A large landmass in the southern reaches of the Coldwater Sea, named for its turbulent volcanic youth. The geothermal forces have since cooled in all but the northernmost part of the island, and the vast lava flows have been replaced by temperate grasslands and deciduous forests. Crucible Island, or simply "The Crucible" as it is more commonly known, is split between the domain of the Overlord in the north and the kingdom of Valorlin in the south, both locked in perpetual conflict.
The throne of the southern kingdom of Valorlin has been vacant for generations. In place of a monarch, Valorlin is ruled instead by a council of magistrates, one from each of the allied cities. Comfortably settled and civilized, the southern holdings of the island enjoy the peace and protection offered by the kingdom's noble heroes and adventurers.
The midland towns and cities north of the Portelchop River are independant, having broken treaty with the crown in generations past and never reforging alliance with their neighbors to the south. Havens for independant merchants, pirates, and many criminals fleeing prosecution in the courts of Valorlin, the midland settlements comprise the island's rugged frontier.
The northernmost reaches of the island are ravaged wastes, called the Ashen Shadow for the volcanic cinders that blanket and choke the land. Goblin tribes, forced north by humans encroaching on their ancestral territories, struggle to survive amid the rotting vegetation and poisoned water. An ancient obsidian fortress reaches its jagged spires into the sky, a fixture on the horizon amid the volcanic peaks. |
Humans: An aggressive and prolific people who have settled most of the world, bringing both their culture and diseases with them to share generously with the natives. Human society is based around a perverse sort of celebrity worship: In place of deities, most humans venerate larger than life Heroes who distinguish themselves with superficial feats of bravery and barbarity. |
