Explorer's Guide to Keskas
I'll describe the regions of Keskas, moving along the continent from Northwest to Southeast.
The very north of Keskas - the region North of the Kingdom of Eibul - is a land of dark swamp called 'The Great Swamp of Chabéliard'. It is the largest swamp in all Laiya. The whole swamp is Badland, the innermost reaches of it unexplored by anyone at the time this book was written. People who have ventured off into this land have often ended up either dead or missing. The reason for this is twofold: the terrain is incredibly difficult to traverse, and the native wildlife are particularly difficult to deal with. Such difficult wildlife include giant spiders, tentacle beasts, poison gas-spitting fungi, among others. Previous explorers who have ventured into the land and come back alive have reported that such things become increasingly common - and deadly - the further into the swamp they went. So far, no significant points of interest have been uncovered here.
Moving on, next we come to a jungle. It has no 'official' name; people typically just refer to it as the jungle of Keskas. It extends as far South as just a little South of Tewan, and as far East as the borders of Ruol (except on the continent's northern peninsula, which is coverd entirely). The Northwest jungle is very dense, but not impossible to deal with. In fact, people have been able to do so for hundreds of years, as not only the Kingdom of Eibul demonstrates, but also the ancient ruins of a lost civilization scattered about through the region. This area is generally safe, although one might happen across a hostile animal or two if wandering away from the roads. The Southeast 2/3 of the jungle, however - that's a different story. This area is Badland because although it is less dense and would be easier to settle, there are roving gangs of hostile natives that will attack any outsider they come across. These Men'gha, as they have come to be known, resemble wasps and have the ability to fly, although they are about elf-sized. Up to this point, the tieflings have been the only ones able to make any headway with the Men'gha, and have expanded the borders of Tewan into this part of the jungle. In all, points of interest for adventurers in this region are the Iphissian city of Coruza, the Tewani city of Navapovysk, the Eibul cities of Espigas and Penarda, and the ancient ruins mentioned earlier.
The next region of note is a savannah intermixed with barren areas that actually stretches across the entire continent from the West coast to the East. Thankfully for adventurers travelling through this region, its a very peaceful area. Of course this peacefulness isn't entirely consistent - there are sometimes problems with wildlife or bandits - but it is certainly a good place to start for adventurers who haven't yet had much adventuring experience. Although there aren't any internationally recognized nations here (this is still a point of hot debate in political arenas), the native peoples that call this region home are always kind to outsiders and those travelling on the many trade routes that pass through the region. Possible dangers here would be hard to come by, but if I had to think I'd say the worst think you'll likely find is a highway robber. If you're looking for trouble, don't be afraid to ask around the village or stop by the local tavern, or venture into one of the cave systems that dot the more barren spots in the landscape. Specific points of interest in this region are the towns of Auberomble, Vilstadt, and Loughstone, and Lake Skibbney at the base of the Vinris Mountains in the West.
To the Southwest of this savannah is the Whispering Desert, formed as a result of the mountain range bordering its Southeast. Currently uninhabited, there are yet more ruins of a civilization long passed to be plundered for those brave enough to venture into the desert to find them. The ruins (or the two that has been excavated) are very extensive maze-like constructions that are easy to get lost in. An adventurer seeking riches will certainly find them here. However, the desert itself can be dangerous too. Sandstorms are fairly frequent, and wildlife here are sneaky and deadly. Not to mention the threats of sunburn and dehydration, haha! The temperature during the day can reach 110 degrees, while at night it can drop as low as 20. If you decide to explore this area, make sure you have a compass or a GPS - the few who have gotten lost in the desert and made it back out were barely able to do so, and have shown signs of going insane (hearing voices, hallucinations). Points of particular interest for this region are two unexplored ruins. I am unable to provide the exact locations of them, as they have only been referenced in the ancient writings of the lost people and have yet to be found by exploratory teams or even Gnorwegian satellites.
To the Northeast of the savannah is a hilly, half-barren region with a mountain range bordering its East. I understand that "half-barren" is a little unspecific... I mean that it's not very heavily vegetated. There are a few trees here and there, a little shrubbery, and some short grasses... but its certainly not lush by any means. The climate is nice, though. The North Dragonborn that rule the area will welcome travelers, but do not be surprised if they act aloof or disconnected. Adventurers in this region tend to flock towards either the mountainous East where they can hope to find ancient dragons among the high peaks. Dragons aren't the only things you'll find there though; there are also plenty of other dangers in those mountains to be cautious of. For example, the great two-headed dog beasts that freely roam the area. Another point of interest for some adventurers is Marmir Island, located at the center of the Marmir Crater. The magical presence on this island is greater than anywhere else in the world, and even those that have never cast a spell in their life can often find that they are able to use simple magics while on the island. Scholars believe that whatever created the crater is the source of magic for all of Laiya. That being said, it is somewhat unpredictable when it comes to magical phenomena that it may randomly produce. In all, points of interest for this region are the Eastern mountains and Marmir Island, as well as the Ruol cities of Batrea, Rhypicea, and Tylisespiae.
The last region of Keskas is a vast, light forest inhabited in the West by the South dragonborn. There are a few mountains in the Northeast of this region as well. This region is also about 50% Badland, although this fact will probably not remain true for very much longer. The native dragonborn actively seek out adventurers to clear out wild beasts and monsters from the nearby badlands to make them easier to settle. As a matter of fact, adventurers here are able to obtain government sponsorship from Molerth officials to remove any threats to outgoing settlers or protect new settlements. The most dangerous things in this region are werewolves, witch covens, and yet more, stronger dragons near the mountains. Points of interest in this region are the Molerth cities of Naasuk and Lertumal, along with any other town you can get an adventurer's sponsorship.
Well, dear reader, that's all for the regions of Keskas. Hopefully this book has provided you with a better idea of where exactly you want your adventuring to take place, and hopefully you are successful on your ventures! Good luck adventurers, and safe travels!
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