Taojia
ID: Hand drawn map of the Taojia island cluster. Aiyall lies to the north, and Yalia to the south.
I have attempted to go into further detail about the main settlements and organisations found in Taojia below!
Aiyall
The largest city, Tallhwen, is set in the north-west of the map. It is home to Castle Tallstag, Tamsten Hold (also referred to as the Arcane University), and the largest port on the island, by which is a favourable fish market.. The most favoured tavern in the city is The Magician’s Rose, which is frequented by the Paladin’s Guild, the Order of the Cross. A less reputable tavern, though it is no less loved by locals, is The Merchant Graveyard, run by known fence Cypher Dean. Dean’s brother, Carrigan, also runs the local blacksmith, the Enchanter’s Footing. Additionally, Tallhwen is also home to the Hewitt Memorial Library, which was instated in the aftermath of the first Civil War.
Asmere is the northern-most town and has the closest trading with the Dwarven town of Durwhen, which resides beneath the mountain directly south of Asmere around which the smaller towns were constructed. Asmere is also home to the thieves guild, the Shadow’s Bane, who frequently hole up in the local tavern, The Lonely Jester. Tan Tameren, the owner of Grey Iron Blacksmiths, is known to fence stolen goods for them.
To the south-west of the mountain is Hadleigh, best known for it’s large forge based in the Blackened Sword smithy. It is said that the ale in The Black Stag is the strongest on the island, though the Durhwhenian dwarves dispute this.
Fallbey lies to the west, just north of the Tanloch military encampment at Tamsten Keep. The small farming town is mostly quiet, though it’s tavern, the Drunken Lamb, is frequented by soldiers from the encampment.
The Dwarven city of Durwhen is located within Mount Farnlen, and is the oldest settlement on Aiyall. It’s government is entirely separate to that of the surface, and the dwarves are secretive and isolated. Not much is known about their goings-on, though many citizens of Aiyall would prefer to keep it that way, though many suspect that the feared Drow reside further below the city.
Above the wilds to the south lies Tamsten Keep, an old fort whose watchtower protected the people from wilder folk in the early days of the settlements. It is still patrolled by guards, though people do not fear the wilds as much in current times. The wilds themselves are home to two Elven clans, whose business is entirely their own.
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Yalia
Yalia’s capital city of Llomedden is settled in the northern end of the island. It is home to the House of Lords, who preside over the laws of the land. It’s people frequent the local taverns, the Slaughter House and the Golden Stag, though the latter is known in the underground community to hide runaway mages before the Blacklight Bound mercenaries transport them away from the city.
Pansworth lies just south of Llomedden, and is the largest trading hub after the city itself. Any and all goods coming from elsewhere on Yalia must travel through Pansworth, and as a result the town is often bustling with business. It’s tavern, the Dapper Dwarf, is one of the largest on the islands, and it is always full.
Duragon is the smallest town on the island, sitting to the west. It has a large port, and is known for fishing. Many of it’s stores are named for it’s famous port, including the local tavern, the Fisherman’s Lodge.
Calmarnoch sits to the east of Duragon, and has a large population of Tabaxi. It is said that their ancestors travelled there many centuries ago with the help of the Triton civilisation that is said to live below the waves, and that the Tabaxi settled there with the Tritons’ help. This tale is frequently perpetuated by Aito Saare, the owner of the Marauders’ Nest tavern and a well-known bard in the city.
South of the River Dunhlen lies Aerenden, the oldest settlement on Yalia. It is primarily populated by elves, a large quantity of whom are considered ‘high’ elves given their long, storied history. The people of Aerenden consider an affinity for magic to be an important part of their culture, and as such are the only town where magic users are not reported or imprisoned. The people there often work with the Blacklight Bound mercenaries, allowing their rescued mages to reside in the local tavern, the Enchanter’s Rest, or in their own homes when the need is greater.
Further into the wilds, Clan Irosyl can be found roaming the trees. Primarily comprised of ‘wood’ elves and half-elves, the clan suffered a massive loss just a few decades ago, and has struggled to protect themselves since. They occasionally take work from Aerenden, and many of the clan have suggested integrating with the nearby elven community, though it remains to be seen whether their clan Elders will consider this.
Far into the depths of the trees there is a large stone tower, surrounded on all sides by a thick hedge maze. This is Dunloch Hold, the mages prison. Though it does perform as a school for magic users, it is ostensibly used to keep those considered ‘dangerous’ locked up far from the rest of society.
