Kings Isle

Kings Isle, the mainland of the Vache Kingdom, is a realm brimming with industry, trade, and martial prowess. At its heart lies the grand capital city, Iron Citadel, which stands as a testament to the kingdom's power and resilience. The city is strategically located along the longest river in the country, serving as a vital hub for trade and transportation, allowing goods to be swiftly transferred to the sea. One of the most notable structures outside the capital is the Iron Colosseum, renowned as the Arena of Death. This massive edifice has become a town in itself over the years, attracting skilled smiths and legendary gladiators. Within its walls, thrilling battles and deadly contests of skill take place, captivating the hearts and minds of spectators from all corners of the Vache Kingdom.

Continuing down the river from Iron Citadel, near the river's mouth, lies the bustling town of Ironbridge. Functioning as a vital trading hub, Ironbridge serves as a checkpoint for all goods flowing in and out of the river. Heavily guarded by soldiers and cog machines, the town ensures the safety and regulation of trade within the region. North of the capital, nestled amidst rugged landscapes, stands the formidable Anvil Keep. Originally a stronghold, it has been transformed into a foundry where skilled blacksmiths forge some of the finest weapons in the kingdom. The Anvil Keep is renowned for its craftsmanship and the masterful creations that emanate from its forges.

Further north, the town of Forgetown comes into view, known for its vibrant community of forges and skilled metalworkers. Here, a competitive rivalry often unfolds between the smiths of Forgetown and those of the Anvil Keep, each vying for recognition and supremacy in their craft. South of Ironbridge, along the coastal stretches, lies the infamous Hydra Harbor. This treacherous port serves as a docking point for beasts and monsters used in gladiatorial games and sold across the world. A dangerous place to be, accidents occasionally occur, with monsters breaking free and causing havoc. Despite its perils, Hydra Harbor has become a haven for monster hunters, who find solace and purpose in its challenging and thrilling environment.

Venturing to the western side of Kings Isle, the main road leads to Oiltown, a town built atop an underground oil lake, a recent discovery. Artificers and inventors flock to Oiltown, eager to harness the potential of this resource for their cog machines and innovative contraptions. The town buzzes with creativity and industry as residents strive to push the boundaries of invention. Further west, Steam Harbor emerges, a port perpetually enveloped in a dense cloud of steam and smoke. The air is challenging to breathe for outsiders, but locals have adapted to the environment. Steam Harbor is a bustling hub of activity, teeming with forges, factories, and shipyards. Machanical guards vigilantly watch over the harbor, ensuring its security and safeguarding its valuable assets.

Continuing north along the road from Steam Harbor, Cogfort looms on the horizon. This stronghold serves as a checkpoint for soldiers to inspect passing caravans, playing a crucial role in maintaining order and security. A permanent garrison guards the fort, ensuring the safety of those within its walls. Not far from Cogfort, the coastal town of Cogtown awaits. Despite its proximity to the coast, Cogtown lacks a large port or dock, as only specific cargo passes through its borders. The town is a haven for inventors and artificers, dedicated to improving the daily lives of the kingdom's inhabitants through their innovative creations.

In the northeastern part of the island lies the merchant town of Oreville. From its vantage point, Oreville overlooks the coast, with distant views of the enigmatic Nagan Empire. South of Oreville, the city of Hiki stands out, maintaining the ancient oriental Nagan culture and architecture within the Kingdom. However, Hiki is also home to the Institute of Mortality, a place known for its association with warlocks and dark wizards. Dark and shady activities transpire within its walls, causing many nobles of the Vache Kingdom to avoid the city, wary of its mysterious influence.

Beyond the bustling cities and towns of Kings Isle, the wilderness areas encompass a diverse range of landscapes and dangers. Each area presents unique challenges and holds its own secrets, adding depth and intrigue to the kingdom's expansive territory. To the east of the capital city, Iron Citadel, lies the Ashen Woods. The forest derives its name from the layer of ash that settles upon its trees and ground due to the constant activity of the foundries and factories in the city. Remarkably, the Ashen Woods have adapted to this unique environment over centuries, creating an ecosystem that thrives despite the ashen coating.

North of the capital and west of the Anvil Keep stretches the foreboding Nightmare Wilds. This untamed wilderness is home to a variety of dangerous creatures, including the formidable Diresaur, a native dinosaur species that has adapted to the changing environment. Some individuals capture and tame these deadly creatures, using them as mounts within the kingdom. However, most people wisely avoid the Nightmare Wilds due to its inherent dangers. Further west, the Gravehill Forest holds a somber history. Beneath its ancient trees lie numerous mass graves, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the fight for the Vache Kingdom's independence. The forest has acquired a significant cultural and religious significance, and it is commonly agreed upon that the trees should be preserved in honor of those who gave their lives.

South of the Gravehill Forest sprawls the Lawless Wasteland, a vast and lawless expanse. Local laws hold little influence in this desolate region, making it a dangerous place for unsuspecting travelers. Most roads circumvent the area, and those who do venture through are well aware of the risks, which include bandits and menacing creatures. Further west lies the Slavers Woods, a treacherous territory controlled by nomadic slavers. While slavery is regulated and heavily taxed within the Vache Kingdom, some individuals seek out these unscrupulous slavers for inexpensive and readily available labor. The Slavers Woods serve as their base of operations, filled with traps and camps that keep unsuspecting victims in captivity.

On the southern coast, the Tainted Groves present a haunting and cursed forest. The vegetation within this woods exhibits carnivorous traits, and the trees seem to possess a defensive nature, fighting back against intruders. Many believe that this curse is the result of intentional manipulation by a powerful mage or wizard, though the aristocracy and guilds refuse to acknowledge any responsibility. To the southeast, lies the Merchant's Groves. Located in close proximity to Hydra Harbor, these woods serve as a hiding place for smugglers and merchants seeking to conceal their illicit goods. Over time, many treasures and lost items have become forgotten in these woods, attracting treasure hunters and explorers hoping to uncover hidden wealth. Just north of the Merchant's Groves lies the Highway Woods, a desolate area traversed by the kingdom's main trade routes. Though desolate, it is well-patrolled to ensure the safety of trade caravans passing through.

Moving inland along the eastern side of the island, the Grand Ironforest emerges, boasting the distinction of being one of the world's largest forests. Its trees are renowned for their rapid growth and the durability of their hardwood. Throughout the forest, timber camps are strategically positioned to harvest timber, making the Grand Ironforest a vital resource for the kingdom. It is also a sanctuary for the majority of the kingdom's wildlife. In the far northern reaches of Kings Isle lies the Dragonwoods, a foreboding territory that serves as the habitat for many dragons. Believed to be a nesting ground for these magnificent creatures during various seasons, the Dragonwoods evoke a sense of awe and trepidation. Most people avoid venturing into these woods, but those driven by the allure of treasure and glory may find themselves drawn to the area, risking encounters with dragons and other perils.

Lastly, the Warzone of Zaaz occupies a vast wasteland in the northernmost part of Kings Isle. This lawless and chaotic territory is a breeding ground for violence and senseless battles, devoid of any noble cause. It attracts those who revel in the thrill of combat and the sheer enjoyment of chaos, painting a dark and dangerous picture of this unforgiving region.