The Shattered Seas: an ocean of islands, pirates, and danger—Dominion law fades and treasure calls.
| Played | 41 times |
| Cloned | 2 times |
| Created | 10 days ago |
| Last Updated | Yesterday |
| Visibility | Public |
Aunt Brilla’s Table
A beloved neighborhood tavern run by a former navy cook. Known for generous stews, affordable ale, and warm conversation, it’s the place locals go when they don’t want to be noticed by nobles or guards.
Azure Fang Beach
A narrow, gravel-strewn inlet pressed between jagged rocks, Azure Fang Beach is less a place of rest and more a gauntlet for the desperate or determined. Sharp stones litter the shore, slick with salt and sea moss, and the constant roar of the surf drowns all but the closest voices. Drag marks in the gravel hint at hasty landings—or hasty retreats. High above, the ruined lighthouse looms like a watchful eye, barely visible through the mist. Sea wyverns occasionally circle overhead, their shadows gliding across the water like silent predators. Nesting grounds dot the cliffside beyond the beach, and at low tide, strange, cracked eggshells can sometimes be found among the rocks—along with bones that don’t always look entirely human. Few choose this landing unless they’re seeking something hidden, forbidden, or lost. Even fewer return.
Bastion’s Reach Beach
A narrow, iron-grated landing zone carved into the rocky shore, Bastion’s Reach Beach is less beach and more battlement. Massive chain pylons rise from the surf, anchoring the Dominion's sea gates that control access to the harbor beyond. The sand is dark and coarse, reinforced with timber and steel plates to resist erosion—and invasion. Watchtowers loom overhead, their cannons fixed toward the sea, and patrols march in tight formation along the beach’s edge. Every ship that lands here is scanned, logged, and, if needed, boarded. There’s no welcome party—only procedure and suspicion. Signs posted in multiple languages warn: *Unauthorized entry is punishable by death*. The beach is the Dominion’s leash on the outer seas, and they keep it taut.
Blackgullet Wreck
The shattered remains of a notorious pirate galleon, The Blackgullet, run aground atop a coral reef. Rumors say her captain cursed the hold before dying. Items: Split treasure chest (gold coins fused with coral), black pearl ring, flintlock pistol wrapped in kelp, skeletal hand with a carved bone key.
Blackwake Beach
A desolate expanse of fine black sand stretches beneath jagged cliffs, the sky above always choked with low-hanging storm clouds. Lightning flickers constantly on the horizon, yet thunder never comes. The beach is unnervingly silent—no gulls, no waves, no wind. Only the crunch of boots on volcanic sand breaks the stillness. Shipwreck fragments litter the shore, warped and blackened, their crews long lost. Compass needles spin aimlessly the moment they touch the beach, and even the stars vanish behind the eternal storm. Some say the sand itself drinks sound, or that the island was once the site of a great betrayal, and the silence is its punishment. Few dare to land here willingly—and none linger without reason.
Cannonreef Beach
A patchwork shoreline of scorched timbers, splintered hull fragments, and rusted cannon barrels forms the makeshift beach of Cannonreef. The sand here is more grit than grain—crushed coral, gunpowder residue, and scorched debris blended into a jagged landing ground. Beached skiffs and half-buried anchors line the shore, watched over by sentries perched in lookout nests built from mast remains. This beach serves as the primary landing zone for newcomers and returning raiders, with makeshift docks stretching into the shallows. Trade crates are offloaded directly onto the beach, guarded by pirates with mismatched uniforms and easy smiles—unless you’re a stranger without clearance. Behind the beach, the sounds of hammering and drunken laughter rise from the fortified sprawl of Cannonreef itself.
Caravan Resting Grounds
Located near the market’s southern edge, this area is a staging ground for the many caravans that travel to and from Asharak. The grounds are always bustling with activity as merchants prepare for the next leg of their journey or take respite after a long trek across the desert. There are stables for camels and horses, and traders often exchange stories about their adventures.
Cauldron Reef Beach
A narrow strip of sand clings to the edge of the Cauldron Reef, framed by jagged coral outcroppings and the steaming waters of the lagoon. The air is thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and the constant hiss of volcanic vents nearby. The beach is dotted with strange, colorful shells, and pools of bubbling water form on the shore, leaving behind a slick, shimmering residue. The heat from the nearby vents makes the sand scorchingly hot, and the air feels heavy with the weight of the lagoon's toxic fumes. Despite the dangers, the beach is a treasure trove for those daring enough to venture here—rare pearls wash ashore with each tide, and occasional pockets of alchemical reagents can be found along the rocks. But the beauty is deceiving; the treacherous coral reefs and unstable volcanic ground make it a perilous place to explore.
Chainpit Yards
The Chainpit Yards are grim open-air labor zones where prisoners toil under the watchful eyes of guards. Here, they break stone, haul heavy supplies, and forge crude tools, all while enduring harsh conditions and relentless supervision from looming guard towers.
Clifftide Dock
Clifftide Dock is an exclusive harbor perched on the edge of a steep cliff, offering breathtaking views of the ocean below. Reserved for noble-owned ships and private military vessels, it features ornate stonework and lush gardens that reflect the wealth and power of its patrons.
Court of Red Vows
A public amphitheater where lovers or rivals duel for affection or apology. Duels are non-lethal and judged by esteemed poets and bards. Victors are celebrated with rose garlands, losers with bittersweet sonnets.
Crow’s End Post
A rickety floating outpost built from scavenged ship parts. Once a pirate meeting spot, now abandoned… or so they say. Items: Secret stash of rum and dried meats, hidden ledger detailing bribes and safe havens, a cracked cutlass once owned by Jax Crow, wanted posters nailed to a mast.
Cutlass Cay Beach
Tucked between two jagged cliffs, Cutlass Cay Beach is a secluded strip of coarse, golden sand often shrouded in sea mist. The mouth of a collapsed cave looms at one end, partially buried beneath fallen stone—rumored to be one of many hidden tunnels that once smuggled gold, weapons, and fugitives into the island’s heart. Weather-beaten longboats lie overturned along the shore, some used as makeshift shelters by scavengers squatting in the ruins. Though the beach looks abandoned, it rarely is. Eyes watch from the cliffs above, and boot prints in the sand vanish with the tide. The wreckage of a burned sloop still juts from the shallows nearby, its name scorched beyond recognition. Sometimes, desperate crews land here looking for a safe place to regroup… and just as often, they don’t make it back to sea.
Cutlass Row
A narrow stretch of open-fronted shops run by grizzled smiths, leatherworkers, and gearheads. The clanging of hammers echoes constantly as blades are sharpened, pistols repaired, and hulls patched up with whatever scrap is available. It smells of grease, sweat, and hot iron. Popular spot: “Ma’Brakka’s Blades” – a forge run by a one-eyed Kavarian who claims her steel is folded from melted Dominion medals.
Dead Flag Shoals
Tattered flags and sails drift above the water, marking the grave of an entire pirate fleet brought down by a storm—or a sea beast. Items: Crate of explosive powder (half ruined), scorched compass that spins near sea monsters, flag of a forgotten pirate clan, soaked dice with blood-etched pips.
Dead Man’s Rise
An ancient stone fort crumbling atop a bluff overlooking the town, it now serves as the Pirate Lords’ meeting place. The entrance is guarded by mercs loyal only to gold, and only the most feared captains are welcome. Inside, a long table made from a ship’s keel dominates the chamber — carved with the names of the dead who once sat there. Occasional use: Executions, betrayals, or very rare pacts.
Desert Bloom Gardens
Hidden within the fortress city, the Desert Bloom Gardens are an oasis of lush, vibrant plant life cultivated by the city's scholars and gardeners. Located within the walls of Asharak, these gardens are a symbol of defiance against the surrounding desert's harshness. The gardens feature rare desert flowers and plants that only grow in the city’s climate, attracting botanists, alchemists, and herbalists who seek out the rare plants for medicinal or magical uses. Many of the flowers here are said to have unusual properties, from healing to enhancing memory, though their true effects are often shrouded in mystery.
Dominion Barracks
A heavily fortified military compound, the Dominion Barracks is the nerve center for law enforcement and military control in Grathmoor. Here, soldiers and officers maintain order, and many are trained to enforce the Dominion’s iron rule. It also serves as a place where dissidents, criminals, or rebellious slaves are taken before facing harsh punishment. It is a place where whispers of revolution are crushed before they can spread.
Dune Arena
Hidden beneath the shifting sands outside Asharak, the Dune Arena is an underground coliseum where mercenaries, gladiators, and adventurers battle each other for fortune and glory. The arena is known for its brutal matches, often fought to the death, and attracts crowds from all across Solvara. Fights here are sometimes organized by wealthy patrons or influential city leaders who use them as a way to settle disputes or test the strength of potential allies. The arena is a place of both opportunity and danger, where only the strongest survive.
Emberhall
A sprawling communal hall used for local town meetings, weddings, and seasonal feasts. Built from dark ironwood and red sandstone, its interior hearth is said to have burned continuously since Aurelsport’s founding. It’s a gathering point for all walks of life, from dockworkers to retired officers.
Emberhook Anchorage
A semi-legal drydock island run by ex-pirates who maintain “off-the-books” ships. The place is alive with hammering, fire, and coin. Items: Custom ship upgrade blueprints, rare hull plating samples, Kavarian engineer's toolkit, ledger with pirate ship modifications.
Empress’s Private Quarters
The Empress’s Private Quarters are lavishly decorated living chambers located at the topmost level of the Spire. Adorned with gilded furnishings and velvet drapes, the space features a stunning skylight dome that tracks the sun and stars, creating a serene atmosphere for the Empress's personal retreat.
Festival Grounds of Elarra
Named for a mythical muse, this grand open plaza is home to the yearly Festival of Silver Flame, celebrating love in all its forms. Lanterns are released into the sky, each carrying a vow.
Gallows Reef
A jagged reef shaped like a noose. Pirates used to hang traitors here at low tide—at high tide, their bones still rattle below. Items: Gold tooth with ruby inlay, locket with a faded lover’s sketch, rusted hook hand, old pirate code scrawled on fishskin parchment.
Gildershade Beach
A peaceful, sun-kissed beach with white sand and clear turquoise waters during the day, surrounded by vibrant flowers and palm trees. But when night falls, the atmosphere shifts. Eerie lights flicker across the sky, and haunting voices echo from the waves. The beach has a dark history, linked to the mysterious disappearance of a research crew last season. Strange markings sometimes appear on the sand, and the water seems to hide secrets beneath its surface. It’s a beautiful yet unnerving place—perfect for players to explore and uncover hidden mysteries.
Hall of the Undying Flame
The Empress’s Throne Room is a towering chamber adorned with magnificent stained-glass windows that cast colorful light across the room. Red-gold columns rise majestically, supporting the high ceiling, while the throne, carved from obsidian and inlaid with flickering fire opals, commands attention at the far end.
High Navy Docks
The High Navy Docks are a bustling hub of maritime activity, where formidable warships are constructed, repaired, and launched into the sea. Naval officers in crisp uniforms oversee the operations, ensuring that every vessel is battle-ready and equipped for the challenges of the ocean.
Hookjaw Rock Beach
A narrow strip of black sand lies beneath jagged cliffs, littered with rusted chains, shattered bones, and remnants of old gallows posts. The air is thick with salt and an unsettling dread, while waves crash violently against the rocks, sending sprays that sting the skin. Few dare to linger, and the wind howling through the stone teeth is said to carry eerie voices.
House of Amber Flame
A lavish inn and tavern favored by relic hunters, smugglers, and mercenary captains. Known for its silk-draped lounges, strong desert wine, and discreet staff, it's often a place where expeditions are planned—and sometimes sabotaged.
Iron Circle Arena
The Iron Circle Arena is a massive coliseum where soldiers and criminals engage in public combat trials. Spectators gather to witness brutal battles, cheering for their favorites while betting on the outcomes, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with tension and excitement.
Ironhold Keep
The central fortress of Brinehold, this heavily fortified structure houses the island’s most dangerous inmates. Deep below, “The Hollow” serves as a cold, forgotten dungeon for those the Dominion wants erased from memory.
Lantern’s Cradle
A submerged Solvaran shrine lit by flickering bioluminescent algae, forming a glowing cradle beneath the waves. Pilgrims once sank offerings here. Items: Pearl prayer beads, polished obsidian idol, oilcloth scrolls (untranslated), gold ceremonial mask.
Leviathan’s Grin
Massive whale bones jut from the seabed in twisted shapes. Sharks patrol the area like sentries. Items: Scrimshaw totem carved from Leviathan bone, harpoon with kraken-hide grip, barnacled chest of Kavarian spice, pouch of polished teeth used as currency in remote islands.
Merchant Pavilions
High-end traders from both the Dominion and Solvara have permanent establishments, selling everything from finely crafted weapons and fabrics to scrolls containing ancient Solvaran texts. Many of these merchants are known to deal in rare and magical items, though they often hide their true wares behind veils of secrecy.
Mistmere Atoll Beach
Veiled in drifting fog, this pale crescent of sand seems to melt into the sea and sky alike. The surf is unusually quiet here, as if muffled by the mist itself. Strange bits of coral and glassy stones wash up with the tide, often arranged in patterns no one remembers placing. Footsteps vanish quickly in the damp sand, and the air carries an eerie stillness—as though the beach is listening. It's easy to lose track of time here, or direction, or even memory.
Oasis Gate
A heavily guarded entrance leading to one of the most precious underground water sources in Solvara. Access to this critical resource is strictly controlled by the city’s leaders, and any outsiders caught trying to gain unauthorized access are quickly dealt with. The area is heavily fortified, with numerous guards and hidden traps designed to keep intruders at bay. Despite the danger, mercenaries and treasure hunters often try to infiltrate the gate in hopes of discovering more ancient artifacts related to the city’s water control.
Redmarch Barracks
The Redmarch Barracks serves as the fortified headquarters for the Dominion's elite Redmarch Legion. This imposing structure is built from dark stone, adorned with banners depicting the legion's crest, and is surrounded by a high wall that offers both protection and a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.
Redmist Hollow
An underwater cave filled with red algae that clouds the water like blood. Locals fear it’s haunted by the drowned dead. Items: Skeleton clutching gold rings, coral-etched dagger, pouch of glowpowder, a rusted lantern with a still-burning flame.
Redwater Beach
A striking crescent of pale sand stained pink by the tide, Redwater Beach curves along the crimson-tinted lagoon like a wound on the coast. The water shimmers red in the sun, thanks to the vivid algae below the surface—but locals say it’s just as much blood as biology. Weathered dueling stakes rise from the beach at irregular intervals, many scorched or split by musket fire and blades. Some are freshly placed. Rust-colored stones mark the sites of infamous duels, each with its own grim tale whispered by the locals. It's said you can still find spent bullets or broken blades buried just beneath the surface—and at low tide, the bones of the unclaimed sometimes rise from the sand. Despite the beach’s violent legacy, it’s still a gathering spot for pirates and outcasts, especially those looking to challenge rivals or settle debts the old way.
Relic Hunters’ Quarter
On the outskirts of the market, a quieter section is dedicated to those who seek the riches hidden in Asharak’s ancient ruins. Here, adventurers, scholars, and treasure hunters gather to trade maps, share rumors of uncovered tombs, and purchase specialized equipment for desert exploration.
Sable Key Beach
A wind-swept stretch of dark sand and scattered driftwood, Sable Key Beach is the only quiet place on an island haunted by echoes. Weathered docks reach into the fog like skeletal fingers, their planks warped and groaning beneath the weight of time. Beached rowboats, long abandoned, sit half-buried in the sand—some still bearing the faded sigils of forgotten crews. At dusk, old lanterns mounted on rusting posts begin to flicker with cold, pale light, casting ghostly reflections across the surf. The beach feels like it’s waiting—for something, or someone. Locals say the phantom ships that appear offshore sail closest here, their silent silhouettes drifting just beyond the breakers before vanishing into the mist once more. The sand is untouched by footprints, even your own fade quickly behind you.
Saint’s Fall
The floating remains of a Kavarian pleasure barge brought down during a storm. Shattered mirrors and music boxes drift among the wreckage. Items: Ornate silver cutlery, perfumed scarves, broken violins, sealed wine flasks, a jeweled brooch with a hidden blade.
Saltwraith’s Lantern
A drifting ship’s lantern, always glowing, never burning out. It’s said a ghost captain uses it to guide the vengeful dead to their prey. Items: Haunted lantern (glows near death), cursed doubloon (always returns), echo shell that whispers coordinates, chain with a vial of glowing brine.
Sanctuary of Bloom
The Imperial Garden is a walled, enchanted retreat filled with winding marble paths, vibrant moon lilies, and a melodious singing fountain. Rare birds and butterflies flit through the air, creating a serene atmosphere for the Empress and her confidantes, as well as a clandestine meeting spot for secret rendezvous.
Scourge Hall
Scourge Hall serves as a grim guard barracks and execution site, where the echoes of chains and cries of punishment resonate through its bloodstained floors. This foreboding structure stands as a testament to the harsh justice meted out by the local authorities, instilling fear in the hearts of the populace.
Serpent’s Spine Beach
A narrow strip of dark, weathered sand stretches along the base of the island’s twisting cliffs. The beach is flanked by dense jungle that seems to close in on the shoreline, its thick vines and creeping foliage making it impossible to see much beyond the first few steps. The air is thick with humidity, and the only sound is the distant crash of waves against the jagged rocks that protect the island from the open sea. Ancient, crumbling stone structures, half-swallowed by the jungle, peek out from behind the trees—remnants of the long-forgotten maritime kingdom that once ruled these waters. Strange, coiled carvings can still be found etched into the rocks, worn by time but powerful in their stillness. The deeper into the jungle you go, the more unsettling the atmosphere becomes, as massive serpentine shapes slither silently through the undergrowth, their watchful eyes gleaming in the shadows.
Shadewind Port
Shadewind Port is a hidden harbor nestled within the Spireshadow region, characterized by its narrow entrance flanked by towering, jagged black cliffs. Only smaller, stealthy vessels can safely navigate the treacherous rocks, making it a favored spot for clandestine meetings and secretive trade.
Shalehaven Beach
A wide, pebbled shoreline backed by dense thickets and high shale cliffs, this beach serves as an unofficial entry point to Shalehaven’s shadowy underworld. At first glance, it seems quiet—just the distant hum of waves and the occasional seabird—but hidden paths wind inland toward smuggler trails and concealed coves used for off-the-books trade. Well-worn grooves in the rock hint at frequent landings by small boats under cover of night, and old signal markers can be found tucked in the brush—used to coordinate secret exchanges. A few sun-bleached crates lie half-buried in the gravel, and the remains of a rusted anchor suggest not every deal went as planned. Privateers rarely patrol here, preferring to let this beach remain a gray zone for those who know how to pay or stay quiet.
Skullbay Beach
A broad, crescent-shaped beach nestled beneath the “jawline” cliffs of Skullbay Isle, this landing zone serves as the island’s uneasy neutral ground. The sand is coarse and pocked with fire pits, broken barrels, and the bones of past disputes. Weather-beaten flags from rival crews hang from driftwood poles, each claiming a corner of the beach, though none truly hold it for long. Armed lookouts perch atop the cliffs, watching for incoming sails—and for signs of betrayal. Deals are struck here in whispered tones, blades never far from reach. It’s the first—and often last—place newcomers set foot when entering Skullbay’s volatile underworld. A single wrong word can spark a skirmish that sends the whole beach into chaos.
Skyward Hall
A vaulted corridor adorned with massive windows that provide breathtaking views of the city and harbor below. The hall is lined with statues of past rulers and intricately etched stone murals that depict the Dominion's conquests, serving as a reminder of its power and glory.
Southgate Customs Hall
A granite-walled administration building where all trade manifests are logged, taxed, and inspected. The hall is known for its corruption—bribes are expected, not discouraged. Failed inspections often result in cargo seizure or imprisonment.
Spireshadow
Spireshadow is a sprawling undercity hidden beneath the bustling streets of a major city. It serves as a refuge for smugglers, rebels, and the desperate, featuring a labyrinth of tunnels, secret meeting spots, and makeshift markets where anything can be bought or sold.
Temple of Passion
A mirrored sanctuary where Kavarians pray, meditate, or perform rituals of grief, love, or remembrance. Each chamber is themed after a different form of passion—romance, art, mourning, or longing.
The Admiralty Hall
The Admiralty Hall serves as the central meeting place for the High Admirals of the realm. Here, intricate naval strategies are devised and discussed, with maps and models of ships spread across a grand table, surrounded by ornate maritime decor.
The Ashen Court
The Ashen Court is a half-ruined stone amphitheater that serves as an informal council ground for tribal leaders, merchants, and mercenaries. Here, uneasy truces are negotiated amidst the echoes of past glories, while the arena also hosts public duels where disputes are settled by blade before a roaring crowd.
The Black Flag Post
This old masthead nailed into the town square acts as the island’s informal job board. Notes, maps, contracts, and messages are posted here — most of them handwritten or blood-marked. Bounties, smuggling runs, hit jobs, and treasure maps are common. Ongoing job: 500 coin for whoever recovers a chest from a shipwreck in Leviathan’s Maw — no questions asked.
The Black Market
An open-air market set up in the heart of Cutthroat Cay, where nearly anything can be bought or sold. Stalls overflow with stolen goods, weapons, rare spices, and contraband. The market is notorious for its cutthroat competition, as pirates haggle fiercely over prices and fight to get the best deals.
The Bloodstone Tavern
A rowdy, grimy establishment known for its cheap rum and dangerous patrons. The tavern has a notorious reputation for brawls, underground gambling, and illicit dealings. Many pirates come here to drink away their earnings or get involved in shady deals. It’s also rumored to be a spot for bounty hunters to meet their marks.
The Bonded Markets
Located in the lower districts, the Bonded Markets are a grim reflection of Grathmoor’s wealth. Rows of cages hold men, women, and children—captured from raids or sold to the highest bidder. Bonders operate with impunity, and the buyers include both the elite of the Dominion and underworld criminals seeking cheap labor. Despite the market’s notoriety, it is a necessary evil for the city’s rich industrial machinery.
The Broken Chain Docks
The main harbor of Port Vultaire, these docks are a chaotic snarl of piers built from scavenged hulls, lashed masts, and barnacled beams. Crates of gunpowder, exotic animals, and stolen Dominion uniforms are everywhere. Dockhands are hired by coin or threat, and captains must sleep with one eye open. Ships come and go at all hours — many flying false flags. Rumor: One of the moored ships hasn’t moved in months. Some say it’s crewed by the dead.
The Broken Hourglass
A merchant brig snapped in half over a hidden reef. Timepieces and glass instruments lie scattered like bones. Items: Ornate pocketwatch (still ticking), trade manifest sealed in wax, crates of silk (mostly ruined), weathered Aurelian ledger with coded trade routes.
The Bronze Parade
The Bronze Parade is a grand ceremonial street adorned with life-sized bronze statues commemorating legendary naval victories. Each statue tells a story of bravery and strategy, capturing the essence of maritime glory and inspiring all who pass by.
The Chain Market
An open-air marketplace near the docks, named for the rusted iron chains that hang from scaffoldings and frame its walkways. It's the first stop for merchants offloading goods and the last stop for sailors about to set sail. Dominion tariffs are collected here, and black market deals happen just beneath the surface.
The Copper Mast Inn
A rough, smoke-filled tavern favored by mid-rank officers and contract merchants. Known for its salty stew, rigged dice games, and private back rooms where deals are struck well into the night. Local spies use the inn’s balconies for quiet surveillance.
The Crimson Market
A floating bazaar of sails and skiffs tied together, operated by smugglers and sea rogues. Anything can be bought—for a price. Items: Illegal Solvaran spices, forged ship logs, Dominion uniforms, exotic pets in cages (including a talking parrot who knows coordinates).
The Crow’s Nest
A towering wooden structure built into the tallest tree on the island, giving its occupants a sweeping view of the surrounding seas. The Crow’s Nest is home to the island’s most skilled navigators and spotters, who use it as a lookout point to track incoming ships. Pirates pay well for the information they gather.
The Crucible
The Crucible is a harsh military academy nestled in the rugged mountains, designed to forge the next generation of Dominion officers. Here, cadets endure grueling training regimens, tactical simulations, and psychological challenges, all aimed at instilling unwavering loyalty and discipline.
The Driftwood Maw
Built from the shattered remains of three different warships, *The Driftwood Maw* leans crookedly just beyond the high-tide line of Cannonreef Beach. Its hull-turned-roof bears the blackened scars of cannon fire, while the bow of one ship juts upward like a broken tooth, giving the tavern its namesake. A mast serves as a central beam inside, still wrapped with frayed rigging and lanterns swinging from rusted hooks. Inside, the floor creaks with every step, and the bar is made from a gunwale lined with empty rum bottles and spent musket rounds. Hammocks double as seats in some corners, and faded flags from plundered ships hang like trophies from the rafters. The air is thick with brine, smoke, and the ever-present reek of cheap grog. The Driftwood Maw is neutral ground for pirates and privateers alike—a place to drink, brawl, strike deals, or hear whispers of the next big prize.
The Drowned Gaol
An iron cage sunk deep beneath the sea, once used by pirates to execute mutineers. Chains still sway with the current. Items: Rusted lockbox with trapped mechanism, set of iron manacles with strange etchings, drowned journal describing a betrayal, waterlogged black bandana.
The Garden of Thalek’s Tears
A snow-dusted sanctuary with sculptures carved from pure white ice and pink quartz. Each piece honors someone lost to war or heartbreak. The garden is eerily silent, even when filled with visitors.
The Gilded Anchor
The Gilded Anchor is the most popular tavern in town, renowned for its lively sea-shanty nights and a raucous atmosphere. With cheap rum flowing freely, it attracts a diverse crowd of pirates, travelers, and mercenaries, often leading to brawls that add to its notorious reputation.
The Gilded Forum
The Gilded Forum is a sprawling marketplace where nobles and diplomats gather to trade not only goods but secrets and favors. Lavishly decorated stalls and opulent tents line the streets, with the air thick with the scent of exotic spices and the sound of hushed negotiations, as bribes flow like wine among the elite.
The Gilded Nook
A discreet little tea house and reading room tucked beside a chapel wall. It serves rare Solvaran blends and carries books not always approved by the Dominion censors. A quiet haunt for thinkers, dissenters, and spies.
The Gilded Spine
A ridge of golden-colored stone beneath shallow water, shaped like a sea serpent's back. Treasure divers often drown here—slipping into crevasses they can’t escape. Items: Alchemical diving flask, cracked compass (points to something unknown), pouch of Solvaran electrum coins, ancient flintlock pistol.
The Gilded Thorn
The Gilded Thorn A lavish pirate ship tavern that anchors near trade lanes. It serves rare brews, hosts duels, and trades in secrets. Items: Map fragments traded over ale, golden toothpick dagger, rare Kavarian brandy, coded bounty list hidden beneath a table.
The Golden Docks
The Golden Docks serve as the bustling economic heart of the city, where merchant ships, fishermen, and smugglers converge. Cargo flows rapidly through the docks, often exchanged with little scrutiny, making it a hotspot for trade and intrigue.
The Golden Veil Bazaar
A sprawling open-air market adorned with vibrant silks and patchwork canopies, The Golden Veil Bazaar is a hub of commerce where merchants from across Solvara and beyond gather. The air is filled with the scent of exotic spices, and stalls overflow with ancient relics, finely crafted weapons, colorful textiles, and refreshing water sourced from hidden oases. The bazaar is alive with the sounds of haggling, whispers of secret trades, and the thrill of back-alley deals, making it a treasure trove for adventurers and traders alike.
The Grand Library of Asharak
A vast complex of stone and marble, housing scrolls, tomes, and sacred texts that date back to the height of Solvaran culture. Scholars from all over the world come to study here, seeking to unravel the secrets of the past. Most of the library’s contents are stored in subterranean vaults, protected by strict security and magical wards. Few are granted access to the deepest chambers, and the truth buried in the archives is often elusive, even to those who spend their lives searching.
The Howling Buoy
A rusted buoy that groans and shrieks in the wind, anchored to nothing. Some say it marks where a sea witch was drowned. Ships that tie to it vanish by morning. Items: Salt-stiffened cloak, whispering conch, barnacle-covered spyglass (shows distant ghost ships when used).
The Iron Fist Arena
A brutal combat arena where pirates, mercenaries, and outlaws test their strength. Blood and sweat coat the sand, and spectators place bets on gladiator-style matches — whether it’s a one-on-one fight, or a brutal brawl between rival gangs. The arena is known for its no-holds-barred fights, and many pirates use it to settle scores, gain favor, or earn coin. Manager: Gragg the Bonebreaker, a towering former champion who now runs the show with a mix of cruelty and greed.
The Iron Forge
The heart of Grathmoor’s industry, the Iron Forge is a massive facility where warships, cannons, and weapons of war are produced. The air is thick with heat, smoke, and the clang of metal. Many slaves work here, toiling in the blistering heat under the watchful eyes of cruel overseers. Workers who fail to meet their quotas are often punished, and the place has earned a reputation for both its brutal working conditions and the occasional “disappearance” of individuals who step out of line.
The Leech’s Den
The Leech’s Den is a grimy infirmary hidden in the shadows of a dilapidated building. Once a respected doctor in the Dominion, the current occupant now treats wounds for bribes or information, often prioritizing the needs of prisoners over the guards who seek his services.
The Masquerade Balcony
The Masquerade Balcony is an opulent venue overlooking the Grand Courtyard and harbor, designed for grand festivals, parades, and public appearances. Its fine marble flooring and brass fixtures create an atmosphere of elegance, while red velvet awnings provide a touch of luxury, making it a favored spot for the elite.
The Mercenary Market
A bustling open-air market where mercenaries, adventurers, and traders from across Solvara converge to hire their services or sell exotic goods. The market is known for its vibrant and dangerous atmosphere, where rival mercenary companies often clash over contracts. Many of the city's most skilled fighters come here to take on assignments guarding scholars or patrolling the desert’s outskirts. The Mercenary Market is a hotspot for those seeking protection, dangerous work, or rare items from the farthest reaches of the desert.
The Obsidian Temple
A mysterious, nearly forgotten structure built into the side of the desert spire. The Obsidian Temple is dedicated to long-lost Solvaran deities and holds dark secrets about the city’s ancient past. Its walls are lined with obsidian, which reflects the desert sun in mesmerizing patterns. The temple is known to be a place of ancient rituals, and some locals believe it is cursed. Only the most daring or desperate adventurers seek the temple out, hoping to uncover hidden treasures or unlock forbidden knowledge.
The Parrot’s Roost
A lively tavern and gambling den overlooking the docks, The Parrot’s Roost is adorned with colorful, exotic parrots perched in iron cages. The air is thick with the scent of spiced rum, and the clientele—a mix of sailors, merchants, and thieves—engages in underground deals and high-stakes card games, where fortunes can change with a roll of the dice.
The Powder House
An unassuming, nondescript warehouse tucked away in a corner of the harbor district. To the unknowing eye, it’s just another storehouse, but it’s actually the go-to place for purchasing explosives, gunpowder, and black market weapons. Deals here are always done in hushed tones, and a few too many barrels of powder have gone missing over the years, adding to the rumors of more sinister dealings. Keeper: Old Jeb, a grizzled and paranoid former pirate who guards the powder with his life — and knows when to use it.
The Princesses’ Wing
The Princesses’ Wing is a lavish living quarter located one tier below the Empress in the eastern wing of the tower. Each princess has her own uniquely tailored chamber, reflecting her upbringing with personal touches such as books, fencing equipment, or musical instruments. The shared indoor Garden Atrium features benches, fruit trees, and a serene reflecting pool, providing a private escape from the bustling court. Hidden servants’ corridors snake behind the walls, allowing the princesses to sneak between rooms or make discreet exits.
The Reef Market
Located along the craggy coastline, this market is a chaotic mess of stalls selling everything from stolen goods to rare, exotic creatures. The market is constantly shifting, with new vendors setting up on a whim and others vanishing with the tide. Here, one can find anything — provided they have the right connections and coin. Vendors: A mix of cutthroat traders, smugglers, and pirates with a quick turnover of merchandise. If you're looking for something rare or dangerous, this is the place.
The Rose Spire
A towering, spiraled glass-flower structure in the heart of the city. It blossoms year-round with crimson and ivory petals—kept alive by geothermal heat and ancient care. Many lovers propose at its base.
The Rust Market
Sprawled across several alleys and wooden decks, this open-air bazaar deals in black powder, rare spices, shackled prisoners, forged maps, and relics looted from sunken wrecks. Prices shift by the hour, and so do allegiances. Some stalls are honest crooks; others are fronts for spies or slavers. Merchants shout deals while lookouts perch above with crossbows. Secret: One of the stalls is a front for Dominion defectors selling intelligence.
The Rusted Anchor
A dilapidated shipwreck turned into a makeshift dock and repair shop. The Rusted Anchor is home to a crew of shipwrights and mechanics who specialize in fixing up pirate ships using whatever scraps they can find. It’s also a black market for stolen goods, where anything can be traded—if you have the right connections.
The Saltwater Forge
A blacksmith’s shop located on the edge of the island, where weapons, armor, and ship parts are forged from the rich iron deposits found in the surrounding sea cliffs. The forge is run by a grizzled old pirate who once sailed the seas and has since retired to crafting the finest weapons in all the isles.
The Sandstone Tavern
A lively tavern built into the rock just outside the market’s core. It’s a popular stop for travelers and mercenaries passing through the area. The tavern’s renowned for its spicy desert mead and hearty stew. Here, rumors swirl about ancient relics hidden in the depths of Asharak, and mercenaries can be found looking for work or information.
The Scuttled Shrine
An old stone chapel buried beneath town, now partially collapsed and half-flooded. Once sacred, now desecrated, it’s become a quiet hideaway for those seeking escape or introspection. Pirates leave tokens — blades, beads, bits of old letters — in cracked offering bowls. Some say wishes made here come true... if you're willing to give something up. Whispers: Disappearances are common among those who linger too long.
The Shifting Citadel
An ancient, shifting fortress said to lie beneath the sands near Asharak. While the city above is firmly established, rumors persist of an old citadel buried beneath the desert, whose very location changes with the sands. The Shifting Citadel is said to have been once home to an ancient ruling faction of Solvara, but its exact purpose and the reasons for its disappearance are unknown. Occasional expeditions are mounted to find the citadel, but the shifting sands and treacherous desert storms often prevent them from ever reaching their destination.
The Siren’s Buoy
A signal buoy that sings a haunting melody only at dusk. Said to be protected by sirens who sometimes offer deals… and sometimes drag sailors down. Items: Glass vial of siren’s breath (used for diving), obsidian flute, bottle sealed with wax containing a scroll, glimmering fishscale cloak.
The Siren’s Teeth
Jagged black rocks barely visible above the waterline, shaped like open jaws. Sailors say sirens once nested here, luring ships to their doom. Items: Bone flute (emits eerie music underwater), torn sailcloth with nautical map, barnacle-covered chest (locked), faded letter in a waterproof tube.
The Solarium of Scrolls
The Solarium of Scrolls is a private library and reading chamber nestled within the Mid-spire, reserved for the royal family and their trusted advisors. Bathed in natural light from a grand glass-paned ceiling, the chamber is protected by sturdy steel shutters, ensuring the safety of its precious contents. Inside, shelves are lined with battle records, ancient ledgers, detailed maps, and confidential archives, all meticulously organized and secured under lock and key.
The Split Fang Tavern
Built inside the gutted hull of a triple-masted frigate turned on its side, this tavern is the social heartbeat of Port Vultaire. Tables are bolted to the slanted floor, and hammocks hang between rafters for passed-out patrons. There’s live music every night, usually from drunk pirates banging out sea shanties on stolen instruments. Brawls are constant — so much so that a bloodstained chalkboard lists “Tonight’s Top Betted Fighters.” Owner: "Mad Marla" Draye, a retired pirate with a peg leg and brass knuckles.
The Stag & Anchor Shipyard
The busiest shipyard in Port Vultaire, where ships are either repaired, refitted, or built from the ground up. Old pirate vessels are dismantled here for parts, and new ships — sleek, fast, and deadly — are forged in the yard’s roaring fires. It’s also a spot for secret smuggling, with hidden compartments built into ships for a premium. Owner: Briar Voss, a weathered shipwright who knows the value of secrecy and is willing to trade more than just timber and nails.
The Sunforged Gate
The main entrance to Sundrift, made from melted weapons taken from long-dead raiders. The massive gate glows faintly in the midday sun and is heavily guarded by the city’s desert-trained watchmen. It's a symbol of both Sundrift’s wealth and its defiance.
The Tethered Quay
Viremouth’s primary loading platform—an enormous, barnacle-crusted dock reinforced with Dominion steel. It's built to hold five merchantmen at once, and is lined with cranes, winches, and cargo elevators. Only Dominion-sanctioned ships may berth here under penalty of seizure.
The Threadbare Walk
A twisting alleyway filled with small, overhanging shops run by tailors, cobblers, and weavers. Known for both quality handiwork and whispered secrets, it’s a common place to overhear rumors or find illicit contacts posing as merchants.
The Velvet Maw
Located in the dim depths of Widow’s Alley, The Velvet Maw is an exclusive brothel favored by pirates and wealthy criminals alike. Marked by a black flag with a crimson kiss, the interior exudes a sensual, dangerous atmosphere. Soft candlelight, rich velvet curtains, and low murmurs fill the air as clients enjoy the company of skilled companions, some of whom are also trusted informants. Private rooms line the upper floor, offering luxury and discretion. **Owner:** Aera Thobbs, a former pirate captain who runs the establishment with sharp wit and an iron fist. She ensures her guests — both paying and otherwise — leave satisfied, or else.
The Wailing Bell (Sunken Beacon)
An old sea bell tower toppled by time, its bell still faintly rings during storms. The sound carries far across the sea. Items: Salt-slicked ship log, a heavy bronze bell clapper (used in rituals), shattered spyglass, bronze idol of a forgotten sea god.
The Whisper Cells
The Whisper Cells are a series of sealed isolation blocks carved deep into the cliffs, where light and sound are swallowed by the oppressive darkness. Inmates are left alone for weeks, their minds unraveling as they scratch strange symbols into the cold stone walls, remnants of their sanity and desperate attempts to communicate with the outside world.
The Widow’s Mercy
An Aurelian frigate split in half by an underwater reef. Coral has claimed most of the hull, but its rusted cannons still jut like broken teeth. Local legends say the captain’s wedding ring is cursed and still rests in her sea-logged quarters. Items: Aurelian naval saber, sealed wine crate, water-damaged journal, "The Widow’s Ring" (cursed trinket).
The Windvault Archives
The Windvault Archives is a subterranean vault where wandering scholars and scribes gather to preserve and study weather-worn maps, ancient scrolls, and half-deciphered texts from buried ruins. Admission requires either a fee of coin or a piece of knowledge, compelling outsiders to offer something of value for access to its vast collection.
Velarose Hot Springs
Natural baths layered in flower petals and steam. Here, travelers and locals bathe side by side. Romantic trysts, diplomatic meetings, and artistic inspiration all bloom in the warmth.
Water Fountains of Asharak
A grand public fountain located at the heart of the bustling market. Known for its sacred waters, travelers pay a small fee to refill their canteens, as the water is believed to possess restorative properties and mystical significance, blessing those who partake.
Well of Echoes
An ancient cistern connected to a vast subterranean aquifer beneath Sundrift. Locals gather here for water and to listen to the whispered echoes of voices and events from the past, believing the well remembers all who have come before.
Widow's Alley
A cramped, winding alley lit by lanterns and hanging laundry. Brothels, gambling dens, and dens of smoke and pleasure are hidden behind heavy curtains. It’s run by no single gang — but everyone pays someone. Deals are struck here over bodies and secrets alike. Local saying: “What happens in Widow’s Alley might follow you home.”
Widow’s Cove
A quiet, hidden alcove on the island, named after the mysterious woman who lives in a secluded shack by the water. She is said to know the secrets of every pirate on the island, and many seek her out for fortune-telling, advice, or to make deals with her. Some say she possesses knowledge of lost ships and hidden treasures, though no one knows for sure.