The United Archipelago spans a thousand islands between Estia and Cottenhorn, most of them uninhabited. The people who live in the archipelago has banded together to better represent their interests in the Council of Estia. The archipelago is more racially diverse than the rest of the Estian League, with settlers of various descent having settled here.
This city-state is unique in the League in that it is the only republic where a noble is still in power, as Lord Jerome Delacroix of Goldshore has proven a loyal servant of all the people who live here. Their crest is a green bend on a blue field, with a gold circle in the top right corner, symbolizing Goldshore. This was the coat of arms of House Graceborne, which is now extinct.
Kiniden
The largest island of the United Archipelag is Kiniden, positioned right between the Mapleweald and Greystone Bay. The landscape on the island is mostly hilly plains. The southern coast consists of tall, sheer cliffs that are exposed to the ocean. There are several caves along the coast.
Goldshore
The biggest city in the United Archipelago, located on the island of Kiniden. Named after the goldmine that lies just inland from it. Work is plentiful here, with both the Goldworks and the various shipyards hiring both skilled and unskilled hands. Besides precious metals, the main export from Goldshore is wool from its many sheep farms. It is not unusual for sheep to wander freely around the the villages on the island.
Contraband Cove
Along the northern coast of Kiniden lies a well hidden cave only accessible by small boats when the tide is correct. The land-route to the cave is blocked by a muddy marsh. This cave is used by a smuggler gang as a stop on the route to Greystone and Estia proper. The smugglers have fortified the cave best they can.
Carver's Retreat
A monastery lies just outside the village of Kiniden. The monks here rely on the villagers to bring them food, and in return they serve as defenders of the village. Around 50 monks live an ascetic life of contemplation and discipline here.
The monks here are Warriors of the Runes, meditating on the meanings of the magical runes and recording their findings by carving them into massive monolith stones that litter the rocky landscape. A single monk might take a decade to finish a single stone. The central building houses a shrine to Odin, whom they revere as the source of the magic of the runes.
Master Ceredan
(wood elf, TN, 189): Master runecarver at the monastery. Long white hair that flows in the wind. Prefers to work on magical woods, such as glowoak or ironwood, and has created some truly spectacular pieces. Has a Jera Floating Rune.
Xavier Tuveren (House Tuveren)
human monk, TN, 54
Adept runecarver working to become a Master. Once the scion of house Tuveren, he renounced his title and joined a monastery on Kiniden.
Tower of Gwineras
Overlooking a ravine on Kiniden stands a narrow tower. This is the tower of the wizard Gwineras (gnome, LN), who is convinced this place lies on the intersection of two important leylines. Therefore, he has built his tower here. Gwineras is an Archmage who spends his days researching. He lives alone, but has an enchanted stone golem servant whom he calls Django.
Other Locations
The United Archipelago consists of well over a thousand islands of varying size, most of them uninhabited.
Alyn Antor
One of only a handful of elven-majority settlement in the Estian League, this small village is centered around a Pilgrim Knight refuge. Around 950 AUC, it was here that the aasimar hermit Kendra Brighteyes compiled the Eternal Dawn, one of the most important texts in the worship of Freya. It is a collection of prayers, allegories, and other writings from many sources.
Mistrock Peak
The tallest point in the United Archipelago, its apex is almost always obscured by a dense mist.