Streng was a small nation state located in the far southern oceanic peninsula of the continent at the entrance to T’ssara Bay.
Humans & Jurell
The humanoid population of Streng was composed almost exclusively of Awasa humans. There was also a small minority population of jurell, most of who went to Streng seeking work. The humans and jurell lived together there for centuries and generally had mutual respect for one another.
The Dark Age
The Dark Age cast its grim pall over Streng, plunging the once-thriving coastal regions into chaos and despair. Crime spread like a plague, infesting the land and sea alike, as pirating flourished on the open waters. Once-bright trading ports, renowned for their bustling commerce and vibrant cultures, devolved into dens of shadows and treachery. Thievery and murder became commonplace, the docks now echoing with the clamor of illicit deals and the cries of the betrayed. Seaside villages that had once thrived as hubs of trade and community were reduced to hollow shells, their harbors no longer bustling with ships laden with goods but crawling with factions whose brutal reign fueled a burgeoning black market. In these lawless enclaves, where anything could be bought or sold for the right price, morality was a forgotten relic.
Amid this decay, rogue figures seized the opportunity to entrench themselves within the Outlanders, twisting their ranks into an even darker and more dangerous force. These shadowy opportunists expanded their influence, using the chaos to their advantage, forging alliances with mercenaries, smugglers, and assassins to secure their grip on Streng’s underbelly. The once-prosperous coastal regions of Streng, with their shining harbors and thriving villages, had become a haunting testament to the corruption and lawlessness born of the Dark Age’s unrelenting grasp.
nation
coastal mountains
humans, earthen & ashen jurell
subtropical
350,000
Streng's Lagoon
ancient exarchs
livestock, whetius, horses
chimes, chime rum, rapiers, longswords, textiles
Outlanders
The Outlanders were representative sailor-warriors who served the lordship and governing bodies of Streng. All Outlanders were hearty Awasa humans who were conscripted at a young age to serve their nation. They were rigidly trained in seafaring combat, ship building, oceanic navigation and whale and octopus hunting.
T’ssara Strait
The T‘ssara Strait was a large body of water that originated from the T’ssara Bay and lead out to the sea. The strait was a vitally important waterway channel, not only to Streng, but to all of trade in the Wildlands. The Outlanders carried the duty of guarding the strait for the Council of Nations.
Streng’s Lagoon
Streng’s Lagoon was a very large, pristine, clear lake of shallow water located in the center of the Volition region of Streng. The lagoon was a beautiful sight and was cherished and honored by all those who were native to the nation. Built on an island in the center of lagoon was the Fortress at Volition (see below). The lagoon and the surrounding area was lush with tropical plants and widllife and the lagoon’s long, curving shoreline was meticulously maintained and preserved by the locals who lived there.
The actual town of Streng’s Lagoon, along with two other smaller towns, Peakos and Azure Ridge, resided directly along the lagoon’s long coastline. The actual town of Streng’s Lagoon, along the southern coastline, had many markets, inns, fighter barracks, civil structures and residences. It also provided the only road into the Fortress of Volition. Travelers to the fortress would have to ride through the town of Streng’s Lagoon.
Fortress at Volition
Located in the center of Streng’s Lagoon was the Fortress at Volition, a stunning and impressive seven-story, stone and wood tower. It was built in 1000MA to honor the Awasa people and their connection to the sea and the land.
After rainfall, which occurred frequently in Streng, water would form within a network of irrigation tracks on each level. The water would eventually begin to cascade down the sides of the tower from the open-air veranda that were located on each of the seven stories. The water would empty into the lagoon forming large pools of mist that would form at the water’s surface. One could stand on these verandas and overlook the entire lagoon itself. The top of the tower provided an extraordinary view far into the distance in all directions.
This majestic fortress was a very important location for all of Streng. It held the leadership body of the Outlanders, a hall where the lords of Volition conducedt their affairs, a museum of historical artifacts, a cathedral, a courtroom, the high lord’s manor and guard barracks.
Borderlands
The Borderlands was a rural camp that resided directly on the border between Streng and Vüdos. The Outlanders had established permanent settlements and camps there in 999MA. They used these camps not only to control the border and monitor those who try to cross is, the camps also served as the training ground for the Outlander guards and sea fighters.
Notable Locations
Streng’s Lagoon
Streng’s Lagoon was considered the capital of Streng. It had the largest humanoid population of any town and the lagoon and fortress served as the governing center of the nation state.
Acamiajem
Acamiajem was a subtropical peninsula located south of Streng. The land was one large, dark, dense jungle. It was known as the origin of Voodoo Magic. Along the northwest coast of Acamiajem was Zülia Cay.
Vibora
Vibora was a small village located near the southern coast of Streng. It was considered a dangerous and mysterious place, even to the hearty and strong Outlanders. It resided in a dense tropical jungle where Lupecal had even been seen. Vibora was also known to be the birthplace of the Snake Fighter profession.
Orianne
Orianne was a cliffside village located at the furthest-most, southwestern tip of Streng. The village rested 300 ft. above the sea and was built within the rocky shoreline cliffs. There were two levels of the town, the Terrace which was at the top of the cliff, and the Sealine, a lower portion of the cliffs that was accessed by a long zig-zag road.
Knife Island
Knife Island was a lush, sub tropical piece of land roughly 15 miles off the southwest coast of Streng. Once a large volcano that became covered in lush green vegetation over black, solidified molten rock. Black sand covered much of its beachfronts. The small island was home to Awasa humans and Calypso anaqua, who together operated its main port. While the port was small in comparison to ports of major coastal towns, a great deal of black market trading was conducted there. The sea-fearing criminal organization known as Aquaris 1 was known to operate from this island.
Picaroon’s Skerry
Picaroon’s Skerry, a jagged, mist-shrouded island off the southern coast of the Streng, was once a formidable prison, constructed to hold the region’s most dangerous criminals. The sprawling complex, known as Ironhaven, was designed to be inescapable, with its thick basalt walls rising like teeth from the sea cliffs and its cells carved deep into the rocky heart of the isle. At its peak, Ironhaven housed hundreds of convicts, most of them human, sentenced for heinous crimes ranging from piracy to mass murder. However, the economic collapse that plagued the Streng in the wake of the Iron Shard Wars left the prison woefully underfunded. Guards deserted their posts, supply ships ceased their voyages, and the warden abandoned the crumbling stronghold, leaving the inmates to fend for themselves. Over time, the island descended into a brutal anarchy, its jagged shores becoming a haven for outlaws and scavengers. From this chaos, Aquaris 1 emerged—a ruthless criminal faction that thrives on fear and violence. Led by the enigmatic and bloodthirsty Calypso Anaqua, a woman whispered to have been born of the sea itself, Aquaris 1 has transformed Picaroon’s Skerry into a stronghold of depravity. The faction preys on the trade routes and settlements of the southern Wildlands, spreading terror with their black-sailed ships and dark, alchemical weapons. Locals whisper that the skerry’s tides run red with blood, and sailors speak of haunting melodies carried on the wind, said to be the cries of the damned imprisoned long ago, now cursed to linger in eternal torment.