The Ridge Communities
South of Perryn Island, on the southern end of The Dread Sea, is The Ridge Communities, seven islands strung out in a line roughly 3,000 miles long. All of the islands except for Castle Rock are situated atop the Lirris Ridge, an up thrust of the seabed that rises close to the surface. The Lirris Ridge juts quite a ways into the Dread Sea and acts as a natural barrier that splits the sea into two regions. While the whole of the Dread Sea is known for its strong currents and fierce storms, the currents are storms are somewhat abated on the western end of the sea.
The islands are generally far between each other and sparsely populated. Though they refer to themselves as a community the term is used more in a geographic than a social manner. For the most part the islands are way points for sailors who ply these waters. Most of these sailors are merchants traveling to the Crescent League, but a large number of fishing boats travel to these waters as the Lirris Ridge is home to large schools of fish as well as massive pods of whales.
It is a desolate and isolated region, but those who live here love it dearly because it is desolate and isolated. Independence is a strong straight among most of the residents, as is a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help those in need, for the most part. The islands also draw their fair share of ne’er-do-wells.
The route along the Ridge Communities is generally referred to as the Ridge Route, though some call it the Trail of Broken Keels. While the islands of the Crescent Leagues are part of the Lirrs Ridge they are not considred part of the Crescent League. Relations between the two regions is quite friendly.
Locales in The Ridge Communities
Castle Rock: Jumping of point of the Ridge Route, Castle Rock rises up out of the sea to a height of 1,000' and its steep hills are covered with dense forests. It is a busy port where ships can stock up on supplies and effect repairs. While a generally peaceful island the small populace is known for being a bit on the rough side. Fights are quite common but almost never involve weapons or serious injury.
Portmore Island: First of the islands situation on the Lirrs Ridge, Portmore is a smaller, more peaceful version of Caslte Rock, though no less busy.
The Marble Plinth: This is an uninhabited pillar of marble of unknown origin that juts up out of the sea.
Bloodstone Island: A once prosperous island that has not necessarily fallen on hard times but rather has fallen in its reputation. It is a haven for those who chafe at the laws of others and those who seek to take what they want from those they view as weaker than themselves.
Reed Archipelago: Home to a family of propserous merchants and good Samaritans, the Reed Archipelago is a common refuge for those fleeing storms and pirates. It is also a jumping off point for dwarven merchants from the Dark Regions of the Lirris Ridge.
Island of Riches: This island is home to a clan of dwarves and a clan of warriors descended from an ancient family from North of the Great Glacier. Both families have formed a single "family" for purposes of protection and profit, both of which they excel at. The island is known for its extremely high quality coal, some of which even makes its way to the far northern regions of the world.
Storm's Island: This odd island is known for its combination of generous charity and its gruff desire to be left alone.
Points of Interest
The Starshine Shallows: Situated about two miles south of the Reed Archipelago is a region of particularly shallow water that is home to vast oyster beds that are known to green pearls that resemble the precious metal starshine. The waters are also home to large schools of barracuda and sharks, making the harvest of these pearly a very dangerous job, which in turn increases their value immensely. The Shallows also draw a fair number of pirates who ply the waters, seeking to waylay those heading north with their holds full of oysters and their coffers full of pearls.
Nomads of the Sea: Throughout the waters of the Lirris Ridge can be found an unknown number of sea elf tribes. The never stay in one place long and constantly migrate in a seemingly random fashion. They prefer to mind their own business but they are not above helping out anyone in need that they stumble upon. It is rumored that there is permanent settlement of homes situated somewhere south of Storm’s Island or the Island of Riches, but if so it is most likely only used sporadically.
The Dread Fleet: This is a floating collective of pirates who come together for mutual protection and to make raiding easier. Situated far south of the Ridge Communities the heart of the Dread Fleet is a flotilla of roughly 30-50 ships are lashed together and connected with gangplanks and rope bridges. At any given time there are an unknown number of pirate ships plying the waters from the Principality of the Righteous and the Duchy of Steas to the West and North all the way to the shores of Perryn Island to the North and on rare occasion to the Western fringes of the Sea of Nrowl. Ships come and go to trade goods, sell supplies, and occasionally settle scores. While the they have the numbers to take over several of the communities in the area they lack the leader who has the charisma and sheer will power to unite them into a cohesive force.