The following locations are keyed to the map of the Cerulean Gulf.
Alethe#
A secluded enclave of sirens dwells among the reefs and sea caves of Alethe. Their alliance with Aresia is founded on mutual protection. Aresia shelters them from slavers, and in return the sirens provide swift winged messengers.
Aresia#
Population: 19,000 (70% human, 1% dwarf, 8% elf, 4% gnome, 2% halfling, 4% minotaur, 8% other)
Ruler: Queen Helen
Defense: 1,000 Scouts, 1,200 Aresian Monks (appendix B)
Products: Olive oil, silver, pottery, drama
A city famed for its red cloaked warrior monks and centuries long feud with Mytros. Refer to Mytros in chapter 6.
Barrows of Karpathos#
Cursed barrows where the Wolf Lord and his undead brood are trapped by magic and guarded by elite Aresian warriors. (Refer to the Tomb of Karpathos in chapter 8.)
Cerulean Gyre#
The Cerulean Gyre is a powerful clockwise current system contained entirely within the Cerulean Gulf, created by the steady push of offshore winds and the shaping of the surrounding islands. Its waters gather speed in summer, and slow in winter when the winds weaken
Cyanos#
The Indigo elves of the Dolphin tribe have claimed this sun-kissed paradise, shaping its white sands and shallow lagoons into hidden anchorages for their catamaran fleets. Outsiders are welcomed only if they bring goods to trade.
Fire Island#
Though the lizardfolk fight each other for dominion, every tribe fears the rumbling beneath the volcano. Refer to the Fire Island section in this chapter.
Golden Heart#
A paradise untouched by civilization, where divine beasts roam freely and the colossal Heart of Thylea allows mortals to commune directly with the Mother Goddess herself. Refer to the Golden Heart section in this chapter.
Gorgonos#
Generations of gygan families have lived on this rugged island, raising children among crumbling citadels that once served their empire.
Hexarchs#
These six scattered islands once formed a maritime shield around Yonder, home of the Gygan emperors, each garrisoned by fleets and warriors. Today only tumbled walls, and eroded obelisks remain.
Island of the Chimera#
The crescent rim of an ancient volcano, now a ship graveyard and lair to a chimera. Refer to the Island of the Chimera section in this chapter.
Island of the Exiles#
A barren prison colony where outcasts of Mytros live under fragile self-rule. Refer to the Island of the Exiles section in this chapter.
Island of the Fates#
A bleak, storm-lashed island and home to the ancient hag coven known as the Fates. Refer to the Island of the Fates section in this chapter.
Island of Yonder#
The ancient capital of the fallen Gygan Empire, now home to the Order of Sydon. Refer to the Yonder section in this chapter.
Kos#
The largest of the Hexarch islands is now home to small clans of cyclopes who butchered their gygan overseers when the empire fell and claimed the island as their home.
Nychthia#
An infamous aurae has claimed this island’s jagged shores, sculpting the winds into powerful gusts that can peel the sails from a trireme. Any intrusion is met with violence.
Ogygia#
Sheer cliffs and thermal updrafts make Ogygia a resting haven for avian terrors, including chimera, griffons and rocs. A colony of harpies dwells in the ridges, ruled by a trio of mormos.
Prydion#
Crumbled battlements and shattered causeways mark where a mighty Gygan stronghold once crowned the island’s peak. Now a euryale medusa stalks its crumbling halls, turning intruders into twisted statuary that she arranges like a court of silent admirers.
Pythoria#
Population: 3,000 (80% human 2% dwarf, 2% elf, 3% gnome, 3% halfling, 10% other)
Ruler: Rotating “King for a Year”
Defense: 350 citizen soldiers (Soldiers, appendix B)
Products: Warhorses, hunting hounds, wine, scale armor, dried meats
Founded by Pythor in his younger days, Pythoria is a frontier stronghold of hunters and warriors, where every citizen is expected to train for battle from adolescence. They have a longstanding rivalry with the Indigo Barbarians.
Scorpion Island#
A cursed homeland where centaurs become giant scorpions at adulthood and the mysterious Lotus Witch rules from her tower. Refer to the Scorpion Island section in this chapter.
Strophados#
A small colony of Indigo barbarians lives on this barren island. They use it as a staging ground to strike Aresia and Xanderia, launching sudden raids under cover of night.
Sunken Kingdom#
The great merfolk Kingdom of New Aegea, built within the ancient ruins of the City of Sirens. Refer to the Sunken Kingdom in chapter 9.
Themis#
Home to the famed Amazon warriors. Refer to the Themis section in this chapter.
Tideberry#
Halflings and gnomes of the Eel tribe make their homes along the tidal pools and berry-covered dunes, cultivating coastal gardens protected by clever traps and exuberant festivals. Their cuisine, music, and easy laughter lure travelers in—but their spears strike swiftly if guests overstep hospitality.
Titan’s Folly#
A forbidden island sealed beneath an unbreakable glass dome. Refer to the Titan’s Folly section in this chapter.
Typhonic Islands#
This scattered chain is a breeding ground for serpents, hydras, and nameless horrors said to have slithered forth from the maw of Typhon itself. Mariners avoid these islands.
Xanderia#
Population: 7,000 (80% human 1% dwarf, 9% elf, 2% gnome, 3% halfling, 5% other)
Ruler: Archon Damon Hourath
Defense: 400 citizen soldiers (Soldiers, appendix B)
Products: Bronze weaponry, ship timber, parchment, coastal fish, fine oil-based inks
Founded by the descendants of Xander Hourath, the city of Xanderia endures as a bastion of scholarship and martial discipline in the Aresian Peninsula Its people venerate the memory of the first Dragonlord, through the ideals he embodied—courage, mercy, wisdom, loyalty, humility, generosity, and hope.
Zakroth’s Forest Fort#
A colossal earthen citadel hidden deep in the northern woods, the Fort is a stronghold where gigantes, centaurs, and minotaurs gather. Refer to the Prison Fort in chapter 8.
