The Red Isles
The Red Isles are the collection of islands and atolls located to the southwest of the mainland continent. An extremely resource abundant island chain, the Isles were initially colonized by the Athezians and the Kalisandrians prior to the creation of the Bastion Imperium, they're also renowned for their beauty and an abundance of pirates.
The archipelago got its name due to the bloody battles that took place between the Athezians, the Kalisandrians, and the pirates after their discovery by the people of the Bastion Realms. The battles are said to have dyed the beaches and the surrounding waters red for months after.
While there are numerous smaller islands and atolls that make up the Red Isles, the largest of the three are Ratseye, Qyros, and Scarstone.
Geography
Although each island is different from one another, the majority of the islands have idyllic beaches and lush, mountainous jungle interiors.
Climate
The climate is tropical: hot and humid in the dry season and cooled by an abundance of rainfall in the rainy season. Temperatures range from 72–90 °F and rarely ever drop below 64 °F. Hurricanes are uncommon in the Red Isles, with one normally occurring, on average, every other year.
Natural Resources
Precious metals and gemstones are abundant throughout the islands. The shallows around the isles are great for crab fishing. Bat guano, one of the most powerful spell components, is also found in the Isles. Due to the sheer amount of naval battles that happen throughout the archipelago, marine salvage is also a growing industry.
However, the most sought after resource are magical relics that can sometimes be found in the ruins.
History
Not much is known about the history of Red Isles before their discovery. The islands were uninhabited by any sentient race; however, there are ruins left scattered throughout the Isles that suggest they were were settled at one point in their history.
The islands were discovered by a Athezian merchant blown off course in a storm roughly 300 years ago. Initially, none of the powers in the region had any desire for this newly found island chains. This made is a safe haven for pirates, crabbers, scholars interested in exploring the ruins, and anyone else looking for a fresh start in a new land. Left to their own devices for a couple hundred of years, they formed a united, yet fiercely independent sense of identity.
Then the gold was discovered and with it came the Athezian and Kalisan navies. The islanders, sensing an threat to the way of living they've carved out for themselves, united as the Free Fleet of the Red Isles and were able to successfully force the Kalisan out of the isles. The Athezians, who had established some military outposts in the Isles initially, were able to hold onto their holdings in the islands but their influence was kept in check. Today a fragile peace exists between the Athezians and the Free Fleet.
Alternative Name(s)
The Blood Isles, the Pirate Isles, the Isles
Type
Archipelago
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Comments
Author's Notes
While the entirety of the Caribbean Islands and the countless pirate stories that are out there are my inspiration, I also borrowed heavily from DMInspo's Riftwater Isles.