The Windward Isles

The Windward Isles are a region of the ocean southeast of the continent of Belaestus. Although they have not yet been fully explored or charted, the Isles have been the focus of colonization and exploitation by the nations of Belaestus, most prominently Aleverd and Gallauntere. This sudden rush of colonization and trade, together with the general lawlessness of the region, has led to a surge in piracy.

## Description

The Windward Isles are a series of archipelagos numbering in the dozens, if not hundreds, of islands. The region is tropical, the islands and surrounding seas bursting with flora and fauna. Most of the islands are host to a dense jungle, inhabited by hitherto unclassified beasts.

The islands themselves are arranged in distinct chains, likely the result of volcanic activity. The soil of each island is rich, allowing for especially verdant jungles, and highly productive plantations. The weather of the region, while sometimes violent and unpredictable, is defined by a prevailing wind blowing east to west. It is from this wind that the region takes it's name, it being "to windward" of Belaestus. The region is notable for being the only known source of Prima Materia, a mineral valued for its Alchemical properties.

The region is also home to the Gibi-Wana, a race of native Goblins currently being enslaved by the colonizing nations.

## History

The Windward Isles were first discovered by Commodore Bartholomew Tottleby of Aleverd, leading a multinational expedition fleet into the region. After news of the new region reached Belaestus, colonization began, and accelerated rapidly following the discovery of Prima Materia.

The Windward Isles soon became a point of contention between Aleverd and Gallauntere, with each claiming dominion of the Isles. Having already been posturing against one another, the discovery of the Isles and their wealth proved to be the tipping point, and Aleverd and Gallauntere went to war to determine who would hold the Isles.

Tottleby, meanwhile, went rogue against his own nation, and founded an order of Pirates. Known as the Patched Flag, these scoundrels are a thorn in the side of rightful authority in the Isles to this day.

## Places of Note

### Folly's Reward

The northwestern-most island of the Windward Isles, and the first to be discovered by the Sou'east Expedition. One of the largest islands yet discovered, it is currently a colonial territory of Gildeskroone, and its chief port city, Brannocksburg, is a major port of call for all ships arriving or departing to and from the Isles.

### Tidefall

A large island to the south-southwest of Folly's Reward. Tidefall is a territory of Aleverd, and is one of their most important military holdings in the Isles. The city of Spearesmouth is the largest settlement on the island, and serves as the home port for the Fleet of the White.

### Dawnmount

The largest of the islands held by Aleverd and the largest of the Dawn Archipelago, Dawnmount is located to the east-southeast of Tidefall, and nearly due south of Folly's Reward. The Local Office of the East Wind Trading House is quartered here at Valbury's Landing, the largest city on the Isle. In addition to this major trade port, Dawnmount hosts a multitude of plantations, mines, logging camps and even small factories, making it one of the most economically valuable holdings in the Isles.

### Iles du Sol

An archipelago of eight islands far to the east-southeast of Folly's Reward. The largest holding of Gallaunterre, the largest island of the archipelago hosts Port au Seigneurs, a military port city which acts both as the main base of operations for the Valliants in the Windward Isles, and the seat of power for Gallaunterre's colonies.

### The Singing Sisters

A trio of islands far to the southeast of Dawnmount. The Sisters surround a body of water known as Siren's Lagoon, and are the location of Driftholme, a small port town that serves as the hub for Piracy in the Windward Isles. Ringed by an extensive maze of reefs and shoals which seemingly only Pirates may navigate, the Sisters are a virtually unassailable natural fortress.