The Specks
The Specks or Vaeloth as the Elves called it, is a set of islands with a maelstrom at its centre. Independent from the kingdoms, the Specks are home to dozens of pirate bands and thousands of criminals. Exiles from around the world and those fleeing persecution will often find ways to making it to the Specks. Smuggling groups offer passage for cheap, leaving people at one of the many port villages.
Central to the chain of islands is the Habringers Maelstrom, an ever present and magical whirlpooling storm. Magic radiates from it, lightning flashes in sickly green colours, and has since before the time of the Empire. None know what sit within the storm and whirlpool, or what caused it. But releases a heat unlike anything else seen - the water boils near enough to it, and that heat has radiated out and the kept what should be a cold patch of sea incredibly tropical and warm.
There are few really claims to ownership outside of personal possessions and ships in the isles. The bit of land that groups claim to own is heavily contested, often raided by roving gangs of pirates. These include Ilmoran sugar farms, House Stormdrake keeps that work to make sure trade routes are clear, and trading guild forts. Sugar, rum, and some spices are the few things really produced within the Specks - and trade of these items is hotly contested by locals.
True indigenous populations of the Specks is mostly Triton and Owlin, though since the time of the Empire the islands have been home to the stateless individuals that have fled or been forced to flee their previous homelands. Many find work on farms, fisheries, and in the many villages dotting the islands. Coin is less important than supply, as bartering has become the economic choice outside of major hubs and outsider run townships. Many more find work on ships - mercenary and mercantile vessels moving through and around the islands and into the greater Aesteria. However, the most known ship work is aboard the plethora of pirate parties that plunder the sea. These groups range in size and scope, from small skiff groups hitting independent traders to full war parties striking massive economic entities. Often it is not coin they seek but labour and material, scouring the seas for proper ship hands, shipwrights, and goods to barter or use. Pirate Lords of wealth and renown will even trade and work with groups like House Stormdrake or the Lordless Lands to attack competitors or enemies.
Many ports are free ports, allowing trade vessels to rest and resupply on their long journey across the sea. These too can be targets for pirate Lords if the prey is fat enough. To combat this, popular stop points are often garrisoned by mercenary forces to maintain an aura of independence amongst the various traders. These ports are also popular amongst adventuring groups as they have the cleanest lines of communication to the rest of Aesteria, and the most coin wealth. Monsters roam the Specks unmolested, with no real adventuring guilds functioning with the archipelago's borders.
The single port that does not fear piratical raids, is that of Haven. Built within the Hastlands failed attempt to colonise the Specks, Haven is a self-described "free pirate port". Run by the self-titled Baroness, Lydia Stryfe doesn't rule with an iron fist but rather an open hand. All can rest, refuel, spend coin, and trade within the walls of her port. So long as they do not target the few traders who make port within, and do not destroy the infrastructure or interfere with her business. Bar fights are common, but all within fear a visit from the Baronesses guards.
