Archipelago Current Background

The islands forming Archipelago are homes to many different people, each with their own unique cultures and style of dress.

Archipelago, as the name suggests is a region made up of a range of small islands, with one of the larger collection of isles being The Confederacy. A constant thorn in the Confederacy's side is the Rat Run, a haven for Pirates, named for its difficult waters which make it difficult to navigate and fatal during the winter.

At the end of the Rat Run is Whitewater Isle, the site of a former Pirate Town, and was the domain of the Crimson Brotherhood and the Triads, now back under the control of the Guilds of Whitewater. These guilds have great influence in the Confederacy as well several other places in the world. The Guilds ensure everyone does their part and even enforce what little law the Rat Run itself possesses.

Heading North, you will find the Fenris Isles and a few scattered remnants of islands once part of the proud Jade Empire, nestled up against the vast continent of Union. The Fenris Island are a different political structure again. They have little to do with the other three island groups. Each of their islands may have one or more Jarls (Local Lord) which control 1 or more long ships, a small village and heap of Thanes (Warriors). The Jarls all bow to the King of the Fenris Islands.

To the east lies The Court of the Water Dragon, one big island in reality, pulling together the resources of the former Jade Empire, refugees from Whitewater, the Five Thunders and anyone interested in free commerce. The Court is where Triad Gangs enjoy freedom from rule of law of the Thunders. They are mainly traders but have many strong links and dealings with the Thunders and Whitewater. The 101 dragons as they are called rule the Court of the Water Dragon on behalf of the long-absent Dragon itself. While there probably not actually 101 dragons, each dragon is the head of a Triad Gang.

The Confederacy is an area of law and order with each island having its own Governor. Each Governor has theoretical equal status in the Confederacy, although the larger and more important islands and towns tend to carry more weight. Governors don’t interfere with each other’s islands, although they do come together to deal with common problems. These normally boil down to the Rat Run and managing the pirates hidden there. Although in recent times there has been an uncommon increase in co-operation, largely due to the Demon War. The Governors collect taxes to pay for their Navies which in turn protect their merchant shipping, which is the backbone of Confederacy wealth, from the Pirates which sail out from the Rat Run.