Aeroxus

Aeroxus is a world locked in a constant battle between the great Igkei Empire and the pirate clans ruling the seas. These thirteen pirate clans, each ruling over one of the seas, formed an alliance when the Igkei rose from the central island, Ihiodell. the Empire declared war against the pirate clans, wishing to eradicate them and take control over the seas. In response, the clans aligned themselves against the Empire, agreeing to a stalemate in the face of conflict. For the past 700 years, blows have been traded back and forth, only fueled further in 1243 when The Wellerman hid his vast fortune and was subsequently murdered by the Igkei.

Most of the thousands of islands in Aeroxus are controlled by the Igkei, a handful of the unclaimed islands acting as pirate ports where the buccaneers gathered for business and socialization. These ports were well hidden, often squished into caverns and hidden behind foliage and sea spires. Only members of pirate crews and the residents of these ports knew the locations, and ninety percent of them remained unknown to the Igkei. Corrupt barons and landowners could often be bribed to keep the location of their homes a secret if they lived in a port. Any parts of the ports that were visible were disguised as small fishing towns that dotted the islands. Ports were haphazard and dangerous, buildings stacked on each other and lopsided, strung together with rope bridges and planks. Collapses were common, and there were almost always a few casualties as the ports were densely packed with pirates and merchants selling their wares.

Igkei cities were the complete opposite--uniform streets forming grids and no building standing taller than four stories. They were clean for sea cities and had established markets and living districts. Between buildings and tucked away in corners lived a good chunk of the population, beggars and criminals living in squalor conditions, beaten back by officers who worked to uphold the pristine facade. Most of the population were merchants, craftsmen, and farmers who worked long hours for little pay. The top few families held the majority of the wealth, living in lavish houses and spending their days gossiping and lounging while the rest of the city toiled away.

A few other small empires were dotted throughout clusters of islands, most Igkei citizens unable to name even one. These empires got most of their traffic from pirates and traveling merchants, their goods traded as exotic to Igkei people, rarities, and unique pieces. Most pirates that didn't come from one of the ports, where piracy is the most popular lifestyle, come from these empires. These folks were often trouble-seekers and eager for adventure and gold.

The geography of Aeroxus was varied, from small deserts to volcanic islands deemed too treacherous for any sane person to explore. The majority of the islands were tropical, warm, and humid with a variety of flora and fauna. Islands often formed small clusters with little land between them. The world was divided into thirteen different seas, each native to a different group that depended on its climate and location. These native groups ranged from the dark-skinned and dark-haired, more tribal groups from the south such as the Wamyier people and the Ushina tribe to the pale-skinned and light-haired northerners like the Loripers and Oshosse folk.