The Southern Colonies

The Southern Colonies- sometimes known as the Sorrow Isle Colonies- are a dispersed collection of towns officially founded during the transitory period between Gelid and Girith II. Although its unknown when the first settlers migrated south to the Sorrow Islands, common records of consistent settlement begin in the 4250's MRE. At first, villages and towns formed around the need for repairs as small vessels were blown ashore. However, as journeys eastward became more frequent after the voyage led by Rupert Larazaar, the need for stops along the way grew. Not only this, but the sentiment that drove Larazaar eastward also began to grow and hundreds boarded ships in search of a better life.   This movement bolstered the ranks of the original settlers, most of whom emigrated to flee persecution under the Girith II regime. This mix of anti-authoritian and adventure idolatry was a recipe for a harsh and undaunted kind of people for whom the horrors of the Gulf became an everyday event. Such folk often leave their places of birth, with some returning to the mainland by way of military or merchant naval service. Most, however, strike out eastward or take to the sea in their own groups. Those who have no appetite for travel are nonetheless challenged as the Colonies face the harshest weather of the wider region- shielding the continent from Æthir winds that come from south of the known world. The brutal weather has bred equally chilling monstrosities that lurk on the southmost shores. Some even make their way inland, but the locals have learned to hunt them down at first sight.   In the modern day, the Colonies sit in a grey area of juristiction: all attempts by the Lordship to assert more direct control have been rebuked, but the Colonies aren't able to sustain themselves without aid. As it stands, the hardiness of their recruits and the strategic importance of Pikefell are payment enough for continued shipments of essential supplies from the mainland. However, this arrangement is tentative, and each side grows wearier of the other by the day.