Wenan
Wenan is a large island in
the middle of the ocean, a number of days deep water sailing from any major
landmasses. It consists of a curved range of mountains that make a spine to the
island, which surround a large marshy area. The outer curve of the mountain
spine consists of hilly woodlands that lead straight down to the sea.
The main settlement of the island is Porter’s Bar, a small city-state
precariously situated at the edge of the swamp. It’s main income is generated
from its role as a trade port, although it also grows and exports a mild
narcotic and appears to be the main hub of a group of international smugglers
who also act as a clearing house for stolen property. It is small enough that it
doesn’t pose a serious threat to other nations, and useful enough that it
would make life difficult if it were swatted. All in all, it is tolerated,
rather than liked …
In the mountains that make up Wenan’s spine at the far side of the swamp, lies
the dwarven stronghold of Baraduum. Small, and nearly mined out, Baraduum was
dying before the people of Porter’s Bar started to trade with them. Now the
settlement is undergoing a slow revival driven by trading bronze and small
jewellery to Porter’s Bar.
All sorts of wild animals and scattered settlements of Lizardmen inhabit the
swamp itself. Some of these Lizardmen are quite advanced and can trade and deal
with outsiders effectively. Many of these have moved into the village of Kandar,
which was originally a pirate settlement just inside the margins of the swamp,
but after punitive action from the Porter's Bar navy, it became much more of a
trade settlement. However, it is still an unsavoury place, and visitors need to
watch their backs. Over the last few years it has become a very mixed village
with humans and some of the more advanced lizardmen living side by side, almost
in harmony.
Between the mountains and the sea live the Wenino. Now a days, there are only
two types of Wenino left - the Hill Wenino and the Coastal Wenino, each with
their own clearly defined ranges. The Wenino are semi-nomadic tribesmen, who
worship nature gods and have very little use for technology. However, they will
trade wood and other resources for Gods from Porter’s Bar. There used to be a
third type, the Marsh Wenino, but that people have been almost completely
absorbed into the City State of Porter’s Bar.