Zohah

 

Settlement Type: Village

Terrain: Arctic

Population: 972 (79% Yeti, 12% Dwarf)

Background:

Zohah is a village in the northern Barrier Islands, off the coast of Tigal. The island is unusual in that the majority of the population consists of yetis. The island is ruled by a yeti chieftan, and a small council of advisors. 

Dwarves comprise the next racial demographic on the island, with the remainder of the population consisting primarily of humans and elves. Other races are seldom encountered on Zohah.

The islanders survive by fishing, farming and trade with other nearby islands. There is a single inn on the island, catering mostly to traders. The Simmering Pot(01) is a single-story building offering simple accomodations and filling meals, served from a communal soup pot kept going all day and night. The inn is run by the community, so service can vary wildly depending on who is in charge that day.

Zohah is, quite frankly, boring. There are no menaces or threats on the island or in the surrounding waters. Adventurers could resupply and rest there, possibly earn some coin by helping the fishermen, but that's about it.

Semothy Island

Settlement Type: Town

Region: Island

Population: 1012

Description:

Semothy Island is one of the Barrier Islands.  The island is the home to a town of Humans and Merfolk, who live in a harmonious community occupying most of the southeast corner of the isle.  Its streets double as canals, so that humans and merfolk can both access most of the same businesses and homes. Semothy is governed by an elected council, comprised of equal numbers of Humans and Merfolk. The majority of the town's iincome comes from fishing and aquaculture, with some trade among the other islanders.

The most notable locale on Semothy Island is the Blessed Barnacle Inn. Although the inn caters predominantly to human traders and travelers, its lobby includes a large pool connected to the town's canals, so that the merfolk can socialize with their coworkers and neighbors. 

The Blessed Barnacle is owned and operated by Soumida Atheden, a human woman who's family has called Semothy Island home for generations. A solidly built, dark-skinned woman in her fifties, Soumida is known for her hospitality and the odd adornments she weaves into her graying hair: twigs, bones, small stones, etc.  Some people say that she's a bit mad, but others say she is touched by the gods. The merfolk regard her with great respect and affection and often bring her small gifts.

Efra

Settlement Type: Outpost

Region: Island

Population: 76

Description:

Efra is the name of an outpost in the Barrier Islands. The settlement is the home to several dwarven families that live on the island year-round, surviving as fishermen. The islanders swear no oaths to any kingdom or monarch, and generally keep to themselves.  They have little contact with outsiders, and produce nothing of any particular interest to anyone.

The only thing of interest in Efra are the large stone totems that dot the island. Although similar totems are found throughout the Barrier Islands, the largest number of the objects can be found on Efra. Their origins and purpose are unknown, lost to history, but there are several local superstitions surrounding them.

On Efra, families adopt a totem as a guardian and leave offerings to it throughout the year. Childless couples will leave special offerings, asking the totems for help in contreception. On moonless nights, it is believed the totems wander the island, visiting each other. Because of this, islanders will seldom venture forth on dark nights.