Setting

It's in the midst of the 18th century. The Americas are a heavily coveted area, with countless different colonisers at work. The Spanish, the French, and the English all have colonised different parts of the Caribbean. These islands are heavily fought over and regularly change rulers. One of such islands is Isla de Oro. Now, it is home to the pirate republic of Puerto Dorado, a safe haven for those on the wrong side of the law.

The majority of the setting can be split into three areas, which have the most important locations. The first is the Island, which contains all locations on and around Isla de Oro. The second is the Town, which comprises Puerto Dorado and all important districts, buildings, and landmarks. Next is the High Seas, which details some of the more interesting locations on the seas surrounding the island. The Fleet is also in this section, which shows all ships we currently have and the ones we had in the past.

Isla de Oro
Isla de Oro is an island that has always defied the laws of nature. The roughly circular volcanic island is about a hundred square miles (260 km^2), and while it may appear normal at first sight, things soon begin to point to inhuman interference. An eerie thick fog regularly covers the island, Sirens scour its northern shores, and great beasts wander the lands. They say powerful gods once created the island, but they haven't been seen in aeons, and Davy Jones has since claimed it as his own territory.



History
Gods and Legends (3.000 BC - 1.000 AD) Aeons ago, before history was written down and recorded, Isla de Oro was an island created and ruled by three powerful deities. Tiwran, Celos, and Leileth were the three entities that shaped the island with their magic. They regularly argued, with devastating disasters such as the Badlands and the Dead Forest as result. The beings living on the island survived as best as they could, thriving during the peaceful eras. For an unknown reason, the three deities faded away around 1.000 AD, although the marks they left still remain.

Kings and Soldiers (1522 - 1703 AD) By 1522, most evidence of the island's magical past had faded away, and the Spanish colonised it. They swiftly discovered the wilderness was too dangerous and chose to stay near their mines and their port instead. There were frequent rumours of magical creatures and humanoid beings native to the island, but these were never confirmed. Most of the island was forgotten, and only the shorelines were truly mapped out by either Spanish or British.

Jones and Pirates (1703 - present) After a gruesome battle, the pirates took over the island with help from Jones and turned it into a pirate sanctuary. The sea deity set to work, turning the embers of the island's magical roots back into flames. Supernatural fog sheltered the haven and time seemingly stopped as the original inhabitants returned. Slowly but surely, the island is being rediscovered, and the truth of the past is being unravelled. Regular expeditions venture into the unknown dangers.

Locations
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 Legend says that the southeast of the island was once a lush wetland with a thriving civilisation building between the water-filled channels before a vengeful god wiped them out. Now, all that remains is a scorching hot desert made of the same blindingly white sands of the surrounding mountains and hills. Sand crawlers scour the place, the same zombie-like humanoids as in the Dead Forest, except they're fully above the sand. Some people have claimed to see a giant golden skull amidst the desert, and adventurers are regularly drawn to the promise of those riches.

The Boneyard Just outside the Siren Caves is the Boneyard, an ever-expanding graveyard of shipwrecks and bodies that is also home to the [of Mists]. After every kill, the Quacken and his son Eggy deposit their trophies there. The Sirens from the caves come out and scour through the wreckage, searching for new treasures. The crew of the Graveyard Galleon returns here every night just before midnight, rebuilding their ghost ship in a foul ritual only known to them and Davy Jones. Fog regularly covers the waves, and plenty of sailors have vanished in thin air.

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 Ferros the Silver-Scaled, 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 Beyond the Badlands, carved into the far south-western edge of Isla de Oro, are the Screaming Cliffs. The blood-chilling shrieks that are the result of sea winds whipping across the razor-sharp ivory stone scare away anything that might've lived there. It is a harsh, cold place, with little shelter and even less food and fresh water. Some say that the only life on the cliffs if the wind itself, emulating the cries of lost lovers to lure explorers into the raging waters below.

The Silent Woods The cliffs northeast of Puerto Dorado are adorned with a vibrant forest teeming with brightly coloured flowers and alluring sweet fragrances. The most delicious fruits on the island and even the realm can be found there, along with nuts and herbs. Yet for all its natural splendour, it is so quiet you could hear a pin drop on the mossy floor. Not a single animal can be found, except for the bones hidden under fallen leaves and the scarlet drops of blood on the bright flowers. Rumour goes that the beautiful plants are carnivorous and always hungry for more flesh.

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. It's advised not to swim in the water for that reason, lest it gets dirtied.

The Siren Caves Within the mountainous northern outcrop of the island are the Siren Caves, named after their vicious inhabitants. The labyrinthine caverns are only accessible via the water or a small, slippery path along the cliff face. Inside, the Sirens have made their home, safely storing the riches from the sailors they have drowned. Deep within the caves, the Quacken has made his lair as well, turning the large space into a radioactive lion's den. All of the caves are lined with glowing crystals and are home to bioluminescent algae, providing ample light to those foolish enough to come inside.

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 The swamp might be one of the worst places to be in Isla de Oro. The humid air is so thick one can almost cut it with a knife, and swarms of mosquitoes and other insects are ready to suck all the blood out of unsuspecting travellers. The terrain itself is dangerous as well, with thorn-filled plants, mud holes, mushrooms that emit hallucinatory fog, and murky waters that are deeper than they seem. The area is protected by the Basilisk, a large snake that turns its victims into statues with its gaze. Few make it of the place out alive.

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.

Puerto Dorado
On the east coast of Isla de Oro, strategically built at the shores of a grand bay, is Puerto Dorado. The harbour town is home to about six thousand people of all creeds, colours, and races - both human and otherwise. Originally built by the Spanish, then taken over by the British, before finally being claimed by the pirates, it is a mish-mash of cultures and architecture. A lot of the town has fallen into ruin, but the areas that are still used are bustling with life.

History
Early Years (1522-1660) Founded in 1522 by the Spanish during their expansion in the Americas, the town was built to capitalize on the gold mines and other resources on the island, earning it the name "The Gilded Port." The town flourished until a freak tsunami hit it in 1583, flooding the mines and crippling the town's economy. As the Spanish monopoly on the New World ended, the Town declined. During this period, it is believed that pirates first started using the town and its port.

British Rule (1660-1729) Gained in the chaos of the Anglo-Spanish War of 1654–1660, the British immediately began purging Puerto Dorado of its pirates who had used the port and town. In 1662, the Royal Navy established the fort north of the town to enforce control. The town's defensible harbour quickly became an asset for the English navy in the Caribbean. The town's condition was better than under the Spanish rule, but the people's freedom was taken away due to the belief they had supported the pirates and their harassment of British ships.

Freedom (1729-Present) [To be written.]

The oligarchs
While the Pirate Lords are the official rulers of Puerto Dorado, the townsfolk notice very little of it. The ones truly running the show are the four oligarchs and their gangs. Together, they control every facet of the town through blackmail and violence, and their influence can be felt and seen everywhere. Most townsfolk fear them and simply pay up to avoid getting in trouble.

Catherine Toussaint Toussaint has a strong hold on the Silver Town District, with all businesses and people living within answering to her for 'rent' and protection money. She and her gang are quite ruthless, but will use both threats and manipulation to get what they need.

Elijah Cole Cole is an influential merchant who controls most trade in the town. His hobby is exotic animals, both normal and magical. Cole operates in the Comerico and Nova Villa districts, using mainly blackmail and extortion. All incoming ships in the harbour have to pay him a sum to be allowed in and do business.

Estéban Ramírez Ramírez is a true mob leader and operates in the slums of the Gran Canaria district from his black market, the Emporium. His people buy and sell a large variety of wares, most illegal. He mainly uses force and intimidation to get his way.

Martin Lynde Lynde is a wealthy dealer in (un)natural curiosities such as magical artefacts and mythical creatures. He operates from the Comerico District and favours using favours and debts. This way, he keeps his hands 'clean' and can keep the moral high ground.

Districts
The Nova Villa District Built by the British after they took over Puerto Dorado, the Nova Villa is the largest of all districts, encompassing the harbour and the surrounding areas. The district contains a large part of the population of the town, as well as the majority of inns and pubs. Its close proximity to the fort and the Regula Fortis tower allow its inhabitants to feel safer than average. The district is mostly home to merchants, sailors, and fishermen due to its proximity to the harbour.

Important locations:
 * Mont Bronce Inn
 * Thatch's Tavern
 * The harbour

The Regal Plaza Once dominated by rich merchants, nobles and government officials, the Regal Plaza was a symbol of decadence that both the Spanish and the English contributed to. It holds the fort and the Regula Fortis tower, from where day to day administrative business was conducted, as well as large manors and upper class estates, with sprawling plantations at the town's edges. Most of the district has been abandoned and is in ruins, including the fort. The Sinclair's Folly functions as administrative centre in the meantime.

Important locations:
 * The fort
 * The guildhall
 * The Regula Fortis tower

The Comerico District Built by the Spanish to accommodate shops and the influx of trade in Puerto, the British simply restored the district to its former glory. It is home to the High Street, merchants’ stalls, and a few workshops of specialist craftsmen. Any ware one may want can be found here, for the right price of course.

Important locations:
 * The High Street
 * Darkwater Alley
 * Regent Square

The Silver Town District After the Spanish mostly abandoned Puerto, the local governor decided to build a new residential district closer to the river and the farms: the Silver Town District. It held most of the population of the town’s former miners turned farmers until the British took over and built the Nova Villa District. It's still home to most of Puerto’s residents who are not involved in matters of the dockyards, such as farmers and craftsmen.

Important locations:
 * The Artists' Quarter
 * The old watermill

The Gran Residencia District The oldest of the residential districts, Gran Residencia was built by the Spanish to home to the first colonists who came to the isle in search of gold. After the mines flooded, the district was abandoned. Later, it was repopulated by the poorest of the poor, turning the district into a slum that the British did nothing to improve. Violence and crime runs amock here, and the various oligarchs have a tight hold on the people. There are a plethora of mafia-run businesses in less than legal merchandise as well.

Important locations:
 * Estéban's Emporium of Everything

Locations
The beach The beaches of Puerto Dorado are a breathtaking sight to behold. The sound of the ocean waves lapping at the silvery-white shore is punctuated by the chatter of pirates and citizens strolling about, enjoying drinks from the Beach Bar and a meal by the seaside. Milkturtles can be found burrowing in the sands, always happy to share their glass of milk with people. A few fishing boats are regularly patrolling the area for the plentiful fish that swim in the deep blue waters, and merchant ships are always approaching and departing from the nearby harbour.

Crossbones Casino Crossbones Casino is a building filled with people blinded by greed, who place their fortunes on bets and force innocent chickens to fight to the death. The establishment is alive with the sounds of cards being dealt, cheering pirates, and the spinning wheels of Saltybot. The robot is similar to Yarr, but instead of serving drinks, it's programmed to cheat the desperate gamblers out of their money. Few pirates leave the premises without tales of the crafty robot and holes in their pockets.

Darkwater Alley With three lefts from the town square fountain, ten steps north, a passage through a false wall, and then about one Dutchman's log of slinking between dirty alleys, one will find themselves in Puerto Dorado's infamous Darkwater Alley. In the legendary den of debauchery, a pirate can speak of insanity, academics, or simply scream into the void and be met in kind. The Alley contains a safe space for pirates to talk about their feelings, as well as the Wishing Well, which is rumoured to be used by the Council of Bones to listen to the denizens' worries.

The farms No matter how crude or sophisticated, every civilisation needs a food supply, and Isla de Oro is no exception. Along the Silver River that flows from the Silver Lake to the bay are the farms, which are comprised of plentiful fields filled with grain, livestock, and orchards that grow on the rich volcanic soil from Mount Oro. Nearby is the old watermill, used to process foods. The farms are often bustling with activity as people tend to the crops and cattle, and more hands are always welcome to feed the plethora of mouths in Puerto Dorado.

The fort Built by the British to better defend their ships standing in the harbour, this behemoth of stone lies on a hill just north of the town. The British flag was soon torn down and replaced by the black flag, and it became the home of the Council of Bones. Inside the near-impenetrable fortress, they discuss matters of administration, safety, and war. Rumours say that the Fort can hold all of Puerto Dorado in times of need and that there's a tunnel system underneath it that connects to other parts of the Isla, but they have never been proven.

The guildhall Housed in one of the old manors of the Regal Plaza, the guildhall is the home of the various guilds of the city. Its whitened stone exteriors and patinated roof are an iconic sight of the only major active building in its district. The building itself has been drastically enlarged compared to its original state, with an additional floor and enlargement by adding the south wing, giving it its iconic T shape. Every corner of the grande and beautiful structure belongs to a different guild, of which there are currently seven.

The High Street With a graceful curve, the High Street runs from end to end through the Commercio District. It's the heart of local commerce, with stalls selling everything from guns to artwork. Most general stores avoid it, with the street being intended for more specialized goods. It was founded by the Spanish, although it fell out of favour until the arrival of pirates to the isle, who initiated its revival as the centre of crafts in the town. Beware of the street's notorious pickpockets, though, for they will pinch gold from unsuspecting shoppers.

The Lighthouse of Mist The shape in the fog that was originally assumed to be a myth made up by drunken pirates turned out to be an abandoned lighthouse, later dubbed the Lighthouse of Mist. It sits atop a patch of land in the Boneyard, and despite its disrepair, a luring light glows on top. It seeps through the Boneyard's mist, driving mad those that approach and making a home for haunting spirits. No sane person should explore it, but pirates have never been known for their sanity, and tales tell of riches inside the decrepit building.

Mount Bronce Inn Overlooking the harbour is a stately four-storey building with a bronze sign proudly declaring it to be Mount Bronce Inn. It's built from the same white stone as the rest of Puerto Dorado, with wooden floors inside. The inn offers a warm bed and a hearty meal for weary travellers, sailors, castaways, and crewless pirates. It's relatively affordable for those who help with cooking, cleaning, and generally maintaining the inn, making it the perfect place to stay for new arrivals.

Regent Square As the beating heart of the town, all streets converge at Regent Square, which once used to have a statue of Charles V, King of Spain, then the British replaced it with a fountain in honour of their king, William III. Until the Jester levelled the entire square and the surrounding area in a devastating attack that killed over seven hundred and left many more homeless. Since then, the rubble has been cleared and the daily market has returned. A large oak has magically been grown as a memorial and new gathering place, which has become a local favorite to rest a bit and chat.

Regula Fortis Built next to the fort by the British, the Regula Fortis was the administrative hub of the town. While the fort projected power by the way of cannons, this structure projected political and diplomatic power. The tower is the tallest building in the town at 30 metres (100'), meant to symbolise the British power and intimidate all who viewed it. Now, it lies in a half ruined state, its purpose having been subsumed by the fort and then the Sinclair's Folly since the island being took over by the pirates.

Thatch's Tavern Thatch's Tavern is practically the centre of civilisation on the isle. The merry and chaotic place is filled with all manner of pirates, cutthroats, outcasts, or any individuals who are forced to or dare to live outside the law. It’s not too uncommon to find this house-sized wooden shack packed to the brim with people, whether they’re telling tales, drinking their fill, or tearing the bloody place apart. It’s been rebuilt many times due to the blatant lack of care for the safety of its rowdy occupants. Come on in, for the rum is as free as the Isla's inhabitants.

The pier Just beyond the gates of Puerto Dorado, a sturdy pier juts off the coast and into the bay. Alongside the wooden walkway are colourful stalls, stands, resting places and more, all constructed with cloth, wood, and nail. This pier is the perfect place for Castaways to learn about the island as a whole and meet others in a similar position under the watchful eyes of the Captains, Lords, and Bosuns.

The old watermill Once, the old watermill was an invaluable part of processing food for Puerto Dorado. However, the structure has largely gone abandoned for years, and it is dubious whether or not the watermill would run if one redirected the water from the Silver River back to its channel. The building now stands as a memento to an era of Puerto that’s been lost to time.

The grand theatre There are many artists among the townsfolk, people who wish to express their various unique talents for the world to see. The theatre was built for this purpose and has since become a popular spot for those seeking to pass their time and appreciate their fellow pirate's talents. The large wooden building with its surprisingly deep basements has been the location of countless epic performances to date.

The High Seas
The waters surrounding the island are described as tumultuous at best. The calm, sun-showered waves can turn from idyllic to a hellish storm within the snap of a finger. The same cold fog that haunts Isla de Oro regularly roves about the high seas as well. Not to mention the Krakens, Sirens, Leviathans, and other dangerous sea creatures more than ready to bring a ship to the bottom of the sea and sailors to Davy Jones. Still, many braves these waters on a daily basis, for work, trade, and war.

Locations
The Dark Gorge A finite abyss of endless terrors where the fish do not swim, the Dark Gorge lies south of the Isla. Its depths have remained uncharted, leading to stories being told of their site being the home of merfolk, giant squids, baby Krakens and even Davy Jones. Some say they've heard of mines in the deep, of flames burning underwater, and of mysterious shadows exiting or entering the gorge, but these tales are drunken ramblings or cries for attention... most likely. Almost none can enter the depths to find out.

Mount Plata [To be written]

The Reefs In the ocean just northwest of the island's shores, the reefs form a near-magical world on their own. A vast variety of colourful coral grows beneath the waves, providing a rich environment for the sea creatures within. An assortment of fish swims amongst the branches while small crustaceans scuttle on the ocean floor. Many trinkets have washed into the reefs over time, including old weapons, lost tools, various kinds of jewellery, and more. The reefs offer both a captivating display of natural wonder and a treasure trove for the curious.

The Skibsmordos Peaks A few miles north of the island, countless wrecked ships mark the site of this underwater mountain range that is their killer. Many a ship seal their fate by sailing over the Skibsmordos Peaks, assuming the waters are as safe underneath as they appear on the surface. The peaks are always dotted with decomposing planks and crates, with jagged black blades of stone lurking underneath, waiting for their next victim, growing its hoard of sunken treasures and drowned sailors.

The Fleet
Protected by Puerto Dorado's natural bay, the pirates' fleet rests in the harbour. The six mighty ships are ready to sail out at a moment's notice, and the Graveyard Galleon is out of the port more often than not. These six ships - along with the Sinclair's Folly - are the main defence and attack force of Puerto Dorado. The vessels are loaded with lethal weapons and battle-hardened pirates. Each of them have a different story to tell, and they're more than happy to share with those who listen.

The Vixen's Fury
The Vixen’s Fury is one of the most iconic ships in the fleet. Captained by several legends, it has sailed through the isle’s history for a long time, and through her decks, many mythical pirates have made their stories and built their life. The brig has been enchanted by Della Rose herself to not only cut through the waves, but the skies as well, making it a marvel of piracy and magic.

The Sunken Cephalopod
The Sunken Cephalopod is a schooner, a beautiful and swift ship especially useful for chasing, raiding, and scouting. She is one of the older ships in the fleet and has been hardened by her years, still possessing four of her ancient cannons. The small vessel is not only sentient and capable of speaking telepathically, but she is also able to fully submerge and sail underwater, which earned her the name sunken.

The Sinclair's Folly
Originally a trading ship, this behemoth was stolen during a raid on Maine. Now it sits in the Isla's harbour, refitted to be an unflinching wall that defends the Isla. This floating battery may be a slow lumbering beast unfit for the seas, but its maw can rain fire upon any enemy foolish enough to attack the island.

Retired ships
Most ships have gone through several changes to be where they are now, and some have been retired entirely. This is where their names are documented.

The Graveyard Galleon
If there's one thing that is eternal on Isla de Oro, it is the ghastly Graveyard Galleon and her crew of undead and evil spirits. The ship itself lives up to her name, being a Spanish galleon turned ghost ship. Her appearance changes every day as the crew builds and rebuilds her with various pieces of wreckage from the Boneyard. Yet this incredible warship is capable of more than what it seems, and her powerful rum engines are enough to take her to the skies, from which she can rain down terror.


 * The Quacken's Revenge
 * The Quacken's Wrath
 * The Storm Crest
 * Starhawk's Revenge
 * Rudolph's Vengeance
 * The Jazzbox
 * The Liberated Latebra
 * The Latebra's Demise
 * The Charon's Razor
 * The Bleeding Rose
 * The Gutless Goon