The Ilvare Isles

The Twin Isles of Fire and Ash

Ilvare, or the Ilvare Isles, or the Twin Isles of Ilvare are composed of two massive volcanic islands located north of and between Arna and Kharza (though some also consider the molten fields of the Wailing Isles to be associated as well). They are dominated by two large active volcanoes (Mt. Morzhak & Mt. Trianar) that make living here extremely hazardous. The larger island to the east is called Greater Ilvare, the smaller to the west is Lesser Ilvare. They are not isles equipped to sustain a huge population, however they are still home to more heat resistant races and one can find decent populations of genasi, tieflings, azer, and dragonborn, as well as a handful of very stubborn humans, gnomes, and dwarves. These settlements heavily rely on imports to sustain their existence. Elemental threats from the plane of fire (not to mention the volcanoes themselves) are a common issue for travelers and merchants. So why come here? Most people who come here come for the famous monastery located on a cliff within the eastern side of the largest volcano- The Monastery of the Primal Flame. This is one of the few places in the world where the genasi teach others how to wield the elements naturally. Others come here because it's an easy escape, a place no one might come looking for them. And yet some people come here for the thrill, as tourists. As dangerous as the islands are, you can't deny that their views are sublime and wondrous. Fully worth accidentally melting off a foot or causing irreparable harm to your lungs during a freak ash storm.

The Settlements of Ilvare

There are only three sizable settlements here (Port Kokoros, Tara's Landing, and Marathia) and they are not governed by anyone but themselves. The largest, the city of Marathia is magnificent and sprawling, settled originally by fire & earth genasi who congregated in these hills. Though standing in the shadow of the world's largest volcano (Mt. Morzhak), it has ever been shielded from it's wrath, lying just outside of the lava flow regions (the Obsidian Fields) of Greater Ilvare, its atmosphere protected from ash and toxic fumes by magic. It boasts magnificent views with relative safety and has become a world renowned tourist destination. Kokoros, on the southeastern coast, was settled by water and air genasi and has largely grown as a popular pit & party stop for sailors traveling between Namiza and the western continent. Tara's Landing, on the smaller isle called Lesser Ilvare, serves the same purpose but is significantly smaller and has higher populations of humans and dragonborn than genasi. Though reliant on import, these islands do also have some exports. They are home to a number of rare biome-specific flora and fauna that make for good spell and alchemy components, as well as pets. There are also an abundance of certain minerals here which make for good trade, particularly among gnomes.
One thing of interest is that all three settlements of Ilvare are surprisingly peaceful, with very low levels of violence, thievery, or smuggling. Perhaps it is due to the nearby Monastery, but the atmosphere and general attitudes of the populace stand in direct opposition to the dangerous and explosive nature of their environment. The people here are just downright friendly. While their port towns should be a hotbed of smuggling and illicit trade, similar to the port towns of Langollyn, most pirates think the land to be too cursed. Bad things just seem to happen to them here. Perhaps it is the actions of a benevolent god or perhaps it is the vigilant monks of the Primal Flame. Many of The Keepers do keep a modicum of order in the towns of Ilvare, acting as peacekeepers and subduing and shipping off anyone who gets too violent or who has chronically sticky fingers. Either way, most pirates and smugglers prefer to stick to the ports of the Senja Coast when it comes to pit stops.

The Ashen Trails

The Isles of Ilvare are mostly composed of darkened rock and ash, and great rivers of molten lava, with the occasional steam vent and pond of boiling mud. Lesser Ilvare has a few small jungle areas opposite to where the winds blow the ash and cinders of Mt. Trianar. No where on these isles is a safe place to travel by any means. The land trek to Marathia is dangerous and most don't travel there from Kokoros, instead paying for a boat to drop them off at a small dock (called Lonedock) with roads that lead both to Marathia and towards the mountain monastery. Escorts and provisions are offered at the dock by roadside stands (what is properly on its way to being a full port). The road to Marathia is long, hot, and miserable, but it is manageable by most, especially if one pays for a carriage ride or a flight on a wyvern (very very expensive but also one of the easiest ways to reach the Monastery). Only hopeful monks-to-be would dare this second road (often called the Trail of Burning Flesh). Most people who attempt the climb never reach their destination, and their bodies litter the roadside more the further up the mountain one gets (unless they happen to be eaten by something). The monks will not accept those who "cheat" the journey by finding ways to fly up or teleport. The climb is a right of passage and honestly the first test to joining the Keepers.

Government / Leaders:
Self Governing City-states
Largest Populations:
Genasi, Tieflings, Dragonborn (Brass, Gold, Red)

Common Languages:
Common, Primordial, Infernal

Trade & Export
Fire-resistant flora & fauna, spell components

Settlements:
Marathia, Kokoros. Tara's Landing, Lonedock

Large Organizations:
Keeper of the Primal Flame (monks), Wyngs (wyvern escort service), The Ash Riders (guild of island rangers)