Darktow Isles

The Darktow Isles – The Pirate Kingdom of the Dunadian Ocean
Nestled within the Dunadian Ocean, the Darktow Isles are a haven for pirates, outlaws, and those who prefer to live outside the reach of kings and empires. Though the region is dominated by pirate clans, not all who live here are raiders or cutthroats. Among the lawless harbors and hidden coves, shady merchants, artisans, and even farmers make their home, either out of necessity or because no other land would take them.
Despite the chaos, Darktow is not without order—pirate clans rule the isles, each with their own territory, traditions, and grudges. Alliances are fragile, betrayals are frequent, and only the strongest survive. At the heart of it all, ruling above the other clans, are the Leviathans, led by the King of Pirates, who is said to wield control over the legendary Kraken of the Deep Seas.

Darktow is a place where coin is king, not me. Loyalty here is fragile, and power shifts like the tide. Here, laws are written by those... or better say us who are strong enough to enforce them, and the weak are swallowed by the sea.

— Pirate King

Geography

The Darktow Isles form a scattered, rugged archipelago on the border of Dunadian Ocean and seas of Syndaras, a lawless region where land and sea exist in a precarious balance. These islands are shaped by the relentless tides, volcanic activity, and ancient forces that have long made this region dangerous yet awe-inspiring. No two islands are the same—some rise as towering cliffs above the waves, while others are little more than treacherous sandbars that vanish with the changing tides.
Many of the larger isles are marked by volcanic peaks and jagged rock formations, remnants of the fiery forces that shaped them. The isles like Ashenmaw or Flamewake are the most infamous, home to an active volcanos that constantly spews smoke and embers into the sky, painting the horizon in a deep red glow. The ground here is cracked and scorched, rivers of molten rock occasionally breaking through the surface and carving new paths toward the sea.
Other islands, such as Watcher’s Rock and The Nest, rise as sheer stone monoliths, with towering cliffs that plunge into the depths of the ocean. These islands are nearly impossible to scale except by those who know the hidden paths and treacherous sky bridges connecting the peaks. They serve as natural fortresses, their heights giving their inhabitants an unchallenged view over the surrounding waters.
In contrast, some islands are covered in dense jungles and tangled swamps, their interiors shrouded in mist and mystery. The Crown, the central island ruled by the Leviathans, boasts a sprawling rainforest where ancient ruins lie hidden beneath twisting vines and moss-covered stone. The Bloodwake Isle, on the other hand, is home to brackish mangrove swamps, where twisted roots grow half-submerged in the murky waters. These swamps are rumored to hide not only dangerous beasts but also the forgotten remnants of past civilizations that once called these lands home.
Fresh water is scarce, making the control of wells, underground springs, and rain collection systems vital for survival. Some islands have hidden freshwater pools deep within caves, while others rely on the unpredictable seasonal storms that bring both salvation and destruction. Those who live in Darktow must constantly adapt to the land’s brutal, ever-changing nature—for in this wild and untamed place, only the strong endure.

The waters surrounding the Darktow Isles are as dangerous as the pirates who call them home. The Dunadian Ocean is known for its violent, unpredictable waves, which can shift from calm to chaos in moments. Many sailors have seen their doom in these waters, as even the most experienced captains struggle to navigate the ever-changing tides.
At times, the sea is eerily still, with waters as smooth as glass, reflecting the darkened skies above. But this peace never lasts. Without warning, the waves can rise into monstrous walls of water, crashing down with the force to splinter even the strongest ships. These rogue waves, some said to reach heights rivaling the tallest cliffs of Darktow, are feared even by the most seasoned pirates.
Storms frequently roll in from the Shifting Watters, bringing with them howling winds and merciless rain. Lightning splits the sky, striking the ocean's surface like the wrath of the gods. In some places, whirlpools churn, dragging ships into the abyss, never to be seen again. It is said that some storms here are not natural, but born from ancient curses or the will of the deep-sea leviathans that lurk beneath.

To sail these waters is to challenge the sea itself. Only the bold—or the foolish—dare to ride the waves of Darktow, where fortune and doom come hand in hand.

Fauna & Flora

The Life Beneath the Waves

The seas surrounding the Darktow Isles are teeming with life, both wondrous and terrifying. Schools of silver-scaled fish dart beneath the waves, their shimmering bodies creating fleeting patterns of light in the depths. Closer to shore, coral reefs thrive in the shallow waters, bursting with color and sheltering a variety of crustaceans, sea serpents, and razor-finned predators. But as one ventures further into the Dunadian Ocean, the waters grow darker, concealing creatures few have seen and lived to tell of. Massive shadow sharks prowl the depths, their blackened eyes and jagged teeth making them the terror of any sailor unfortunate enough to fall overboard. Enormous sailfin rays glide just below the surface, their vast wingspans allowing them to leap from the water in breathtaking displays. The deeper waters are also home to luminous jellyfish that drift like ghostly specters, their tendrils pulsing with an eerie glow. But sailors fear one thing above all else—the Leviathan’s Deeps, where the Kraken is said to dwell, and where ships disappear without a trace.

The Jungle and Forest Life

The dense jungles and tangled forests of the Darktow Isles are alive with an untamed, almost primordial energy. Towering ironwood trees stretch skyward, their thick, gnarled roots coiling through the earth like great serpents. Vines as thick as a man’s arm hang from the canopy, dripping with moisture from the perpetual mist that blankets the forest floor. The air is alive with the calls of brightly feathered raptors, small but cunning creatures that hunt in coordinated packs, swooping down upon prey with razor-sharp talons. In the underbrush, chameleon-like reptiles blend seamlessly into their surroundings, lying in wait for unsuspecting creatures to pass by. The deeper one travels into the jungle, the stranger and more hostile the wildlife becomes. The dreaded shadow panthers stalk the jungle paths, their black fur absorbing the light, making them little more than a whisper in the wind before they strike. There are even rumors of ancient, near-mythical beasts—great serpents the size of ships, said to guard the ruins of civilizations long lost to time.

The Shores and Coastal Life

Where the jungle meets the sea, the shores of the Darktow Isles are rugged and unpredictable. Tidal pools form among the jagged black rocks, filled with strange crustaceans and sharp-shelled mollusks, their chitinous armor making them difficult to harvest without proper tools. Seabirds circle overhead, their keen eyes ever-watchful for the schools of silverfish that leap from the waves to avoid larger predators. Small, hardy creatures like sand-dwelling lizards and burrowing crabs scuttle across the beaches, vanishing the moment a shadow passes over them. Some of the more remote islands are home to colonies of seabeasts, massive amphibious creatures with thick hides and tusked jaws, which hunt both in water and on land, making them a dangerous threat to any unprepared travelers.

The Kraken – The Lord of the Leviathan’s Deeps

Lurking in the darkest, deepest trenches of the Dunadian Ocean, the Kraken is more than a mere beast—it is a force of nature, a living nightmare whispered about in every pirate tavern. Its massive tentacles have been seen rising from the depths to crush ships like driftwood, dragging them into the abyss where no light dares to reach. Some claim it is the guardian of the pirate king, bound to the will of the Leviathans, while others believe it is an ancient god of the deep, awakening only when the sea is angered. Whatever the truth, one fact remains—when the waters grow still and the wind dies, the Kraken is near.

Natural Resources

While the Darktow Isles are infamous for their pirate clans, shifting tides, and ruthless politics, they are also home to invaluable resources that fuel the ambitions of both the lawless and the desperate. These lands, rich in mystery and danger, hide materials and treasures sought after across the world. From precious gemstones buried deep within the rocky caverns to strange, archane-infused materials found only in the most cursed locations, the Darktow Isles offer both great wealth and untimely death to those who dare to seek them.

The Black Sand

– The Fuel of Warfare

Perhaps the most coveted and dangerous resource found in these isles is the Black Sand, also called Black Powder or Black Dust. Found along the volcanic shores and deep within the ash-choked mines of Ashenmaw, this fine, dark granule is more than just sand—it is the very lifeblood of the new technology emerging in the region. When properly refined, it becomes a powerful explosive used to fuel cannons, flintlock firearms, and bombards. The pirate clans of Darktow hoard and fight for control over its supply, as it grants them dominance in naval warfare. To outsiders, it is worth more than gold, as only those who brave the dangers of these lands can retrieve it.

Hidden Wealth Beneath the Isles

Some of the most remote and dangerous islands hide riches beyond imagination. Deep within caverns, beneath treacherous cliffs, and within half-sunken ruins, miners and treasure seekers have discovered veins of diamonds, gold, opal, lapis lazuli, and ruby. However, claiming these riches is no simple feat—many of these islands are riddled with deadly traps, haunted ruins, and creatures drawn to the energy of these precious stones. Some even believe that the gems themselves are cursed, bringing misfortune to any who take them.

The Vast Plantations of the Isles

Despite their reputation as lawless pirate havens, not all of Darktow’s islands are devoted to plunder and war. Several islands—particularly those controlled by merchant-backed clans—are home to expansive plantations where various crops thrive in the humid, tropical climate. These farms produce exotic fruits, rare herbs, and potent medicinal plants, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Darktow rum, made from sugarcane grown on these islands, is especially famous and sought after by sailors, nobles, and alchemists alike.

Storm Bones – The Energy of the Tempests

On Stormspire Isle, a place constantly ravaged by unnatural storms, one of the most bizarre and valuable materials can be found—Storm Bones. These strange, bone-like formations emerge from the earth, pulsing with an unnatural electric energy. Alchemists and inventors alike covet this material, believing it to be the remnants of creatures long dead, infused with the power of the storms that rage over the island. Those who manage to retrieve Storm Bones often sell them for astronomical prices, as they are believed to hold the key to harnessing and controlling raw lightning.

The Cursed Island – The Forbidden Treasure Hoard

Among all the whispered legends of the Darktow Isles, none are spoken of in more hushed, fearful tones than the myths of Cursed Island. Said to be within north-east waters, near to the Shifting Watters. This phantom island is rumored to hold the most precious and archane materials in existence. Some claim it is the resting place of a forgotten empire’s vaults, while others believe it to be a prison for something far worse. What is certain is that no pirate, treasure hunter, or explorer who has sought it has ever returned—their ships are either found wrecked, abandoned, or simply vanish without a trace. Those who speak of it in taverns claim that the island itself does not wish to be found, and that those who try to steal its secrets are claimed by something older than time itself.

The Ancient Ruins of the Darktow Isles

Scattered across the jungle-choked isles and hidden beneath the waves, the ruins of a forgotten civilization whisper of a time when gods and mortals walked these lands together. Towering stone ziggurats, broken temples, and submerged sanctuaries remain as the last remnants of a once-thriving empire, now claimed by the sea and the creeping vines of the jungle. Intricate carvings depict stories of great rulers, celestial beings, and the cataclysm that brought their downfall—a divine punishment, as the legends say, for their hubris in angering the gods. Many treasure hunters and scholars have sought to uncover the secrets buried beneath the moss-covered stones, but few return, as these ruins are not only protected by the traps and curses of the ancients, but by creatures that have made these forsaken places their lairs.

Fishing – The Lifeblood of the Darktow Isles

Despite the pirate-infested waters and treacherous seas, fishing remains the most common trade and the primary source of sustenance for those living in the Darktow Isles. The surrounding Dunadian Ocean is teeming with an abundance of fish, from the small silverfin schools that dart through the shallows to the massive deep-sea leviathans that lurk in the abyss. Nearly every settlement, whether pirate or civilian, has fishermen who brave the unpredictable tides to bring in daily catches. Fish is not only the most consumed food but also a valuable trade resource, dried, salted, or smoked to be stored for long voyages or sold in distant markets. Some fish, particularly the rare, luminous deep-sea varieties, are sought after for their alchemical properties or used in exotic cuisine. While most fishermen stick to the safer waters, the bravest—or the most desperate—venture closer to the Shifting Waters or Leviathan’s Deeps, hoping for a catch that will make them rich or famous... if they return at all.

Alternative Name(s)

Pirate Kingdom, Pirate Isles

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Dunadian Ocean

Included Organizations

• The Scavs

Ruling/Owning Rank

Pirate King

Owning Organization

The Leviathans

Contested By

• The Ashans
• The Blackhands
• The Crows
• The Sabers
• The Scavs

Related Materials

• Blacksand

The Pirate Clans of Darktow

Each clan of Darktow has carved out a domain of their own, establishing strongholds across the islands and enforcing their own brand of law. Some are brutal slavers, others are cunning thieves, but all are bound by a shared respect—or fear—of the King of Pirates.

The Ashans

– Hidden in Fire and Ash

Base: Ashenmaw, a volcanic island constantly spewing smoke and fire.
Description: A fierce and warlike clan, the Ashans thrive in one of the most inhospitable regions of Darktow. Their warriors are battle-hardened, their ships fast and brutal, and their tempers as fiery as their homeland. It is said that the forges of Ashenmaw produce some of the strongest weapons in the Dunadian Ocean, though only those who can survive the heat and danger of their island can claim them.

The Crows

– Masters of the Sky

Base: The Nest, connected by long bridges spanning three towering isles, known as The Pillars, and extending toward Watcher’s Rock.
Description: The Crows are a cunning and secretive clan, preferring stealth, ambushes, and deception over brute force. Their home, The Nest, is nearly impossible to approach without permission, as the only way in or out is across their treacherous sky bridges, guarded at all times. The Crows are masters of espionage, assassins, and thieves, often selling their services to the highest bidder—when they are not raiding for their own gain.

The Sabers

– Slavers and Brutal Warriors of the East

Base: Saber Tooth Isle, the most eastern of the Darktow Isles.
Description: Tough, ruthless, and feared, the Sabers are a clan of mostly orcs, half-orcs, and hardened humans, notorious for their involvement in slave trading and brutal warfare. Their war galleys are among the most intimidating ships in Darktow, designed for ramming and boarding. They rule through strength and intimidation, and their island serves as one of the largest black markets for slaves, weapons, and stolen goods.

The Blackhands

– Barbars of the North

Base: Blackreach Hold, controlling nearby Bloodwake Isle, Broken Edge Isle, and Marauder’s Refuge Isle.
Description: The Blackhands are the most ruthless and controlling of all the pirate clans, extending their dominion far beyond their home base. Blackreach Hold is a fortress of black stone and iron, its walls stained with the blood of countless executions. Unlike other clans who tolerate independent captains, the Blackhands demand absolute loyalty, crushing any who do not submit to their rule. They control the northern trade routes, enforcing heavy tributes on those who pass through their waters.

The Leviathans

– Rulers of Darktow

Base: The Crown, also called King’s Island, the central stronghold of Darktow.
Description: The Leviathans are not just a clan—they are the ruling power of Darktow. Led by the King of Pirates, they dictate the laws (or lack thereof) of the isles, enforcing their will through a fleet of unmatched strength. Their island, The Crown, is a fortified city of outlaws, where pirate lords and captains gather under the watchful eye of their ruler. Legends whisper that the King of Pirates holds dominion over the great Kraken, a creature of the deep seas that ensures no enemy fleet dares to challenge the Leviathans.

The Scavs

– Vultures of the Battlefield

Base: Unknown—if they even have one.
Description: The Scavs are not warriors, nor rulers, but opportunists. They do not hold land, they do not fight wars—they simply watch and wait. Whenever a battle takes place, the Scavs arrive afterward, picking apart the wreckage for supplies, gold, and corpses to loot. They are most often found in The Wreckyard, a graveyard of sunken and broken ships, or lingering near the border of the Shifting Waters, hoping the sea will offer them fresh spoils. Though many pirates consider them cowards, none can deny that the Scavs always seem to have exactly what is needed—for a price.