Infernis Isle

An extension of the Hellsgate Peaks in the Crescent Sea, Infernis Isle is divided from the mainland by the perilous Strait of Gehenna. While the island, like the rest of the peaks in the range, is home to several unusually active volcanoes, regularly spitting lava and ash in large quantities, it is different from the rest of the Hellsgate Peaks in several respects.   Surrounded by the waters of the Crescent Sea, Infernis Isle is much cooler than the rest of the Hellsgate Peaks, which allows for natural creatures to exist on its slopes, particularly on the isle’s eastern coast. Though the plant life is too sparse and the territory too steep and too dominated by volcanic rock to make Infernis Isle habitable to humanoids (not to mention the ever-present stink of sulfur), many seabirds and mammals survive there by fishing in the well-stocked, often bathwater-warm waters near the shoreline.   The highest points of the isle are more mysterious, however. Shrouded continuously in smoke and ash, the peaks are said to be impossible to climb. Tradition along the Free Coast claims that a very old red dragon makes its home near the top of Infernis Isle. But while smaller red dragons are often observed near the Hellsgate Peaks, none is large enough or powerful enough to fit the description of the legendary Infernis Isle Wyrm. Perhaps the creature is slumbering in its lair. Perhaps it is long dead or never existed. In any case, local sailors and fishermen approach the Infernis Isle coastline only in times of direst necessity, and none ventures up the isle’s steep sides to explore the peaks above.