The Island

Overview
In the middle of the Caribbean sea lies Isla de Oro, an island of about a hundred square miles (260 km^2) that has always defied the laws of nature. At first sight, it seems like a normal tropical island, but after eons of magical influences, it has countless aspects that aren't natural. Its environments range from lush jungles and flowering fields to cursed wastelands and monster-infested caverns. All of this uninhabited area is called the Wilderness for short. At the east coast, the town of Puerto Dorado lies.



Gods and Legends (3.000 BC - 1.000 AD)
[To be written]

Kings and Soldiers (1522 - 1703 AD)
[To be written]

Jones and Pirates (1703 - present)
[To be written]

The Abandoned Outpost
On the northwest coast of Isla de Oro, nestled up against a hill, lies the abandoned redcoat outpost. The settlement used to be a small outpost with about a hundred soldiers and a dozen or so buildings to keep control of the area, but then disaster struck. Over half of the station was swallowed whole by a mudslide, and the wreck of a pirate ship lies in the ocean about fifty yards away. Rumours say the vengeful souls of both redcoats and pirates still roam the haunted site.

The Badlands
[To be written]

The Boneyard
[To be written]

The Dead Forest
In the midst of the vibrant jungle lies a patch of cursed, barren land. Blackened, greyed trees mar the scorched landscape, yet despite the lack of protection from the sun, it's permanently cold. Patches of quicksand surround the forest, with half-rotten hands grabbing at anyone who steps into them, dragging them below. Ghosts wander between the trees, attacking whoever dares enter their territory. Then, in the middle of it all, is the Guardian of the Dead Forest, a giant metallic snake that can spit acid and swallow men whole. Very few live to tell the tale of the Dead Forest.

The Hot Springs
In the north-western foothills of Mount Oro, a cave entrance is hidden between the thick jungle. The dark tunnel is about seven metres (21ft) in diameter and slopes downwards for about a hundred yards before opening into the hot springs, which are inside a large, partially submerged cavern. Bright blue water fills up the cavern, and mineral deposits line the walls. A faint scent of rotten eggs drifts up from the steaming water. It's the perfect temperature for a nice bath and a popular relaxation place for those who know how to find it.

The Jungle
The jungle is a place that many can explore but few can survive. The landscape is covered with lush vegetation, broken up by the occasional glimmering river or lake. The only area that isn't vibrant green is the cursed swath of land aptly named the Dead Forest, which is the most dangerous part of the jungle. On top of that, the vast expanse of wilderness is filled with fearsome animals, poisonous plants, and supernatural dangers, and many a pirate has tales of seeing human figures wander about. All in all, few live long enough to admire the jungle's beauty.

Mount Oro
Near the south of Isla de Oro is the towering volcano that gave birth to the island. The island permanently resides in the shadow of the snow-capped behemoth, and it is the best lighthouse or landmark a sailor can have. Travelling to it is difficult and dangerous due to the steep hills and mountains surrounding it, but the journey pales in comparison to what one finds inside. There, the spirit of the volcano rests in slumber, protected by bubbling pools of magma and hungry lava snakes. Legends say that if the spirit is awoken, the volcano will violently erupt.

The Screaming Cliffs
[To be written]

The Silent Woods
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The Silver Lake
At the northern foothills of Mount Oro lies a sprawling lake named the Silver Lake for its silvery grey water. Rich in minerals from the volcanic soil, it is the perfect fertiliser, and beautiful fields of wildflowers grow around it. Pixies have made their home in the fields, playing on the banks of the lake and feeding off of the flowers. The water also feeds the Silver River, which is Puerto Dorado's freshwater supply and along which the farms lie. Its advised not to swim in the water for that reason, lest it gets dirtied.

The Siren Caves
[To be written]

The Sunken Mines
Once the centre of Puerto's wealth, these formerly flourishing gold mines to the south-east of the town have been flooded for over two centuries after an unnatural tsunami caused them to collapse. Some brave and greedy souls have sought to reopen them and plunder their riches, but the Sunken Mines claim the lives of all those who pursue its bounty. They serve as a reminder of nature's true power, and a taunt to those foolish enough to be tempted by its gold-laden soil.

The Swamp
[To be written]

The Treehouse
The treehouse is a spider-infested building within the wilderness that can be accessed through hatches in the floor. Though dusty from lack of use and covered in spiderwebs, several tables and pillows are scattered around the shelter. Grand windows allow for light to fall in, with makeshift awnings and curtains to keep out the rain. A pair of bookshelves are stuffed with old tomes, and a few chests of forgotten items lay discarded around the room. If curious pirates are brave enough to get past the spiders, they can claim the potential bounties in the chests.

Categories: Setting