The Misty Isles
Ruled by: Ashenroot
Census: 55,000 (elf)
Religion:
Language: Elvish, Common
Cities: Port Veil (small city)
Notable Ships: Seven of Stars
Resources: Lumber, rare animals
About seven days out from Ashenroot is its primary colony, the Misty Isles. The cluster of about twenty islands is shrouded by a permanent cloud. As the cloud never really clears, it’s kinda hard to know exactly how many islands there are, and the elves certainly aren’t telling!
The elves have built a single city so far, Port Veil, near the edge of the cloud. Ships can dock there and trade with the natives. The rest of the islands are mostly wilderness, and the elves are quick to warn ya not to go wandering around. Of course, they offer their services as guides, for a hefty fee. They do speak of lots of dangerous critters that make the islands their home, so you should also hire lots of elven guards. For a hefty fee. Of course.
Port Veil is a bustling community of elves. The port has three main streets, each a big circle. The circular streets interlink and have lots of side streets and alleys as well, but few are visible from above. Massive trees, mainly oaks and ash trees block all but the widest streets from view.
What amazes me is that the elves not only appreciate the finer points of machinery but that they manage, somehow, to blend it with their love of nature. Trees curve around factories and buildings in intricate fashion. I was most impressed by a row of brick and mortar buildings with trees grown into the walls such that they seemed to blend into the brick, natural yet modern. I think the design may catch on, because I saw some gnomes talking to elves and taking notes.
Anyways, I didn’t get much time to marvel at the architecture because of our pressing business. Captain Marks had heard about this lost temple, and wanted to check it out. He hired us a couple of guides and some extra swordarms in case of trouble. Some mean looking elves, too, even the women. Othel, ever the delusional lady’s man, attempted to bed the elf lieutenant, a maiden by the name of Eryna. He was rewarded with a broken arm.
The next four days was spent drifting between the cloud blanks at a painstakingly slow pace, to avoid running into tiny islands that could cause serious damage to the Raven. All the while, we had to keep chasing overgrown bats and flying lizards from trying to make off with unaware crewmen.
The temple was an odd collection of columns, stone chambers, ugly beasts, and deadly traps. Took us the better part of three days to clear the place out. Found all sorts of odd trinkets, gold, and even magic items! After costs, my cut of the take was enough to buy that fancy six-shooter I’ve always wanted, complete with an ivory handle. Too bad we completely blew the rest of the money on cheap ale and fast women. After another week in port, I think the elves made it plain that we had worn out our welcome. Not often we get a military escort out of an archipelago.
During our stay, I learned that the place is pretty much run by Ashenroot. It has a governor who is the representative of the Ashenroot Crown. He mostly enforces the laws and collects taxes as dictated by the Crown and keeps power because he commands a company of royal soldiers. He’s not really well liked, but hey, when you have all the power and protected by the best troops in the city, who cares? I guess if he got too unpopular the Ashenroot Crown would have him removed, but so long as he does his job and gets them tax money, they don’t care.
My own expansion and alterations (you may remember me talking about these a few weeks ago on another thread) to your original setting are nearly complete and just need a few more tweaks before posting. Hopefully I'll be able to get to them this weekend.
I remember, and I can't wait to read it. The Ethersea is certainly one of my odder ideas