Major Islands of Mor-ladron

Now that I’ve got the Ancestries figured out, I want to talk about where everyone lives in the Skies of Mor-ladron (SoM). Part of my plan is to create these cities in more depth as my players visit them so the locations benefit the story; I won’t go into a ton of detail on each city yet. However, I need enough information so players can decide whether they want their characters to be from one of these locations and which places they want to visit. 

Empyrean 

Empyrean is the highest city, the jewel of the sky, and the capital of an empire that no longer exists. It’s ruled by a council of seven magi who teach their apprentices the arcane arts in shining towers that overlook a large and bustling city filled with wonders and magic—for those who can afford it. Envision, if you will, large, crowded bazaars falling under the shadows of tall domed towers. 

If you want to visit an opulent city filled with magical knowledge, Empyrean is the city for you. 

Population: 500,000

Anikim: 30%

Humans 30%

Dwarves 25%Other 15%

Government: Officially, the Council of Magi rules the city; in practice, they are too busy with their arcane arts. The real power in the city is the Low Council, a group of nobles, guild leaders, and master apprentices. 

Duchy of Hilean

Hilean is a dark and broken city—literally. The city comprises hundreds of smaller islands connected to each other by bridges, ladders, and lifts. The inner islands see no or very little sun, as the islands above and beside them block the light. Lady Tristessa, beloved and revered by her people, rules the city. 

The Malki—those who have gained the lady's favor and been blessed with undeath—walk the streets alongside living citizens who look upon them with awe. A clever, ruthless person can learn the arts of shadow and assassination in the city’s darkest places. 

If you want to visit a city rife with rogues and dark magic, the Duchy of Hilean is the place for you.

Population: 200,000Undead 5%

Humans 60%

Goblins 20%

Fungorians 10%

Other 5%

Government: Hilean is a theocracy, with Lady Tristessa as its deity. Taxes are paid in the form of tithes, and nobles scheme to have a member of their family amongst her clergy.  

Sylvialis, the Green Isle

Sylvialis is home to the elves and fungorians. It is a place of woods, rivers, and lakes. Unlike the other islands mentioned here, Sylvialis is not only a city but an island large enough to contain multiple towns separated by forests. The forested lands give the island its monikers: the Green Isle, the Sea of Trees. Several elven baronies located on the edges of the island control the large and profitable lumber industry. The inner part of the isle belongs to smaller groups of elves who tend to live more in sync with nature than their siblings in the baronies. The fungorians tend to keep to themselves but have good relations with their elven neighbors. 

If you wish to visit a place similar to what existed before the breaking of the world, visit small towns among forests, have adventures in nature, and not worry about the skies or ships, this is the place for you. 

Population: 100,000

Wode Elves 75% 

Fungorians 20%

Other 5%

Government: The Baronies and other groups are self-governing. Most Baronies answer to a single leader, but when an issue needs to be resolved between groups, or there is an external threat to the island, leaders or representatives from each group gather at the wodemoot to make decisions. 

Let me know what you think about these cities. Which one catches your eye? What more would you want to know if you were making a character from one of these cities? Next up, I might share some other important locations in Skies of Mor-ladron.