The Cluster

The Charted Sky

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A map of part of the Charted Sky

The Cluster, as it is known, is one of the few places in the Charted Sky which has been fully mapped thanks to the large settlements of Aarakocra which reside there. With little external influence, the folk of the Cluster have survived heartily for many years without much outside interference. The populous consists to six major settlements, scattered across six of the many different islands, each displaying varying decrees of isolation, while having commerce as a main trade between them. The settlements are inhabited primarily by Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes - with Aarakocra being the next largest group, followed by small percentages of other races.
The region is known for all kinds of weather, located close to the Ever-Storm, with the each passing throughout the cycle. With temperatures relative to the island's elevation at each time of cycle, the islands deviate very little as a whole, never floating further than the mesosphere.

The Islands

Each of the islands share their name with their most prevalent settlement, usually the biggest or most affluential town or city. The Magistratum are apparent to keep a written record of permanent formations that remain in the Cluster, however inside sources say they are boring categorisations and nothing more; the disk the Magistratum floats on is referred to as "001-D" according to said sources.

Arcpoint

Arcpoint is considered the technological forefront of the Cluster. A large Gnomish city, with magnificent metallic skyscrapers reaching up and down - cutting the clouds like cake. Currently under the power of the Klizilk faction, ruled by the Patrician, Blagorodny, and internally ran by the District Council. A river runs through Arcpoint, dropping off the island at Aerosis Falls; tourists often come to see as the water dissipates in the cloud layer, droplets reflecting off the mirrored surfaces of the descending skyscrapers.

Cloud's Rest

Cloud's Rest is the most secluded settlement of the islands, inhabited by Cloud Giants, few dare make the voyage to the rock. Only the most minor trade is done with the location, the Cloud Giants having little to do with the political affairs of the Cluster. The settlement itself is supposedly built into a ruin of the Old World, vast bricks of ancient stonework can be seen from miles off-shore, as many of the awesome buildings hang like stalactites from the underbelly of the rock.

Greyfall

Greyfall is the Orcish settlement of the region, trade with Greyfall is a matter of taste, Orcs making some of the finest tools in the land. The isolationist ideology of Greyfall is supposed to come from superstition of strangers, the city being a highly fortified Keep, led by Chief Urag Sol of the Oracai.
Large stone andesite structures and supports dominate the cityscape, homes, shops, watchtowers - the lack of colour a choice of defence against those trying to see the city through the fog of the Ever-Storm. However, during festivals and holidays, the city is abloom with fragrance and decor - and as long as you're no stranger to the populous, they may treat you with such revelry.

Ironside

Ironside is considered by some to the the Capitol of the Cluster, holding the most commercial and military power, however few officials recognise this assertion outside of the city. Buildings of grey and white stonework make up the majority of the settlement, with many decorative metal anchor plates used across the city. The more affluent the area the more colour and metallurgy one is likely to find.
Ironside is currently under the rule of the Tsar, Asio, an aarakocran owl, under the doctorine of the Aarakocran Alliance - more formally known as the Whings Party.
Presently under quarantine, Ironside has suffered from a plague, of which there is no cure yet available.

Khazfeln Port

Khazfeln Port, otherwise known as Khazfeln, is a Dwarvish fortress built into a mountain of the same name. Located underground, the settlement has access to the sky through a crevasse in the mountainside; much of the basic housing and commercial buildings built straight into the rockface, with larger more impressive buildings freestanding within the enormous cavern. Where other settlements categorise themselves as independent City States, Khazfeln has an unconventional monarchy.
Ruled by King Urd Durfslat, the Dwarves of Khazfeln Port adhere to the philosophy of Svirken, built on the mantra that is it the workers who control the means of production - as such the King acts as more of a governor of the island as opposed to a traditional monarch.

Topaz

Known best for its famed Sky Port, Topaz is a trading hub for various craftsmen, home to multiple guilds, with either headquarters or outposts in the city. Topaz gets its name from the fact the island has large topaz deposits within its mines - resulting in much of the city being decorated with the material - many official buildings having it included heavily in their architecture.
Once ruled by Judges, the Guild Council now overseers the law and jurisdiction of Topaz, with no current philosophical or political presence withstanding as not to upset any allied settlements they already have prosperous trade deals with.

Maps

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  The Charted Sky

  A map of part of the Charted Sky

Included Locations

• Arcpoint
• Topaz