# The Bleeding Isles > [!info] Quick Facts > | | | > |---|---| > | **Type** | Archipelago / Region | > | **Continent** | [[Continent - Q'Shar\|Q'Shar]] | > | **Location** | Emerald Expanse, tropical waters of Q'Shar | > | **Capital** | [[City - Darkport\|Darkport]] | > | **Climate** | Blistering tropical heat, treacherous waters | > | **Government** | Council of Seven Pirate Lords | > | **Known For** | Pirate culture, Arena of Blood, resistance to all conquerors | > [!map] View on Map > [Open Interactive Map →](https://hawksrepos.github.io/elvensong-map/?location=The%20Bleeding%20Isles) ## Overview The Bleeding Isles represent one of the most volatile and unforgiving maritime environments on Gryth, situated within the steaming, tropical waters of the Emerald Expanse in [[Continent - Q'Shar|Q'Shar]]. This massive scattering of thousands of islands occupies a geographical basin that serves as the final remnant of **Callista**, a precursor continent that predates recorded history. According to ancient songs and legends, a cataclysm caused Callista to sink into the ocean, leaving only its highest mountain peaks visible as the islands that exist today. The environment is notoriously intense, defined by a blistering sun and churning, treacherous waters that have claimed the lives of countless explorers and legendary heroes. The islands are mythical in their ability to resist all conquerors and invaders. In ancient history, the great **Empire of Kwiban** — which at its height controlled land in Q'Shar, [[Continent - Edaria|Edaria]], and [[Continent - Ganath|Ganath]] — could not penetrate this thicket of disaster and danger; even their most powerful druids were powerless against the seemingly endless monsters and roving pirates. More recently, the [[Faction - Evereach Trading Company|Evereach Trading Company]] and the [[Region - The Tohon Empire|Tohon Empire]] have become the great enemies of these free lands. Evereach is perpetually desperate to permeate deep within the islands for their unrivalled treasures and rare resources, while the Tohon Empire has begun colonising the untamed Callista islands surrounding the Isles. However, to the pirates and tribes within the basin, even these intrusions are hardly worth mention. ## Pirate Culture Because the islands number easily in the thousands, no definitive map exists, and the region remains a chaotic tapestry of competing cultures — warring tribes, elemental forces, twisted dark cults, and dread magic. The dominant force within this anarchy is the pirate culture, which has persisted for at least **3,000 years**. This ancient history rivals the longevity of many mainland civilisations, having evolved into a complex society where traditional racial divisions are largely ignored. In the Bleeding Isles, a pirate's race means nothing; status is earned solely through the stories they tell and the loyalty they show to their chosen gang. The pirate factions pay respects to the **Pirate Lords**, individuals of extreme renown who have proven their cunning and brutality over many years. These lords hold court within [[City - Darkport|Darkport]], commanding entire fleets that serve as their primary instruments of power. The most famous historical Pirate Lord is widely considered to be **Captain Vaelin "The Hollow"**, whose name still strikes a mixture of awe and terror into the hearts of those navigating the Emerald Expanse. ## The Seven Pirate Lords The Bleeding Isles are currently governed by a council of seven Pirate Lords, each a living legend who has survived decades of treachery, monstrous encounters, and the lethal Jungle Sickness. These lords meet annually within [[City - Darkport|Darkport]] to rank themselves — a tradition that almost inevitably dissolves into bloodshed and displays of dominance. | Lord | Race | Ship | Notable Trait | |------|------|------|---------------| | [[NPC - Redheart\|Redheart]] | Fire Genasi | The Light | Undisputed sovereign; descendant of Anmata the Flame | | [[NPC - Ona One-Eye\|Ona One-Eye]] | Wood Elf | The Wailing Horn | 300+ year veteran; premier naval strategist | | [[NPC - Tibal 'The Broken'\|Tibal 'The Broken']] | Orc | The Hammer | Hulking warrior with metal-plated skull | | [[NPC - Madam Mamm\|Madam Mamm]] | Goblin | Skrrzt | Seven-foot tall; commands the "Green Things" swarm | | [[NPC - Blaggs\|Blaggs]] | Human | Friendly Face | Silver-tongued storyteller; united fractured gangs | | [[NPC - Terrordawn\|Terrordawn]] | Parrot Birdfolk | Orange Moon | Sadistic nature beneath a friendly mask | | [[NPC - Vorrnik Lansha\|Vorrnik Lansha]] | Tiefling | The Violet Whisper | Newest lord; rumoured dark warlock | ## The Fever Besides the monsters and terrors of the islands, a deep sickness rests on the area. Known as **"The Fever"** or **"Jungle Sickness"**, outsiders who spend too long on the islands develop mysterious symptoms that resist traditional healing and eventually lead to death. The witch doctors of [[City - Darkport|Darkport]] possess secret remedies known only to them, making their services a vital necessity for any who wish to survive a prolonged stay. ## Dangers The region is infested with a terrifying array of threats: - Hidden dragons, violent volcanoes, and living skeletons - Colossal krakens, drowned demonic forces, and mermaid sirens - Ten-foot-tall primates and goblin tribes in the jungles - Massive crab monstrosities in the waters - Rolling thunderstorms, boiling thermal vents, and spatial anomalies While there is no formal military or guard, a meagre sense of order is maintained by the most prolific pirate gangs, who offer protection to those willing to pay a steep price in gold. ## Connections - [[Continent - Q'Shar]] — Parent continent - [[City - Darkport]] — Primary settlement and pirate capital - [[Region - The Tohon Empire]] — Enemy empire; colonising surrounding Callista islands - [[Faction - Evereach Trading Company]] — Perpetual enemy seeking the Isles' treasures - [[Region - The Burning Cauldron]] — Home of the Pyrat Arena, fellow Grand Arena location --- ## Gallery ![[Pasted image 20260219223437.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260219223445.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260219223452.png]] --- *See also: [[Regions]]*