The Isles of Banishment

Although poets are defended by the common folk, and the nobility alike, they are responsible for a lot of misrepresentation and lies. They often make a far bigger deal for things that are relatively insignificant, and disproportionately spreading current and past events for a good story. However, their lies often have unforeseen results. One of the best examples of this, is the punishment being exiled.
Those who show signs of political dissension, have brought irrevocable shame unto themselves, or have harbored treasonous thoughts which were not acted upon are the most common that are deemed worthy of being exiled. Those that have been punished in this manner are brought by ship to one of the many islands, once used primarily for trade purposes. Despite there being many regulations and changes thrust on them, they are gifted relatively decent lives. Especially compared to other punishments for treason.

Summary

The most commonly spread myth is that the political enemies are brought to a single massive island, called The Island of the Dead. This island is known for its distinctive mountain, an affront to the divines, for it is made by the hands of man. This Island is both the breeding grounds for monstrosities unheard of, and a place of twisted experimentation. It is not only the criminal which is exiled, but often family and servants as well. They are sent to this Island to train and nourish these monsters. The Emperor studies this, and uses it to create far greater evils.
It is not only the guilty, and the associates sent to these islands. Many have lost distant relatives, and have had friends of friends taken in the night, and exiled to feed these creatures. Foreigners, the poor, and the sick are also brought to these islands. Some go as far as to claim that the Emperor has these victims experimented on, and turned into loyal, unwavering undying soldiers.