The Dagger Isles

The Dagger Isles are a tropical archipelago covered in dense jungles. They have no fixed cities, only small communities and collections of ships bound together to form mobile fortresses. The Dagger Islanders themselves range from those large enough that it is difficult to truly explore, to others that are simply small sandbars that might disappear at the next tide. Nobody has ever completed an accurate count of the islands of this Imperial Province, often giving up as islands appear to fade in and out of existence over days or weeks. Most of the Islands either display elegant fine white sand beaches that glisten in what light is available or lush mangroves with secret paths. Many of the mangroves and thick tropical jungles have become infused with strange magics, causing the depths of these cities to feel overwhelmed and claustrophobic. The islanders often spend their entire lives at sea, becoming natural sailors and living of the resources the sea provides. Rumours circulate through other nations that the islanders have secret knowledge and rituals that they use to live without lightning barriers.
Climate It is always hot in the Dagger Isles, but this does not mean there is no weather. the year is split into two forms of heat, both of which can be unbearable to those who are not native to the isles. Where other provinces would have a winter the Isles are beset by storms and rain. This is the most dangerous time for those travelling as the hurricanes and monsoons can catch ships unaware and sink them without warning. it is almost as though the winds of Severos had joined forces with the ever present rain of Akaros. In the approximation of Summer these winds and rains die, causing a different set of problems. The Islanders have come to use these forces to their advantage, their knowledge and skill giving them an edge against any who might seek to invade. The ever present darkness appears to have been lessened here, the twilight of dusk and dawn stretching out throughout what can be charitably called day.
Wildlife As a diverse and island province this land has no shortage in wildlife to hunt and be hunted by. On the land, lizards rule, in the sky are birds of all varieties and the void dark sea is the domain of darker creatures. from the smallest gecko to a multitude of frogs, to large aquatic lizards dwellers of the land thrive across both the boats and islands. The birds of this region have some of the greatest diversity. To the casual visitor these might simply be decorative, suitable only for hunting and garnishing the homes and plates of man. The Islanders know differently, they know how to differentiate a simple beast from the few that appear to understand and interact with humanity. whether these are a consequence of the cataclysm or the after effects of the ethereal ghost field it is not known. In the oceans, much will never be known, and while the grand leviathans of the open ocean do not prey within the shallow confines of the Isles other fierce beasts remain. vicious sharks, their blood polluted by the deaths and ghosts of the realm. Even the land can turn against you here, the thick vines and mangroves shifting paths and ensnaring those within. On quiet nights in some islands people have reported seeing ghostly lights entrancing creatures into the mangrove roots, and even mirages of gentle sandy beaches that quickly turn out to be no such thing.
Culture The people of the Dagger Isles are almost all seaborne and free. even those with little affinity for the water live in communities that rely on the sea for survival. In small villages boat builders toil for their entire lives, trading the fruits of their labour for the bounty of the sea. Many across the Imperium assume these to be backward places able only to make simple canoes, no match for the ironclad behemoths of the other nations. This could not be further from the truth as the shipwrights of these isles are able to create swift and deadly craft that are able to make war just as easily as they are to hunt the waters. From secret groves, Ironwood trees are harvested using ancient techniques to craft the hulls of their ships. On the water floating fortresses and amalgamations of ships lashed together act as trading hubs and permanent homes for many despite their propensity to move. It is common practice to remain close to your family and the bonds this builds through out the isles can seem incomprehensible to the outside. Ritual Tattooing is common among the close knit clans, and the meanings of many of these can only be deciphered by those that were raised with it. They can designate status, great deeds, or ritual practices. Some believe these marks can also provide some level of protection against possesion and may be why many of the comunities live without the protection of lightning barriers.
The Imperium Across the Imperium the shipwrights and sailors of the Isles are always sought after for their skills. Often having an islander on your crew can be seen as a sign of good luck, as the small population often dont travel far from home. It was through trade and treaties that these Isles came under the sway of the Imperium, and should it ever come to rebellion some do not hide the fact that they do not believe that they could not win a war of attrition against the Islanders.