archipelago and notable locations;

[khuimods]

✽ NOTABLE LOCATIONS
	Landmarks & Prominent Establishments Races from all over Konryu agreed to put aside whatever differences they had and form the Ioduan Alliance, settling and building Aifaran with their combined resources and talents. The Kedan, Erol'a, Bresilykians, the four Tavimbian races, and many others work together to build the city on the lush new archipelago. They all brought supplies, wildlife, food reserves, everything that would be needed to settle the new continent. City of Aifaran Locations | Archipelago Landmarks | Other Cities and Towns (Click for an enlarged version of the map!) Aifaran - The Sea-Glass City CITY NEIGHBOURHOODS Malimo Also known as the Textile District, Malimo was once the center of all things fabric and fashion. In recent decades, the neighborhood has become a wellspring of creativity and design of all kinds. It is still home to a number of artisanal and traditional textile producers, many of whom maintain the unique fabrics and styles of their former homelands. These materials are highly prized and often expensive, but other fine fabrics can be found for lower cost. Malimo is one of the most diverse areas in Aifaran, and it is here that a brand of art and manufacturing that intentionally melds traditional elements together began, sometimes for the aesthetics or meaning and sometimes for the irony of it. This type of design is called ranan ait, which is an Igheeri word that approximately translates to 'woven roots'. Bayside As the name implies, this neighborhood is right on the water, encompassing the old piers and boardwalks that are no longer used for commercial trade. Half of Bayside is built out onto the water, with shops and residences constructed on sturdy stilts. A famous seafood restaurant, Perlenna's Catch, is actually a converted boat now permanently grounded in Aifaran's harbor. Reservations are required months in advance. Bayside is the place to come for any sea-related wares, ranging from kitschy souvenirs to fine jewelry, sailing supplies to seafood, and often feature items recently brought to the port from other cities in the archipelago. The area is especially popular with Erol'ans and Castians, many of whom run the shops. Kehel Park Kehel Park is one of the few areas in Aifaran that is zoned for a specific activity, in this case industry and manufacturing. Located on the far northwest edge of the city, Kehel Park is practically on the outskirts and far less dense. There are few if any residences here, and the most common structures are warehouses and factories. Not all of these serve their original purpose, however. As advancements are made in manufacturing, sometimes warehouses are shut down and converted for other uses. One of the best known conversions is the Opara Museum of Industry and Technology, which features exhibits on the technological advancements of the Ioduan Alliance since its founding. The most interactive portion of the museum is the Railway Room, which actually takes up an entire small warehouse to itself and displays original trams and Skyway cars going back almost 150 years. The Fenim Maritime Yard sits adjacent to the water and is another example of this cultural preservation. Most of the exhibits are indoors, but they have one large ship that's been anchored to the shore that is one of the original fleet of powered ships belonging to the Sentry. Tamfen Row Located near the center of Aifaran, Tamfen Row is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and spans three long, parallel streets. It originally encompassed the first tram lines, but is now almost exclusively for pedestrian traffic. Tamfen Row has undergone several transformations in Aifaran's history, and this is likely responsible for how, well, wacky it is. There is almost always some kind of party going on, and it is undeniably the most colorful area of the city. Literally: residents have abandoned the seaglass theme in favor of a truly riotous mix of colors and architectural styles. In some cases, this is the result of preserving heritage buildings, and in others it is an intentional effort to create something eye-catching and frankly weird. Some of the strangest sculptures in the city line Tamfen Row, and some of the most bizarre restaurants. These streets are a hotbed of experimentation, of pushing edges, and of breaking boundaries - sometimes with spectacular failures. It's not uncommon for workshops or kitchens to go up in brightly colored smoke, but these incidents are usually celebrated rather than frowned upon (at least by the residents). Despite the many oddities, Tamfen Row is home to some of the best cafes and music venues in the city. If you're looking for a little adventure in your daily life, this is the place to be. Union Quarter Union Quarter is where the first foundations of Aifaran were laid, and where the oldest buildings in the city remain. Only a few of them retain their original construction, but most buildings in the approximately pentagonal neighborhood have some elements from the city's establishment. The streets are narrower, and in some places cobbled, and buildings tend to be shorter. Almost everywhere you go, you can find a story, whether that's about a hotel that used to be a bank and before that a grainary, or tales of unique individuals that played an important role in Aifaran's early history. There are tours of Union Quarter that go into this history, some of which also make stops in other areas of Aifaran. The most popular kind are the ghost tours, which feature tales both dark and comedic depending on your preference, and explore some of Aifaran's underbelly - literally. These tours go underground into basements and cellars, taking a deep dive into the structures that have supported the city from the beginning. ( back to top ) SPECIFIC LOCATIONS THE AISLING TOWER This bone white spire is located on a rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean and is fairly isolated from the city proper. It is a somehow both a massive and elegant structure that gives a peculiar feeling of looming over the city, despite many buildings easily outstripping its height as advancements in construction were made since its conception. Its interior is built from chalky white stone and marble in varying shades of off-white and soft pink. Here, many researchers seek a way to tap into the Dreaming to harness its energy to power the city’s rapidly developing tech.Others explore how to interact with the Dreaming in a (relatively) safe manner, and whether it is possible to affect it in predictable ways. This research is not without controversy - its most ardent opponents being followers of the Ban Om who believe that messing with the Dreaming in any way may cause harm to the great turtle Tu Vishan. Incidents of negative impacts of Aisling Tower research are cited as a need for more oversight, or to get rid of them entirely. Proponents counter that the Dreaming’s source of power is functionally limitless and that a single, albeit large, city isn’t going to make anything resembling a dent in it. Although some of their practices are highly esoteric, most members utilize measures of controlled experimentation (insofar as interactions with the Dreaming can be controlled). Little is known about the details of this research unless the Tower opts to publish results, or when they seeks to work with outside parties. They are particularly interested in Dreamfolk, and some members can be maddeningly obstinate about getting one of them to visit. About two hundred individuals belong to the Aisling Tower, with members hailing from every race in the Alliance. While sometimes cast as a monolith, in reality the members of the Aisling Tower have a spectrum of beliefs and approaches to their research. They share mutual principles of collaboration, which fosters dialog between groups or individuals with opposing views; and radical inquiry, in which they dedicate themselves to pushing the boundaries of metaphysical study in order to protect the archipelago and bring balance back to the planes. IODUAN ACADEMY While private institutions exist for both primary and secondary education, the Ioduan Academy is publicly supported through the Alliance. Much like the modern university system, the Academy has different sub-schools or colleges based on field of study, e.g. The Eliyen School of Law. The main campus is located in Aifaran, however satellite campuses can be found elsewhere in the archipelago that usually focus on tradecraft relevant to the area. Melding the knowledge, technology, and histories of the Alliance races has resulted in a broad philosophy of education. Primary education covers the basics that most people will be familiar with, like math and science. Students are taught not only Alliance history, but world history prior to the unification - as well as the history of their conflict with the Chihuelans. While many languages are spoken in the archipelago, Ioduese is the unified language created for the Alliance as a standard which everyone learns. The Academy is home to the largest libraries in the archipelago, preserving knowledge from before the Alliance and chronicling the Alliance's formation. Unlike the Aisling Tower, the Academy makes most of its research available to the public. Great works of literature are also housed in the Academy libraries, but smaller neighborhood libraries are the best places for more accessible science and a broader variety of options for entertainment or pleasure reading. OPARA CORE Opara is the beating heart of Aifaran. A central hub for technology in the city, this is where most of the engineers work when they aren't out and about doing maintenance or upgrades on physical infrastructure. From here, the controls for the communication network are managed, the Skyway is monitored, and energy from the Xunutane is converted into a usable form - if the technology is supported by the Alliance, it can be found here. The building itself is one of the largest in Aifaran, sprawling over an entire city block and rising well above it to accommodate the various control centers. From an architectural design perspective, Opara is more about function than form: it's facades are simpler than most, featuring flat, colored tiling that gives off a slight sheen, like mother-of-pearl. Opara employs a diverse workforce, benefiting from the innate gifts some races like the Muin have for mechanical engineering. Dreamfolk are welcome employees, as many of them come from technologically distinct worlds and have unique experiences to contribute. MEDICAL FACILITIES Thanks to the combined knowledge and technology of the Alliance races, Aifaran has a robust medical system that emphasizes prevention and takes a holistic view of care. There are clinics in almost every neighborhood, usually within a short walk of public transit. Individuals can make appointments and most clinics also have walk-in availability. Some are open twenty-four hours for urgent care. Most clinics are equipped for and knowledgeable about the basic needs of all nine Alliance races, but some also have healers and doctors who specialize. Near the Dreaming Bridge, the White Sage Clinic is dedicated to Dreamfolk, who have the most unpredictable health needs. Dreamfolk are encouraged to make a visit when they're healthy (assuming they don't arrive in dire straits, which is not uncommon) and inform the healers of anything they may require. Having the information on file helps ensure quality of care, and they have strict privacy regulations for anyone concerned about sharing details of their physiology. For emergencies like fires or severe injury/illness, there is a dedicated number (e.g. 9-1-1 or 9-9-9) to call for help. Medical transports are among some of the few powered vehicles in the city and people know to get out of the way when sirens start blaring. The transports feature semi-organic, semi-mechanical life support systems designed with species adaptivity in mind and monitors for metaphysical anomalies in cases that involve planar interactions. There are ten hospitals of varied size in Aifaran, one of which specializes in treating children. The hospitals are largely funded by city and Alliance officials, as well as some private donors. All required medical care is provided without cost to the patient. Out-of-pocket medical expenses are typically only incurred when a patient requests a private room or other 'upgrades' that they don't necessarily need but could make a stay more pleasant. These are only available if not already in use by patients who do require specific amendments for their care. If patients wish to contribute funds to offset their care, however, they are able to do so. The Cejis Medical University is closely associated with several of Aifaran's hospitals. Although the university is not part of the Ioduan Academy, the two organizations have long-standing partnerships on certain kinds of research. Cejis offers a vast library that is open to students and alumni for free, and to the general public for a small fee. The proceeds of this fee go to maintain the library and surplus is donated to medical charities or one of the hospitals. AMETIS DREAMFOLK MUSEUM The Ametis Museum was built in an effort to help newcomers learn the history of the Alliance, Konryu, and the origins of Dreamfolk. Originally a small exhibit in the Dreaming Bridge, the museum has expanded to its own space. Exhibits feature significant objects and cultural information about the other continents that are no longer inhabited. Cases display items such as coveted lorell'an jewelry and round glass currency donated by Erol'ans from Zeshora; wooden furniture from Phorezton in Evidet; and more. Plaques and videos relate important aspects of culture that have been carefully preserved in the archipelago, and in some cases recordings from the time before the Alliance. The formation and growth of the Ioduan Alliance has been well-documented over the years, and although it is a strong institution now, it had a rocky start. Forced to abandon their homes and become refugees, bringing nine different races and cultures together inevitably resulted in some conflict. Memorials to skirmishes between opposing factions acknowledge the pockets of violence that erupted in those early days. Not all of these conflicts were along racial lines - as time went on, most became rooted in political and ideological differences. Eventually, conflict gave way to a political culture of lively and enthusiastic debate. Scuffles still occasionally break out on the floor of the legislature, but it's a far cry from the battles of the past. And throughout the museum, the story of the Dreamfolk ties everything together. Dramatic and artistic retellings of the centuries-long war against a world-devouring demon known as Malicant set the scene: Konryu was on the verge of destruction and it needed warriors. A spell was cast to draw them onto Tu Vishan's back to a city called Keeliai. The Dreamfolk of that time were called Foreigners, and they were simultaneously strong enough to fight Malicant and (in some cases) keenly vulnerable to his power. It took their combined efforts with the people of Keeliai to defeat Malicant. To this day, many kedan refuse to say the name aloud. The sorcerer who cast the spell was killed during the conflict, and so the spell continued to pull Dreamfolk to Konryu. Damaged from the war, the planes began to break down in earnest a few years later. A section of the museum explains Tu Vishan choosing to dive between the planes in an attempt to fix things before the planar collisions ravaged the entire planet. His young children stepped up to protect the peoples of this world, who otherwise would face the devastation of the planar storms. The formation of the archipelago and the Alliance was made with all due haste, and a lengthy process of terraforming and geomancy began. Aifaran was founded as a memorial to what Konryu was, even as the refugees of the Alliance watched their homes leveled being leveled from afar. Stories of people from the founding of the capital are woven with grief, but also a determination for survival. A city built upon the stones of their homelands, Aifaran grew and soared to become the living beacon it is today. The secrets of that ancient spell remain lost to history, but the transient Dreamfolk are now a welcome and permanent feature of life here. ( back to top ) Archipelago Landmarks GEOLOGICAL FEATURES & AREAS Eawai Passage Arguably the most important thoroughfare on the continent, this break in the otherwise impenetrable barrier of the Orolis Mountain range is the only way to traverse the northern and southern portions of the archipelago without traveling along its rugged coastline. Heavily developed now and the reason that many interior cities can be regularly and reliably supplied, there are Sentry outposts at both ends of the passage. In some places the passage is very narrow, only about 5 meters across, which does form a bottleneck during periods of heavy traffic or when large transports, such as construction materials, are being moved through the gap. Istyphos Peak Located at the southern tip of the Orolis Mountains, this is the highest point in the archipelago. As such, it's one of the few places that sees snow. Similar to Earth's Mount Fuji, the altitude of the mountain's summit is high enough that it is snow-peaked, though only for about a month a year. This mountain is, however, still growing in height as the turtles age. It is a popular spot for hiking, although this peak is craggy enough that only experienced hikers should attempt it. Jyjan Cove This cove shelters one of the islands that lies just off the coast and is well-known for its wide pebbled beach. The pattern of slow, regular wave activity has weathered these stones smooth, making it easier to walk on when visited. The real draw to this cove is the color of the stones: the pebbles display a beautiful array of purples, blues, and the coral pink seen on many of Aifaran's buildings. The island off the cove protects the shore, so it's popular not only with people but with aquatic creatures that are more delicate. A huge bed of sea grasses grows on the northern edge of the cove, and is home to a large number of fish and molluscs. The molluscs also dominate the rocky shoreline of the island there. They are gathered seasonally by local populations and regulated to prevent overharvesting. At night, sea wisps can be seen glowing in the shallows, and these are harvested constantly to prevent them from overrunning the coastline. Keikver River On the opposite side of the archipelago to Aifaran, the Keikvar River snakes from the Orolis Mountains towards the coast, dumping fresh water into the sea and creating a small estuary near Kin'kela Island. The river and estuary support a huge array of wildlife, held in careful balance of fresh and saltwater. The wetlands near the river are lush but delicate. Study of the estuary and the river is regulated to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. Kin'kela Island Kin'kela is one of the more remote islands of the archipelago, though more due to its status as a mating and nesting ground for gyroshei. Their loud calls make them poor neighbors, though with massive wingspans they fly all over the archipelago. The island has varied terrain, from grassy lowlands to a few rolling mountains that provide the enormous birds with an ideal habitat. Few people visit this island unless they want to be constantly pestered by them. The waters around the island are notably free of any cephalopods, which may have something to do with the birds. Lake Ingaph The largest lake in the archipelago and situated between the mountains and the coast, Lake Ingaph is one of the more unique ecosystems in Konryu. A number of the aquatic species are only found here and are particularly adapted to specific depths of water. Scientists believe there are even more to be found at depth, but research has been limited to prevent disturbing the delicate balance of these waters. Fishing is only allowed for a tiny handful of species and for a few weeks out of the year, though not many consider it worth it under these restrictions. Ingaph is also famous for a species of emerald-green snail that is highly prized for jewelry, but is also illegal to harvest for these reasons. The snail shells can be found on the black market and fetch a high price. The beaches here are soft and silty, so only a few areas are useful for sunbathing. The waters are very clear and swimming is allowed along the northeastern corner of the lake, near a tiny island that serves as a watchtower for the lake and nearby seacoast. Mas'Inge River Basin The Mas'Inge River Basin is the primary watershed for Aifaran, drawn down from the southern rim of the Orolis Mountains. Fed mostly by rain, Aifaran relies on maintaining pristine water quality upstream. The city and Alliance officials developed an agreement with settlements in the mountains like Sulhat Maf. While the upriver portions of the basin aren't heavily populated, this agreement and others like it are critical to maintaining a healthy ecology in the archipelago. Mieq River Basin Northwest of Aifaran, the Mieq River Basin stretches from Eawai Passage to Amkichi Beach, feeding a wide swath of fertile land. Famous for the deep blue stones streaked with white that line the riverbeds, this basin is key for transport through the Eawai passage and is closely monitored for changes that may result from its use. In addition to Sentry outposts in the mountains, the Ioduan Academy has research stations set up throughout the basin to ensure high water quality and health. Orolis Mountains This central mountain range forms the backbone of Khu Ioduan, running the entire width of the archipelago's main landmass. The standing oral tradition for their formation is that the young Great Turtles could not decide in what configuration to settle, and their jostling thrust the jagged line of the Orolis up from the freshly created terra. Their newness is reflected in the mostly-barren rocky slopes, where even lichen and mosses can be scarce; a stark contrast to the rest of the archipelago, which is lush and green. Many of these mountain areas are riddled with caves, which are home to creatures more suited to darkness than exposed light, such as the Koxalu Scorpion, and Rakenga can often be seen flying around the peaks. Plains of Crosche The plains spread out from the Mas'Inge River Basin that supplies Aifaran and are home to herds of Aphaufa and the few wild kirin than remain. The kirin can be found more often in the foothills of the Orolis Mountains that slope into the plains. The hardy grasses of the plains vary from lush and green to blades of yellow and even a bluish-colored variety, which is highly prized for the violet flowers that can be processed to create a potent pain medication. It is a difficult plant to raise in a greenhouse, so the majority of this medication is still sourced from wild ingredients and highly regulated. Quomia Lagoon Carved into the northernmost range of the Tin'tasa Mountains, Quomia Lagoon is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the archipelago. Warm, blue-green waters are home to an abundance of fish and seagrasses. Clear rivers drain from the mountains and a peculiar chemical interaction between these waters and the sea has turned a swath of water and beach purple. The silt of the river pouring into the lagoon supports not only the ecology but a resort industry that frames the lagoon as the archipelago's largest natural spa. Shuyal Bay The features of Shuyul Bay are part of why it was chosen for Aifaran's location. The waters here are deep enough to support ships and boats in large numbers, and the shape of the surrounding coastline helps to shelter both the city and the port. Fishing in the bay is regulated, as are other kinds of recreational activities, particularly in and around Aifaran in order to prevent degradation of the waters and shore. This is particularly important to conserve the dazzling coral reefs that can be found in the bay, some of which are so large as to extend beyond the magical barrier protecting the archipelago. These reefs are a subject of much study, as they exhibit behavior not unlike the mycelium of fungi. Tias'Ver Highlands This region of the archipelago is sparsely populated, with an irregular distribution of mountains and hills. Separated from the Plains of Crosche by a mountainous ridge, the Tias'Ver Highlands have a distinct variety of grasses and plants dotting the land. The Highlands lie in the rain shadow of the Orolis Mountains, resulting in a drier climate that is typically a degree or two cooler than the rest of the archipelago. Outside of Jolilende, there are only a few small settlements in this region that survive thanks to the oases provided by lakes that stay full year-round. These lakes are home to unique species of fish, and the grasslands provide habitat for birds and ground-dwelling rodents that are only found here. As a result, there are efforts in motion to designate large portions of the Highlands as a protected area or park. Tin'tasa Mountains The Tin'tasa Mountains rise at the far eastern edge of the archipelago, running down the back of one of the great continent turtles. Not quite as high as the Orolis Mountains, they nevertheless create a formidable protective ridge for much of the coastline. There is no natural passageway through this region; instead, there are roads that go around it to the west across the Tias'Ver Highlands, and another that snakes along the coast. This coastal road is maintained primarily by city and Sentry officials from Kaiare (with some funding from Morgarris) and is renowned for the beautiful vistas, especially at sunrise when the red hue of the mountains appear painted like a watercolor. Vauntryn Delta A rare example of an inverted river delta, the Vauntryn Delta spreads across flat coastal floodplains in the northwestern corner of the archipelago. Freshwater from the Orolis Mountains does enter the valley where the delta has formed, which geologists speculate will allow it to last longer than inverted deltas do typically, and may in fact reverse to a tidal or wave delta over time instead of drying up completely. The salinity gradient here varies depending on which branch of the delta is measured; the more western tributaries tend to be saltier further upstream. Recently, a great deal of research has been launched out of Cheust to study the wetlands and marshes near the coast, where new species of salt-tolerant plants are emerging. Zoech Lowlands To the far west, the Zeoch Lowlands are warm and wet with slow-flowing rivers that are usually colored brown and green with sediment and organic matter, such as woody debris from the eastern forests. In the middle of the Lowlands, there is a wide freshwater lagoon. Much of the lagoon is shallow, but studies have mapped a number of deeper basins that aren't well-explored yet. Their depth is of some concern regarding the health of the continent turtles, but scientists are encouraged that the waters themselves are habitat to over 100 species of fish and water plants. Beyond the lagoon, much of the plant life is low-lying and herbaceous, stubbornly protecting the region from erosion. Once a year, this somewhat boring landscape transforms when the plants bloom in early fall, carpeting the lowlands in color. The few settlements in this area rely strongly on fishing and hydroponics, as the lowlands do not support much agriculture. ( back to top ) Other Cities and Towns Amkichi Beach [G-6] Covering the lagoon-like area where the Mieq River Basin empties into the sea, Amkichi Beach is one of the more popular destinations for swimming and general water sports on the whole archipelago. While many areas of shoreline around the main island have sandy areas and could thus be used for swimming, Amkichi Beach is actively maintained as a recreational area. Bejichi Town [I-6] Northwest up the coast, Bejichi Town is a source of regular trade for Aifaran. Thanks to the proximity to the Meiq River Basin, many of the towns and settlements upriver send goods here to be shipped elsewhere, such as timber, fiber goods, and foodstuffs. Bejichi was originally a Sentry outpost, evidenced by the solid stone walls that protect the markets, docks, and much of the outer town. Originally functional in nature, the walls are growing increasingly ornate as residents and visitors affix shells, glass, metal, stone, and more in a huge collaborative mosaic. A strong artist's guild has emerged to manage the project and support artisanal crafts in the area. Beothe [F-10] Located in the foothills of the Orolis Mountains, Beothe is the main source of pine timber and evergreen products in the archipelago, but they also trade in clay and stoneworks. The terrain here is hilly and rich with life, and the town itself is one of the more diverse in the archipelago. The Ioduan Academy has a satellite campus here that specializes in forestry, land management - and architecture. In order to protect the land and the trees, the founders of Beothe decided to leave almost all of the trees standing and instead build around them. Bridges and walkways rise towards the canopies, residences are literally tree houses, and it is hard to tell sometimes where forest ends and construction begins. Cape Avery [E-3] The Cape is the westernmost settlement in the archipelago. Primarily a Sentry outpost, the few people live here support the sailors guarding the coast and serve merchants that stop over on travels around the archipelago. The coast here is rocky and can be tricky for some ships to pass through, so the Cape maintains buoys and other signaling systems to guide them - including a stunning lighthouse. Cheust [D-7] Cheust is nestled into the forests northwest of Aifaran, and it is here that the finest timber products are made. Hardwoods are rare, but it is likely that any hardwood used in Aifaran were grown here. Unlike many of the smaller settlements that dot the archipelago, Cheust's population is surprisingly evenly mixed among the races. Sustainable forestry is crucial for the archipelago to thrive in the long term, and requires the skills of engineers, arborists, soil scientists, metaphysicians, and more. While the primary goal is to grow and steward trees and associated plants, Cheust is also something of a social experiment in intentional community. There is no formal governing body; leadership roles rotate every few years among community members that have been identified with gifts suitable to the position. Dynraya [K-13] On the Plains of Crosche, Dynraya is home to most of the archipelago's Arybar. The settlement is spread out along the edge of a river, and despite the distance between houses the community here is strong and welcoming. The care and cultivation of the land is key to maintaining a sustainable food source, and the Arybar are unrivaled in their agricultural expertise. The town acts as a central gathering place for the Arybar that are more nomadic, and any other groups that are far flung across the plains in care of the land. Annual celebrations swell the population to nearly twice what Dynraya normally sees, and for a few weeks the whole town is one big harvest party. Hatmoro [C-5] This settlement is a small collection of peoples on the coast. Most of those who live here would prefer to be sailors; it's impossible, now, to sail the high seas, so they make do. There's a careful fishing trade here, with extensive management to prevent over-fishing, and some of the best ropes and nets are also made here. Anyone's welcome, but there's little touristy to do; if you don't like fishing, this may not be the place for you. Hianla Qi [C-10] Hianla Qi is a large town on the northern edge of the archipelago. Built next to a large lake and adjacent to the Vauntryn Delta, Hianla Qi is famous for wetlands and the art of fermentation. The best ales, spirits, and liquors are made here - the secret, so they say, is in the water. No one seems to know what that means. The town also produces a variety of fermented and pickled vegetables (some quite unusual - swap radish anyone?). Far from Aifaran, Hianla Qi is rumored to be a haven for thieves and criminals who wish to escape the reach of the law. Jolilende [G-15] Built atop a large hill, Jolilende is a town of hardy people and the biggest stopover point on the roads from the southern archipelago across the Tias'Ver Highlands. Jolilende hosts one of the agriculture extension services of the Alliance, overseeing the management of the highlands. The Verdant Sentry has a small outpost here as well, mostly to assist travelers and support the permanent residents in maintaining the settlement. It is a town of inns and markets, and an excellent place to hear stories both fearsome and fantastical. Kaiare [N-15] The next largest city in the archipelago after Aifaran, Kaiare is not quite a metropolis but has a lively atmosphere and conducts brisk trade. As a coastal city, Kaiare has its fair share of fishing, but they're also pioneering a sustainable form of aquaculture. The majority of the population are Castians. As a result of their heritage, the city is famous for nautically-inspired architecture. It is common practice for old ships that are no longer seaworthy to be recycled, as much as possible, into the structure and decor of new houses. A ferry runs twice a day between Aifaran and Kaiare, carrying both passengers and cargo. The trip takes a few hours, so the ferry is equipped with dining facilities and a game library where passengers can entertain themselves. The two ships that follow this route are named the Paluma and the Tenedos. Each has unique decorations and passengers often favor one or the other if they take the route regularly. While most Dreamfolk remain in Aifaran, Kaiare also offers support for newcomers who wish to live outside the capital, although some opportunities are harder to come by. Morgarris [G-18] If you're in need of an intensive spa treatment, come here. Morgarris is the closest thing to a resort town in the archipelago, leveraging the abundance and beauty of Quomia Lagoon to attract visitors. Although it may seem kitschy in some areas, Morgarris is peaceful and restorative to the body, and in some cases the mind and magics of travelers. In addition to the gorgeous waters, there are abundant hiking activities in the area. Some of these trails lead to shrines, springs, or natural rock formations reknowned for their healing or metaphysical properties. Stories are told of wellsprings of magic hidden in and around the lagoon, but none of this is confirmed. Nadyme Point [D-18] Sparse and rocky, Nadyme Point is where Sentry members are sometimes reassigned as punishment, and where researchers flock to study local wildlife. It's hard, simple living, and some residents of Nadyme Point prefer it that way. They stay for the quiet isolation of a seaside town and the unhurried, unharried lifestyle. Many residents work to preserve traditional means of living and manufacturing, and the small village is known for the 1-2 astonishingly well-crafted sailing boats they make each year. Sulhat Maf [H-10] Here is the city of stone masons. South of Eawai Passage, Sulhat Maf is built directly into the mountainside. The city is spoken of as a home of mysticism, where pools of nature magic settle and veins of rock thrum with life. Many of the native citizens of the Alliance with magical abilities reside in Sulhat Maf as it is a center of learning and practice. Just as the land must be cultivated to support large cities, the rock and stone of the mountains must be grown. Travelling here is rough and difficult, but not impossible if you have a guide who knows the way. Verenth [E-13] Located in the Orolis Mountains, Verenth is not a town in the way most people would think of it. Although snow is effectively non-existent in the archipelago, even at the summits, high winds and limited amounts of arable land required creative adaptations. Rather than carve out the mountains to suit their needs, the settlers here worked with the existing landscape. The people of Verenth are mostly Arybar, who live in sturdy tents that keep out the wind and rain. Roads only exist in the barest sense around these tents, and are better-defined near the marketplace and the central town building around which most life in Verenth circles. While reaching Verenth is a challenge that requires experienced hikers - it's recommended you hire a guide who knows the way - the people are very welcoming. Strangers will be treated warmly, offered a space to sleep and given food if they need it. The town does not produce much beyond what they need for themselves, but Verenth specializes in the cultivation of rare plants and fungi that are used to create medicine across the archipelago.

( back to top )