Driftwood Hollow

Driftwood Hollow, the town within the cliffside. The town is built into a series of natural caverns carved into the cliffside, which glow faintly at night due to bioluminescent algae. These glowing caverns provide both natural light and a magical ambiance, earning the town the nickname "The Luminous Cove." Tide pools in the lower levels are said to whisper fragments of the future to those who listen carefully.

Description

History

Driftwood hollow was a town built on the hopes of creating a more unified nautical group instead of broken up crews trying to make ends meet. The original founder Merrin Virell wanted to see his crew and fellow captains be able to make a life for themselves instead of constantly being at risk of death. Finding that the crews around were mostly aquatic he proposed to make the city near enchanted pearls he had found, allowing for a good flow of trade to and from the town. Thus the town began small, in a little inlet originally until slowly it expanded as more and more crews decided to join. Eventually the crews broke up into differing guilds, mostly becoming pearl divers to help the economy of the town flourish more.

Government

The government of Driftwood Hollow is run by a mayor and a guild council. The mayor is the head of the council and breaks ties while keeping the council in check. This position is often chosen by the community based on who they think would best put the people before the guilds. The local law enforcements are known as the Hollow Wardens and can be recognizable by their leather armour adorned with iridescent shells and seaweed motifs. Whilst their numbers might not be large, they are quite skilled combatants, as they were able to protect the kelp forest from poachers consistently.

Economy

Due to the rare resources of enchanted pearls, aquatic herbs, alchemical ingredients, and seafood delicacies, they have been able to have quite a prosperous economy.

Climate

Breezy and temperate, with frequent light rains and vibrant sunsets.

Population

Largely aquatic races like Merfolk and Half-Sirens.

Districts

Coveheart: The central cavern where the glow from the bioluminescent algae is strongest, most of the city’s shops and homes are located here.

Tidewatch Docks: A bustling business district where fishing boats, pearl divers, and merchant ships can dock and sell their goods.

Factions

The Pearl Divers’ Guild: The Pearl Divers’ Guild is the heart of Driftwood Hollow’s economy and soul. Founded by former sailors and reef-folk who sought peace instead of plunder, the guild prides itself on sustainable pearl harvesting and stewardship of the surrounding kelp forests. Every member swears an oath to protect the sea that sustains them, and to honor the balance between prosperity and preservation.

The Dusk Blades: Cutthroat smugglers and shadow divers, the Dusk Blades were born from former outcasts of the Hollow who chose ambition over allegiance. They traffic in stolen pearls, forbidden kelp elixirs, and exotic sea beasts—using hidden coves and coral caves as their bases. Their methods are brutal, their loyalties fleeting, and their creed simple: “Take the ocean’s secrets before someone else does.”

Trivia

• While the common currency of coins is accepted in Driftwood Hollow, in smaller transactions the populace has been known to use pearls as a bartering system as well. The more rare a pearl is, the more valuable.