The Pearl Islands

## Overview

A map of the Pearl Islands

The coastal cliffs of Carahiem

The Pearl Islands are a five islands making up a large archipelago off the coast of Western Ephia. It is the ancestral home of the Roni Clan and has very active sea lanes heading to and from the archipelago.

## Carahiem

### Geography and Climate

Carahiem is the northernmost and second largest island in the archipelago, its steep coastal cliffs and central lowlands make the island perfect for settlement and agriculture. Carahiem receives normal rainfall for the region, neither too dry or too wet.

### History

#### Pre-Incursion

Before the Incursion and before the rise of the Roni Clan, Carahiem was under the control of a loose confederation of smaller clans and fiefdoms all vying for control of the Holy City of Amora. Any attempt to unify the clans was met with failure, as political backstabbing and betrayal caused the swift collapse of the alliances.

#### Post-Incursion

Following the Incursion, the founder of the Roni Clan was able to unify enough of the feuding families on Carahiem to form an army capable of taking control of Amora. The man was granted the title of Shogun, which was reserved for a powerful leader, prophesized to lead the clans of Carahiem to enlightenment.

## Brosnora

### Geography and Climate

Brosnora is the central and largest island on the Pearl Archipelago, however it is not as populated as its northern brother Carahiem due to the geography of the island. Brosnora has extremely rocky soil that prevents large farms from being constructed, the majority of settlement is centered around large mines in the mountains. Trees are sparse with the majority of flora being smaller shrubs and grasses. Brosnora has a low elevation which makes traversing or anchoring anywhere offshore very simple, which makes the island a favorite of traders or weary sailors looking for a moment of easily accessible shore leave.

### History

#### Pre-Incursion

Brosnora was sparsely populated before the Incursion, with the few clans or other settlers located directly on the coast.

#### Post-Incursion

After the Incursion and rise to power of the Roni Clan, Brosnora saw an increase in settlement as the new Shogun sought to modernize his nation and began to exploit the mineral deposits found on the island. Brosnora now boasts a significantly larger population than before, and that number increases as people from around the world flock to the mines seeking employment or a fresh start.

## Golnoque

### Geography and Climate

Golnoque is the fourth largest island of the archipelago and is the only island without any form of permanent population. The jungles of Golnoque are thick and oppressive, packed to the brim with dangerous fauna and routinely overtaken by powerful windstorms as the landmass takes the brunt of the trade winds coming in from the Barstall Sea.

### History

#### Pre-Incursion

Before the Incursion, Golnoque was inhabited by a hardened band of Orcs who raided the coasts of Western Ephia.

#### Post-Incursion

After the band of Orcs were killed by the Godslayers, hired to protect the Western Ephian coast, the Roni Clan sold the territory to the Cruwen Dynasty who constructed a small field laboratory deep in the jungle. After a few years of performing unknown experiments on the island, the site was abandoned and left at the mercy of the jungle. Today, Golnoque is known as a smuggler or pirate haven, as the small bay on the southeast side of the island is sheltered from the harsh winds and seas. Small hideouts dot the coast and jungles, populated by marauders during the times of year when trade slows down.

## Torlisile

### Geography and Climate

Torlisile is the smallest island on the Pearl Archipelago, and thus has the lowest population, not counting Golnoque. With very few resources, those living on Torlisile, mainly being Roni Clan naval forces are forced to import everything they need from the larger islands of the chain. Impassable jungle makes up most of the island, and the rocky coasts grant few natural harbors.

### History

#### Pre-Incursion

Before the Incursion, the island was mostly uninhabited. Occasional explorers or settlers would find a place to anchor and try to penetrate the foliage, but usually to no avail.

#### Post-Incursion

Following the rise of the Roni Clan, Torlisile was recognized for its strategic value as a naval base, as it provided easy access to southern sea lanes. A moderately sized Roni naval base can be found on the south side of the island, however, due to the issues with the modernization of the Roni Clan's naval forces, those stationed at the base are finding dealing with the pirates on nearby Golnoque difficult, if not currently impossible.

## Colina

### Geography and Climate

Colina is the third largest island on the archipelago, and has a small population. The island is almost entirely jungle with large cliffs at its center, frequent rainfall shrouds most of the land in thick fog that makes sailing nearby dangerous, as inattentive sailors risk running aground.

### History

#### Pre-Incursion

The island was uninhabited before the Incursion, as there was seemingly no need for anyone to live there.

#### Post-Incursion

Following the events of the Incursion, a small group of individuals constructed a commune near one of the mountain caves on Colina, and began to worship and revere an ancient bronze dragon that called the island home. Despite his species' fearsome reputation, the dragon welcomed the worshipers as friends and embraced their admiration of him.