The Red Isles
The Red Isles are the collection of islands and atolls located to the southwest of the mainland continent. An extremely resource abundant island chain, the Isles were initially colonized by the Athezians and the Kalisandrians prior to the creation of the Bastion Imperium, they're also renowned for their beauty and an abundance of pirates.
Originally called the Colonial Islands, the archipelago got its current name due to the bloody battles that took place between the Athezians, the Kalisandrians, and the Free Fleet during the Colonial War. The battles are said to have dyed the beaches and the surrounding waters red for months after.
While there are numerous smaller islands and atolls that make up the Red Isles, the largest of them are:
- Zephyria - the northernmost island in the Red Isles. It was predominantly colonized by Athezia. The island's rolling hills and fertile valleys are home to terraced vineyards, olive groves, and aromatic herb gardens, cultivating a rich agricultural tradition. Its bustling port city, Byrsa, facilitates trade, while the architecture reflects Athezian elegance and nautical influences. Zephyria invites travelers to indulge in sun-soaked leisure, explore its cultural tapestry, and experience the warm hospitality of its people.
- New Avalonia - This island, once colonized by the Kalisandrians, now finds itself under the control of the Free Fleet, a formidable force that maintains its dominion amidst ongoing disputes with the Athezians. New Avalonia has become renowned for its thriving mineral extraction industry, with abundant deposits of rare gems, gold, and the coveted dragonpowder, a powerful substance akin to gunpowder in this realm. The island's rugged terrain and rich mineral veins offer ample opportunities for prospectors, miners, and alchemists to uncover valuable resources that fuel the flames of trade and conflict alike.
- Misthaven - As a testament to unity and defiance, the early Bastion settlers of Misthaven formed the Free Fleet to resist external claims. Misthaven is a land of enchantment and untamed wilderness, with thick cloud forests and towering mountain peaks that shroud the island in ethereal mist. Freeport, the main settlement, serves as a bustling hub for the Free Fleet, attracting pirates, traders, and adventurers in search of refuge and fortune. The island's abundance of ancient ruins left by the enigmatic Builders entices explorers with the promise of hidden treasures and forgotten histories, making Misthaven a land ripe for discovery, danger, and the allure of the unknown.
- Corsair’s Haven - A treacherous archipelago renowned for its perilous waters and unpredictable currents. Originally established as a penal colony by the Kalisandrians, this group of minor islands became a haven for the most hardened and rebellious criminals. While the Kalisandrians have long since departed, the remnants of their penal system have formed a distinct society within Corsair's Haven, comprising the more radical and aggressive factions of the Free Fleet. With a reputation for lawlessness and defiance, the inhabitants of Corsair's Haven navigate the dangerous waters, ready to defend their territory and challenge anyone who dares encroach upon their domain.
- Coralstrand Islands - a picturesque archipelago teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. These islands are known for their shallow, crystal-clear waters and sandy shores adorned with colorful seashells and intricate coral formations. The Coralstrand Islands have become a haven for fishermen, sailors, and maritime enthusiasts, as the abundance of marine resources supports a thriving fishing industry. The islands offer a serene and idyllic setting, attracting visitors seeking tranquility and the opportunity to explore the mesmerizing underwater world.
- Sunset Archipelago - the western reaches of the Red Isles, marking the edge of the known world. This cluster of islands is a place of stunning natural beauty and mystique, where the fiery hues of sunset cast a mesmerizing glow across the land and sea. The Sunset Archipelago is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs, hidden coves, and golden sandy beaches that shimmer under the fading daylight. The islands are a paradise for explorers and adventurers, offering breathtaking vistas and the promise of undiscovered treasures. However, the remoteness of the Sunset Archipelago also brings forth formidable challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns and the enigmatic legends of ancient spirits said to roam the islands.
History
- Prehistory: Early in its history, the Red Isles were home to the Builders, an ancient civilization renowned for their advanced knowledge of magic and architecture. These early inhabitants constructed monumental stone structures, with many ruins scattered across the islands.
- Year 1400: Captain Zophyr's Athezian merchant ship, caught in a storm, discovers the Red Isles. They name the first discovered island Zephyria and eventually prosper there.
- Year 1410: Zophyr founds the city of Byrsa on Zephyria and starts recruiting settlers from neighboring kingdoms back on the continent, laying the groundwork for the multicultural identity of the Islanders.
- Year 1420: Other islands and minor chains are discovered and settled by the multinational Islanders, who develop their own distinct culture and values.
- Year 1435: Zophyr passes away, but his legacy lives on as the spiritual founder of the Free Fleet, a group protecting the interests of the Islanders.
- Year 1450: The Athezian Colonial Administration claims control over Zephyria, challenging the independent status of the Islanders.
- Year 1480: A wealthy Kalisandrian prospector discovers valuable resources, including dragon powder, on the central island. New Avalonia and Rhodestown are established under Kalisandrian control.
- Year 1500: War erupts between Athezia and Kalisandria, with the Free Fleet caught in the middle. The battles that ensue become the namesakes for the islands.
- Year 1550: The war between Athezia and Kalisandria intensifies, causing significant casualties and devastation among the Islanders.
- Year 1600: The Draconic Invasion redirects the attention of Athezia and Kalisandria to their mainlands, weakening their hold on the Red Isles.
- Year 1648: King Rhodes Kalisandrus III shifts his focus to growing influence within the Bastion Imperium, dropping the colonial claim to the Red Isles.
- Year 1650: A tentative peace exists between the Free Fleet and Athezia, but the latter still maintains its claim to the entire island chain, particularly New Avalonia
Alternative Name(s)
The Colonial Isles (formerly)
Type
Archipelago
Included Locations
