Utawala

Utawala (known to the locals as Talariel) is the Western island of the Dying Isles.

## The Story So Far

The Dying Isles was originally one land, many millennia ago. It has split into 3 parts. It was known as the Bright Isles for the longest time due to it's abundance of natural flora and fauna, however in recent years it has become known as the Dying Isles due to it's constant battles with draught and plague.

Utawala is a land divided - the Elves, Half-Elves and Aasimars live well while humans and other races are looked down upon, with particular disdain held for the dwarves. The dwarves of Utawala are famously selfish and aloof, choosing to remain beyond Southgate and ferociously attacking any who cross their border.

The skies are patrolled by infrequent airships with an almost organic nature as well as the Talar Guard, griffin-riders and infantry of the nation. They are ruled by Aasimar King Nasavir Bedevere and his wife Lynette.

## Cities and Locations

### Astalonia

Astalonia is the fishing village and main import / export village of Utawala, at least until Kasanas has finished building a dock of significance. A quiet, sleepy village, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Utawala. Home to retirees and tourists. Astalonia sees a regular audience of young people who are seeking to 'dungeon dive' (a popular activity with young people in Utawala) and look for treasure / hidden tombs in the north-east.

### Khal'dural

Khal'dural is one of the oldest constructed buildings, back when the Dwarves ruled Utawala (possibly even before the division of the Isles). The King was based here with three mistresses, and was terrified of invasion, seeing spies everywhere. He heavily trapped and fortified the ruins of Khal'dural before locking himself in an immense stone coffin for his 'own safety'. The party travelled here to meet Doctor Tock, revealed to be a title carried by numerous adventurers over the ages, currently held by Valencia Blackbark, Vraal's sister. The party rescued Valencia and received the Professor Orb containing the essence of a former Doctor Mortimus Tock, adventurer and professor of many things, from a coffin in the . The party battled the Weeping Widows, mistresses of the Dwarven King, who did not want to see their only source of company leave this place.

### Serenia Homestead

Home of a well-to-do family, the Serenias.

### Azure Tower

A former guard tower that extends both far above and far below the ground. A popular dungeon delving spot for adventurers and fools.

### Labelle Estates

Home of a well-to-do family, the Labelles. The Labelles made their fortune trading in perfumes and fragrances, and are one of the wealthiest families in Utawala.

### Duskwallow Cemetery

Once the national burial ground, it is currently inhabited by the Yuan-Ti.

### Sinking Shore

Formerly a Dwarven village that was claimed by the rising sea aeons ago. Currently inhabited by the Yuan-Ti, who hold a tenuous but mystical ownership over both Sinking Shore and Duskwallow Cemetery.

### Illrannia Village

Illrannia Village is a small but prosperous town, with a focus on tanning and leatherworking, hunting from the surrounding area. Unfortunately, many of their hunting skills are currently being put to use in shooing away bandits and thieves, who are escaping Talariel and looking to make their ill-gotten gains elsewhere. Illrania is also home to the Lonely Lady Tavern, a tavern named after a woman who was spurned by her lover by a waterfall.

### Kasanas

A middle-class coastal town with no apparent import or exports... it is also the home base of the Wardens of the Firstborn, who allegedly trade in lives here. Allegedly.

### Maybellion

Maybellion Coast is a new development of a town, recently visited by the Harmonious Ones. After the visit of the Harmonious Ones, the town has seemingly had a significant reduction in crime, however construction has slowed significantly.

### Talariel City

An incredible city risen from the depths, and always smelling pleasantly of the sea breeze. Massive waterfalls fall from the towers through the old - but functional - aqueducts which provide water to each home. The Central Circle is home to many landmarks including the Palace of Talariel, the Arena of Eyes (gladiatorial arena), the Ruby Halls (bardic / arcane halls of study), the Celestial Hall (Divine Hand Headquarters), Talar Guardhouse, Glasshouse of the Wild (growing house for spell components) and the Air Docks. Each district has it's own popular spots. Talariel is also home to the Gambler's Chance Auction House, the Silent Gallows Penitentiary, Brineheart Stables, the Halls of the Firstborn and the Summer Fountain.

### Phiriel

Phiriel is a farm bigger than some continents. The land here is incredibly fertile and a closely guarded secret, with soil from Phiriel being sold on the black market for a ridiculously high price, despite the fact it does not remain special for long. Phiriel itself is well-guarded by both hired mercenaries and the residents. Phiriel is famed for the 'Golden Apples', which only 5 fall per year. These apples are considered collectables or *extremely* rare spell components.

### Southgate

Southgate itself is patrolled by Talar Guard on the north side with 'monstrosities' guarding the south side. There is no visible way of opening the gate.

* K'as Thadun - a Dwarven military base / village. Some residents indicate they have heard occasional explosions from K'as Thadun.
* Vallodir - Dwarven village.
* Khandarum - Dwarven Citadel. Occupants / royal system unknown.

### Orlam Dun

Orlam Dun is the former Capital city of Utawala, famed for it's incredible aquaduct-system and battlements. Built to withstand siege after siege in case any ever came from across the inlet to K'as Thadun - which, thankfully to date, none has. Currently empty of all former residents who were offered new homes in Talariel City. Orlam Dun is currently occupied entirely by Dragonborn peoples who have been sent by their respective nations for refuge and quarantine while investigation into their hostile behaviour continues.

### Blackbark Manor

A once palatial manor home owned by the Blackbark family, now in disrepair since the relocation of the family to Talariel City. Regularly inhabited by brigands and rogues looking for a fancy roof for the night.

### Willowfell Forest

Willowfell Forest is a vast, green forest filled with all sorts of flora and fauna. It is also home to the Willowfell Elves (see below).

* Murdom's Tower - an abandoned wizard's tower of an elderly wizard who chose to retire in the pleasant area of the forest. Disappeared without a trace.

* Vall'El - an small outpost of the Willowfell Elves.
* Filbraith - an outpost of the Willowfell Elves. A small, fiercely guarded farm of alchemical ingredients.

## Orders / Groups of Interest

### Wardens of the Firstborn / Genovasens

The Wardens (or the Genovasens as they are known internally) are an order of Elvish spies, rogues and assassins. They are led by Laudigan Blackbark, the Talarian Ambassador and spymaster. The fact that Laudigan is the leader of this spy network is arguably one of the worst kept secrets across any continent. Trained in poisons, espionage, social stealth and assassination, their purple cloaks and ruthlessness are known far and wide. They undergo trials as youths as part of their initiation, and based on these trials are either accepted to the ranks of the Firstborn or... disappear.

### Divine Hand

The Divine Hand are Aasimar 'recruits', conscripted into service upon birth. They are an order of war clerics/paladins fiercely loyal to Talariel and the King and Queen. They are split into two groups - the Day Shift and the Night Shift. They wear pristine plate mail armor and wield a variety of weapons, though seem to favour swords, shields and heavy crossbows. The Day Shift is led by Commander Davina Valt, and the Night Shift led by Commander Thorston Jargryss. If rumors are to be believed, the Night Shift is doing an unbeatable job of reducing crime with almost no crime occurring in the evening. The downside of this, however, is more crime in the day or occurring outside of the Capital. Traditionally, the Divine Hand remain in the Talarian Palace or elsewhere in Talariel itself.

### Talar Guard

The Talar Guard are the infantry and police force of Talariel, made up of elves, half-elves and humans. They are trained in the use of swords and longbows however lack any kind of arcane training, with the belief generally held that arcane training is for people with more time to commit to learning such things, such as the Divine Hand. They too are ferociously loyal to the Crown and are not conscripted, but choose to serve.

### Ruby Circlet

The Ruby Circlet is a band of spellcasters who run the Ruby Candles College, a college for spellcasters and - predominantly - bards, and those who find their magic in music. The party does not know any members of the Ruby Circlet.

### Willowfell Elves

The Willowfell elves are a secretive lot of nature clerics, druids and rangers who inhabit the south-west of Utawala. They breed and sell horses to the Talarian military, but otherwise remain almost entirely to themselves. They are led by Kamala, a powerful Elven shaman / druid. Kamala has been behaving somewhat out of character lately, and has recently undertaken a 'pilgrimage' of sorts to Talariel. Her sister Inari is currently overseeing the people of Willowfell.

### Dwarves of Khandarum

The party knows nothing of the Dwarves of Khandarum.