The Tükhafen Empire
The great port city of Sonnengarten is the seat of power within the Tükhafen empire. Ships from all over the world rest within its anchorage as they stock their holds with trade goods and supplies before setting out again. Bards can be heard along the docks and in the many nearby taverns recalling the tales of brave crews and captains, and merchants sell goods to those listening. There is always a ship in port looking to hire willing able bodied adventurers to man their crews. The Age of Exploration under Emperor Ahren Roth on the Sonne Throne has brought those that seek fortune and glory from across the world here.
Whispers on the Tide
Only thirty years ago the 200 year civil war come to an end. Rumors can often be over heard in the hushed tones within the tavern halls of riches and treasures lost from the old war just waiting to be claimed. Sailors of great honor and those of questionable morals line the docks of the Imperial kingdoms eager to hire a new set of hands for their voyage. The peace that has been met is a tentative one and some that seek these treasures do so to reignite the flames of war and take back the lands they lost. Also ever ringing in the ear is the Emperor's Adventuring Charter allowing those who stake a land claim on distant shores may be entitled to all land claimed when the empire's boundaries arrive.
The Red Sun and The Hellgrün Sea
The emerald waters of the sea have forever run red with blood. When the humans first arrive within the archipelago they brought with them black powder. With it they built large cities and many enemies. They expanded quickly and in the process angered many of the native kingdoms already there. Their great expansion eventually lead to the 200 year civil war that reduced the Tükhafen empire to the size it is now. Remnants of those Rebel factions still linger within the islands to the west. Piracy was ever present during the war and the pirate nations came into their own only after the war ended. All those who sail are cautious of the other sailors, but are always weary of the creatures of the abyss. For the krakens and other beasts of legend lurk in the deep and pray on any they wish.
Stüke of the Passage
Within the empire money is referred to as stüke (stooka). Its stüke is made through trade and protection for vessels traveling the Passage. The Passage is a network of water ways that reach from the west of the archipelago to the east connecting the major trade centers of the Empire. Many ships from that wish to travel from the continent of Askut to Thole choose to travel the Passage for the safety the empire can guarantee. To travel the many uncharted waterways alone or to circumnavigate the archipelago altogether is dangerous due to the pirates and other threats. Ill gotten goods and luxury items that "fell off the ship" are often traded in the black markets where the currency here is known as Krakens. The hottest commodity within the black markets are maps and health potions.
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