Travellers Guide to the Broken Band

From the Foreword:

Since the dawn of exploration, the lands of the Broken Band and beyond have captured the fascination of those brave souls, such as the Skyseekers, who seek the wonders these wild lands may hide. Having had the rare privilege of serving onboard one such Skyseeker vessel, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to explore these far-flung lands, and bear witness to the fantastical sights, places, and peoples that inhabit them. So it is that I pen this record of my travels, to serve as a guide for those who wish to venture into these lands, whatever their reasons for doing so, that they may better prepare themselves for whatever encounters they may have. 

From Chapter 1: Zoria and the Syrik:

Just south of Aelor one will find the continent of Zoria, homeland of the cold-blooded Syrik. Due to the long standing animosity between our peoples (particularly with the nation of Goroth), it is advised that one keeps their distance from their territories when venturing south into the Broken Band. Unfortunately, due to their location within the central region of the Band, one still faces the possibility of conflict when venturing southward (my own vessel has experienced its own fair share of skirmishes in this region). Fortunately, travelling along the eastern regions of this land is comparatively safer, as the Iaxan Syrik native to the region, while still largely concerned with their own affairs, are more keen on maintaining amicable relations with the outside world.

From Chapter 3: Enclaves of the Broken Band

Contrary to what most might believe, the Broken Band is not a wholly uninhabited place. Besides the Syrik, a number of enclaves of varying size and influence, all inhabited by both Arun and Vyndikai, can be found scattered throughout the land, each a small nation unto themselves. Despite lacking many of the advancements that have allowed us and our Kaedran rivals to venture into these lands, their knowledge on navigating and controlling the wilder magics found here has none the less made them invaluable allies in our efforts to chart the far reaches of the world.

From Chapter 6: The Shattered Lands:

Of the Shattered Lands beyond the Broken Band, there’s little I have to say. Few have ventured into that strange realm in the centuries since our great expedition first began, and even I have only ever seen its outermost reaches in my own travels. What I can tell you, however, is that these lands are truly unlike anything we have seen before: far from the stabilizing influence of the Ygdril, the landmasses here are almost constantly shifting, magic is far more unstable, and the Rooteaters appear to have total dominion of the furthest reaches. Only the bravest (or maddest) would even think of venturing into these lands, and among the few before our own crew to attempt such a feat, fewer still have returned to tell of what they found.