This corner of Guildworld heaves with culture, trade and commerce, bringing in ships loaded with goods from the far reaches of the globe to its dozens of ports. Do not let its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and misty hills fool you into believing it is a serene realm. Far from it! The heart of the land is rife with corruption and violence. Many merchants have made the dangerous voyage past the pirate-ridden coast of Wu Qiong and through the Fraught Straits, only to find themselves embroiled in the deadly politics of the local factions. This has led to the creation of the region's much-feared name, ‘The Sinister Coast’.
The Sinister, as it is known in maritime circles, is officially recognised by other nations as a federation, with the massive trade hub of Dresciel serving as its capital. However, deep beneath the facade of government, dozens of merchant factions compete for influence over of strategic trading cities and resource-rich provinces, bribing the corrupt government of The Sinister. As of late, one particular faction, The Absconders' League, has spread its influence over much of the south of The Sinister, the surrounding seas, and even to Dresciel itself. Under the Absconders' League, trade has thrived on the southern coast (leaving the other factions feeling a bit left out), but true to its name, the cities of the League have become refuge for murderers, pirates and all kinds of scum from all over the world. The rulers of The Sinister have never been concerned about the power that the factions have over the land; the factions only increase trade (though dangerous trade, at that), and always fall apart when economic misfortune befalls them. The Sinister has not united properly for the sake of warfare against another country in over a century, following its utter defeat at the hands of the mages of Gungnerhafn one hundred and eighty-seven years ago, despite the massive bankrolling of the merchant guilds.
The Absconders' League would be happy to trade with Ondeet. The League has a national monopoly over the exchange of Iron Cheese, the traditional cheese produced in the western mountains of The Sinister, as well as much influence in the way of resources such as gold, tin and naphtha. Other merchant guilds have expressed their interest in trading with Ondeet, barring the second-most powerful faction, The Western Merchants' Guild.
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Phew. That was a lot of writing! Feedback, as well as more diplomats, would be greatly appreciated
As a matter of convenience, most of the cities are on the coast; the centre of The Sinister is lacking in settlements and features, barring rainforest, gorges and more rainforest.
Progress may slow down for the remainder of the week as I launch back into my studies. I was hoping to complete the basic line-work this week, but I guess I'll have to finish it at the weekend. Unfortunately, like others have discovered, the more I get into drawing this map, the less I want to study! I'm actually making an effort to finish a map for once!
Ha! We ought to name one body of water the "Straight Strait", with that train of thought.Originally Posted by jbgibson
To any CL with a moment to spare: could you please change the title of my thread to 'Map 52 - The Sinister Coast' ? Thank you
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