The World
Dragon's Maw is quite expansive, with many forests covering the lower half. These forests are home to many villages and towns. The time period is somewhat of a stereotypical medieval era, but one with magic. The Red Kingdom rules most of the land, though there are plenty of "outsiders" who live outside the law and protection of the government. Kage can find each other throughout the land, many roaming free and finding a place suitable to their liking-- whether it be hot, cold, shady or rainy.
Major Cities
Red Kingdom (3) Centuries ago, kingdoms dotted the face of Dragon's Maw in every shape and variety possible. There were pirate kings and desert kings and a north queen of the snow. Unfortunately, one kingdom, the Red Kingdom, slowly covered the entire land in tendrils of corruption, fake treaties, and tactical assaults to cut off food supplies. Within a short decade, every kingdom lie in shambles as the powerful Red King and Queen became rulers of the entire land, and taxed everyone therein. They built their gigantic empire within the thinnest part of the forests, the spot between the dense woods and the flat plains. They built giant towers to see an enemy coming from miles away. They built farms and dug lakes inside their walls and built trails leading out to the River settlements, where they traded and taxed and protected the commonfolk there.
The Kingdom itself has a magnificent castle in the middle, followed by the ornate homes and office buildings of the rich and powerful. The next ring around the castle is filled with bustling shops and homes of the middleclass. The outermost ring is also the largest, filled to the brim with commonfolk wanting desperately to live where it's safe. Each ring is surrounded by a wall, getting progressively larger as they near the center. The last wall, separating the Kingdom from the lonely empty lands, is no more than 10 feet tall. The walls and castle are all made of thick gray stone, but the details are always painted a blood red.
All of the greatest advancements in technology, medicine, and magic were conducted here. And until recently, Kage were killed on sight and the iron grip of the king and queen had begun to bleed the realm dry. Fortunately, however, the Red Kingdom came under attack and was saved by enough Kage that the people saw they had nothing to fear. During the turmoil, the government was ousted and order restored by the election of new, democratic officials.
Kage aren't welcome, but they are allowed to tread as they please if they don't cause any trouble.
Whitewolf (6) Within the forest settlements, unburdened by the taxes (and thus, protection) of the Red Kingdom, sits Whitewolf. Named for the patch of rare white birch trees and the ever-prowling wolves outside, this major forest hub attracts many visitors. It has a strong barter industry, with people trading goods for goods rather than using Red coins from the castle. People here accept Kage, though they do not openly trust all of them. Many Kage shouldn't be trusted, after all.
River's Edge (8) Although the entire span of land following the Red River is packed with people, most of the "buildings" are heavy-duty tents and temporary log cabins. Generally, the furthest people from the river are just visitors and nomads, not staying for too long. The actual river's edge, however, is home to thick throngs of people selling their wares. From fresh fish to incense to rare spices and tanned hides, everything here is regulated and taxed by Red Kingdom officials. Magical items are still frowned upon, despite the Red Kingdom releasing its hold on all magical activities. They just aren't very useful to these people.
Ruins of Noreali (13)
Smaller Cities
Dog's Head City (9) This grim little village has poked itself onto the map, deep within Demon's Watch. The dim wastelands made a perfect place for rogues, vagabonds, escaped prisoners, mercenaries, and general unwelcome filth to collect and thrive. Murder and theft are commonplace-- such is the risk of living in such a dangerous place. The village itself is a ghost town of decades past, its wooden buildings and structures miraculously still standing throughout dust storms, droughts, tornadoes, and war.
Forest Settlements (6)
Many different communities sprung up within the comforts of the thick forests down south. Some choose to be taxed and protected by the kingdom, while some smaller ones choose to hide out and follow their own laws. These villages are constantly at war with the elements and rogue Kage.
Abandoned Cultist Base (7) The evil cultists once lived here in a magically built and protected village fortress. They have since moved on, renaming themselves and going into hiding in a last ditch effort to reanimate the Cerberus that almost utterly destroyed the Red Kingdom. The base is empty now, barren and razed to the ground.
Riverline Settlements (10) A farming community that flourished beside the fertile lands that follow the Red River. They follow the law and are protected by the Red Kingdom, as well as taxed.
General Areas
The North (1) Aptly named, the North is the coldest, upper-most section of the land. The trek into the North begins with dropping temperatures, snowfall, tundra, and then finally intense blizzards and winds. If one makes it past these tribulations, the cliffside at the top of the world overlooks a vast, majestic sea and the sky is always a gradient of blue, purple, and pink. Frequent aurora borealises also roam the sky, making this the favorite spot of spiritual Kage to migrate to.
Rainlands (2) This gray area is constantly under assault by gusty winds and relentless rainfall. Despite the wind, a soft fog also fills the area, making it difficult to see too far into the distance. The ground is covered in thick stone slabs, always slick and muddled with puddles. No foliage or trees grow here, unable to grow without soil or sun. Vigilant weeds and mushrooms creep out from the cracks between rocks, but it isn't enough to keep anyone or anything well-fed.
Grasslands (4) This is the general name given to the grassy areas that slither around important landmarks in Dragon's Maw. The soil is rich and earthy and easily grows flowers, small trees, and shrubs. A pleasant breeze keeps the pastoral scents afloat.
Blackgrime Lake (5) The huge round lake to the east. It is a popular destination as the water is actually crystal clear despite its name.
Red River (8) The largest river that begins in a large lake and runs all the way down south, forks, and empties into the ocean. Named for the Red Kingdom.
Demon's Watch (9) A gray, barren wasteland filled with skeletons, black dead tree trunks, and charred remnants of memories long since past. This land was torn apart by the war long, long ago that secure the Red Kingdom's place of power. Decrepit building frames still stand in the midst of the gray dusty air, a haunting reminder of what people are capable of doing to each other. Recently, Demon's Watch has been used as a everything from secret ritual grounds, to graveyards, and to short-lived houses for vagabonds and outlaws.
Fare Island (13) The large island on the right, with a sizable river cutting into it and long, sandy beaches. Only people able to cross the long panels of water can reach the islands, making them a bit empty and unknown to the general populace. However, a darker-tanned breed of humans lives within the jungles and oasises here, unspoiled by Kage and unknowing what they even are.
Bull Island (12) The large island on the left, with the sizable pond. Just as unknown as Fare Island, rumors suggest that terrible things live here.
Sites of Interest
Amlight Catacombs (11) What was once the largest church and spiritual center in Dragon's Maw now lies in ruin, a mere shadow of what it once was. Burnt to the ground by angry mobs more interested in killing suspected mages and witches than "saving" them, the church is now completely abandoned and defunct. Below the Amlight church, however, is a giant network of catacombs filled with coffins of deceased spiritual leaders. The earth is moist and cool below, providing refuge from storms and sun. The air is very calm and peaceful.
