Dúmaroch

The Pirate Isles

Dúmaroch, or The Pirate Isles as most people call it, is an archipelago in Liliam's southwesterly border. Initially, the islands were never settled due to their isolation from the rest of Liliam's mainland; serving as a hideout for hermits and criminals. Around the year 467 ME, a well-known fleet of Dark Elf Swashbucklers—The Fleet of Katerina Malikova—began using the islands as a base, spreading their piratical influence (as well as their language and customs) to Liliam and the pirates of Syrioc's west coast. Eventually, Katerina was captured by authorities and hung. After that, the Malikova fleet broke apart.
A little over 300 years later, Dúmaroch, or the Pirate Isles as most people call them, is inhabited by all manner of sea-brigands and criminals. The language spoken there is a mix of Preskov Wyrnian and Common with a strong local accent.
After the fall of the Malikova Fleet, many of Katerina's appointed captains tried to form their own armadas. After many years of feuds and rivalry, seven factions controlled the seven main islands of Dúmaroch. Hallen, Zabroski, Libera, Dolenzal, Voronov, Milos, and Rath. Those factions fell out of power gradually, but the islands immortalize their names. Now, the culture of Dúmaroch is a time of freelance mercenary pirate activity. While there are a few permanent large fleets, most have given it up for temporary working contracts between captains. Individuals known as Enterprisers (known commonly as Prisers) are in charge of fielding work offers, usually acting as one-man guilds. There are usually a few well-known Prisers in each city, and many send apprentices to neighboring island cities to grow their web of connections.
Year-round, the cities of the Pirate Isles aren't terribly populated, mostly visited by crews in need of repairs or more sailors. During the month of Aquas, however, the islands come alive with thousands of Pirates from all parts of Syrioc, landlocked until the elemental month comes to an end. This month is a yearly spectacle for every person who has the pleasure to witness it. With nowhere else to go, confrontations between rivals flare up, drinking games are played, and countless shanties are sung in the honor of Dunein, the goddess of the sea. Eventually, the storms recede and ships are undocked for another nine months. Gold and treasure is abundant in the cities of the pirate isles, but the most valuable resource on Dúmaroch is a good ship, a smart captain, and skilled sailors.

Geography

The pirate isles remain mostly uninhabited with the exception of the few cities. Most of the islands form mountainous peaks covered with lush forests. Many hidden headquarters have been discovered deep in the dense forests and caves, as the abundant tree cover makes for perfect natural camouflage. However, many gangs prefer to operate in broad daylight on the city streets if secrecy is not their brand.

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Liliam