Geography

The Isles of Aledeon consist of a small group of uncharted islands that lay in a shallow and treacherous sea known as the "Sea of Long Shadows". Filled with reefs and shoals, navigating this area is a challenge for even the most experienced of sailors. The sea is littered with the remains of countless shipwrecks which gives rise to its name, for many a weary eye has spotted large dark and eerie shapes looming just beneath the greenish blue water.

The Islands roughly cover an area of 600 x 600 miles including the interior waterways. The largest of the islands is called Aledeon ("avenue of trees" in the local tongue), which is situated in the south eastern part of the group. The geography of Aledeon is varied, but dominated by the mountain chain that runs the length of the island. The coastal areas are relatively flat with mixed woodlands and areas of open prairie. Further inland the foothills rise sharply and the vegetation becomes more densely populated with stands of large evergreens. The mountainous areas are characterized by alpine vegetation. In the south of Aledeon is the formidable barrier of old growth forest known as the "South Woods". These woods are extremely dense, making travel difficult and mapping near to impossible. Much of Aledeon lays unexplored, only the western coastal area and the central valley have been extensively travelled.

The Island of Ondo Uruloki ("stone dragon") lays on the western edge of the island group. It is almost completely covered by mountains except for the coastal regions, which are characterized by mixed woodlands on the eastern slopes and semi-arid to arid conditions on the western slopes. Of the 3 large islands, Ondo Uruloki is the most difficult to explore, and the majority of adventurers who brave this area prefer to travel through the network of mine tunnels that were cut through the rock by the early miners.

The last of the 3 main islands is called Guina Fuin ("undead gloom"), and is named for good reason. The Island has a single low mountain range, covering the interior of the island, but the coastal areas are characterized by rainforest on the northern side, and vast areas of swamp on the southern side. The island is very humid, and it's mountain summit is often obscured by thick mist or fog, giving it a gloomy and sinister appearance.

Between the islands run two channels, one called the north channel which divides Guina Fuin from Aledeon, and the other called the south channel which divides Aledeon from Undo Uruloki. Connecting these two channels is Smugglers Bay which is the largest navigable body of water in the island group.

Climate

The climate of the islands is dominated by the convergence of three large bodies of water and the hot and cold air masses that are associated with them. In the north the Sea of Long Shadows dominates, with it's warm moisture laden winds that sweep down and deposit their burden on the island of Guina Fuin and the north eastern part of Aledeon. This warm and continuous rain has allowed rainforest plants and animals to colonize the northern portion of the islands and parts of the mountainous interior. The rain that falls on the southern portion of the island of Guina Fuin has been cooled by the central mountain and does not support near as wide a range of vegetation or animals, instead the rain has pooled in the lowland areas forming vast swamps and bogs. The temperature varies on the island from a very warm 27ºC (80º F) to a cool 18ºC (64º F). There is very little seasonal change in the northern parts of the islands.

The south western part of the islands is influenced by the hot and dry tradewinds produced by the Sea of Fire. The island of Ondo Uruloki bears the brunt of the stifling heat and it's western slopes are almost void of vegetation and animals except for those adapted to the hot dry climate that is present. On the eastern slopes of the island, the climate is moderated by the cooling waters of Smugglers Bay, and by the cooler moist breezes that blow in from the north and south. This has allowed stands of large trees to dominate the vegitation and has attracted forest dwelling creatures and plants.

The south eastern portion of the islands is influenced by the South Polar Sea which brings up cold nutrient rich water from the southern regions of the realm, and tends to have much cooler winds than the other two seas. The climate in the south eastern portion of the islands is much cooler than in the north and west, and has allowed the South Woods to dominate this region with it's dense old growth forest and moderate average temperature of about 13º C (56º F).

History of Aledeon

Aledeon has always been a magical place. When the first adventurers arrived in the area today known as "Mount Norogh", they found the rocks covered with images of wondrous beasts and symbols. In the early years, hunters established encampments here, overlooking the vast flood plain in the valley below. Sitting by their fires at night, they were often puzzled by the appearance of strange "lights" that danced in midair, as if enjoying the company and warmth. Later on when permanent structures were built, tales were told of "strange children" that laughed and ran tauntingly along the mountainside.

Although occupied for millennia, the island still hides many secrets, beyond it's impassable mountains and hostile interior. The island is under the control of the Scarlet Robes, a mysterious group who guard it and the surrounding area from all evil influence.

It is said that the mountain upon which the largest settlement is built, is charged with magical energy and deep inside it can be found a pool of magic that feeds this part of the realm.

Order of the Scarlet Robes

The Order of the Scarlet Robes is a benevolent society with a single item on its agenda, the control or elimination of all evil forces in the realm. The society was once a part of an infamous group of wizards. But after a long struggle with the ideals and methods used by the group, several high ranking members broke away and formed their own society.

Fearing retaliation for their transgressions, they donned the guise of a brotherhood of monks, and traveled through the realm gathering allies where they could, and battling evil at every turn. Eventually word spread of the groups exploits, and they began to be known as the "Scarlet Robes", (a term taken from the clothing that they wore).

Since that time the Order has gained a reputation for being honest, fair, and unwavering in the heat of battle. As has been the practice for centuries, the group is always on the lookout for potential members. If a possible candidate is detected, the Order will monitor their progress through life, and watches for indications of "potential" abilities. If the society feels that it is warranted, an apprenticeship is offered, and the member undergoes many years of relentless training. If the candidate shows exceptional leadership and knowledge, they may rise to the position of "Reader" in the organization. At this point the member becomes a teacher and council of the society.

As the Order spreads throughout the realm, it becomes aware of the "special places", areas in the realm rich with magical energy. In an effort to protect these places from evil influence, the society selects a Reader from its ranks and sends them forth as a "Founder" to establish a settlement there. As is the case with Ravenscrag and the island of Aledeon.

The Order of the Scarlet Robes, Ravenscrag Settlement, the Isles of Aledeon, and the Realms of the Crystal Portal are © Shaftsbury 2001 - 2005 All Rights Reserved.