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.