolling about the town, greeting the people by name and inquiring about the details of their everyday lives. In fact, the only real annoyance in Thom's life is his beautiful daughter, who currently is being courted by at least a dozen different youths within the community. Although he rarely works anymore, Thom is also quite skilled as a smith and a tradesman.

Master Frederick Follansbee

Tiny frog male age 34

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (High), SPD (High), MAG (Avg), SPR (Avg)

Skills: Crafting: Blacksmith (Talented), Lore: Metals (Talented),

Lore: Mining (Talented)

Equipment: Average

Frederick Follansbee, or Fred as he is more generally known, has served for several years as the overseer for the Silvara Armory, providing guidance and direction for the tiny humans, frogs, and humanoid pigs that labor in the gathering, refining, and forging of the metals that are the lifeblood of the small community. Frederick also loves to accept especially difficult commissions or requests, and as of yet has never found a job that he was unable to complete with perfection. He is well respected within the community, and one of the few inhabitants whose name is known outside of the small island.

Back to The World