Illian Bay

A large bay in Western Ivannos and the namesake of the region. Various city states line the coasts, and it is the hub of humanoid activity in Western Ivannos. Two isles laced with magic crystals are mined by a neutral consortium made up of representatives of each of the city-states in the bay.

Geographic Features

Illian Bay - A large bay in Western Ivannos and the namesake of the region. Various city states line the coasts, and it is the hub of humanoid activity in Western Ivannos. Two isles laced with magic crystals are mined by a neutral consortium made up of representatives of each of the city-states in the bay.

Mount Celestia - A mountain south of Illian Bay rumored to reach toward the very heavens themselves. None have yet succeeded in reaching the mountain’s fabled peak.

The Wracked Coast - A large island forming the western border of Illian Bay. The island sees many winds, storms, and monster attacks from the Western Sea.

The Storm Isles - A region in perpetual storm, not once in humanoid history has the sun been known to shine on these miserable islands.

The Mesparan Wastes - A large series of deserts, crags, and rocky steppes northeast of Illian Bay devastated by the Flux. Some believe a corruption to have influence over these regions. Others believe them the tomb of a long-dead empire. Both know that many who venture here have not returned, and those who have often suffer excruciating deaths of unknown causes.

The Dragon’s Spine - Rumored to be the calcified bones of a colossal dragon, these mountains are home to much smaller - but still deadly -  versions of their namesake. Many religious sects and cults consider these peaks sacred, and will fight to the death to defend their shrines and temples here.

Isle of Grace - An island rumored to be inhabited by creatures of supreme beauty, it is also rumored that other planes of existence may coincide with Ivannos here.

City-States and Major Settlements

Arbos - The most technologically-advanced city state on the Illian Bay. Run by a technocracy, their economy runs primarily on the refining of metals, as well as the research and sale of advanced technologies, such as black powder, spell crystals, and steam engines. Once home to a great forest of immense trees towering hundreds of feet into the sky, very little of the city’s namesake remains.

Virria - Virria is the city state known for producing the finest ships to travel the Bay and its many rivers. Run by a strict oligarchy, it is also known as a hub of crime, with a very large criminal underworld.

Gilea - A growing city state, known for producing over one-fifth of the Illian Bay’s crops, largely due to the fertile lands nurtured by consistent rains from the Northern Coast. The monarchy here seeks greater influence over the region, and does not hesitate to flex its military strength when challenged.

Beranos - A medium-sized port town southeast of Arbos. Known for its handling of food and other common goods. It is also the home of the Beran Building Consortium - an organization representing various guilds responsible for all facets of construction, from logging to building design to final construction.

Cariah - A small city-state, directly across Warden Bay from Virria. A vibrant direct democracy, this city-state is a direct rival to Virria, and is known for its small but well-trained military. Several minor skirmishes have happened since both city states were founded, and many suspect a large conflict is not far off.

Anvar’s Stead - A small farming and trading city-state at the base of the Varnathi Mountains. Many trails lead into the mountains and the Wildlands beyond, which has led this community to often be the first stop for traders looking for exotic eastern goods. Well-fortified due to its position upriver, only ship captains trained in the city know the ins and outs of the river and its dangerous delta, leading to a plutocracy of merchants and captains who run most of the city’s affairs.

Citadel Morain - A heavily fortified keep near the Strait of Lightning, this outpost is the home of an alliance of humans, dwarves, loxodon, and minotaurs who call themselves the Black Blades. Hiring themselves out as mercenaries, they have a reputation as scrupulous but bloodthirsty fighters who never back away from a fight (unless the pay is better, of course).

Taloss - A small outpost on the southern end of the Wracked Coast, this community of hardy hunters, smiths, and fishermen have suffered storms, monster attacks, necromages, and even the occasional raid from Citadel Morain, and have always managed to rebuild. The town is well known for their mines and blacksmiths of great renown, producing superior weapons of Taloss Steel, and is the believed origin of the phrase “Taloss-tough.”

Temple of Ascension - Believed to be the site of the first ascension to godhood, humanoids of great power and renown come here to test their mettle in the Coliseum atop the Five Thousand Stair Tower. Those seeking to become gods themselves also often stop here to recruit the mightiest of followers to their cause.

Rel’Danar - An isolated village west of Mount Celestia, Rel’Danar is home to exiles from the Eastern Reaches. The reason for their exile is not well known, as the inhabitants of the village shun outsiders.

Last Paradise - A small village on the edge of the Mesparan Wastes. Typically the last stop for expeditions into the Wastes, this village sees its fair share of eccentric wizards, unscrupulous bandits, and hopeful emigrants.