MAP OF SHAN DERAL

Lorian and I have together compiled a map of Shan Deral, the world whence we were exiled. There are two major continents, only one, the Western Continent, being well explored. The large island to the north is called, unsurprisingly, Nord Island, and the land at the southern pole is hostile to the civilised races, largely uninhabited and unexplored. Due to the treacherous nature of the seas, and the distance involved, it is not currently possible to reach the Eastern Continent by sailing. Many have tried, but none has returned. Nothing at all is known about the Eastern Continent so the map of that area is entirely speculative. (Joe's comment: Legends speak of a migration from a lost continent some 2000 years ago. Expeditions to the east have a tendency to disappear, though rumors of a large landmass continue to circulate.)

One of the major problems with sea travel to the east is the presence of a huge reef, The Serpent's Claws, running along the entire eastern length of Shan Deral. The few gaps in the reef are carefully guarded by Ascendancy troops. This is also why travel to and from Lok Groton is almost impossible for any except official vessels. As can be seen from the map, the Lok Groton islands are situated about a two-week sail east of the Western Continent, on the far side of The Serpent's Claws. (Joe's comment: There are deadly reefs to the east of Shan Deral, which can be navigated in certain channels at certain times, depending on the tides. These channels tend to be well-guarded.)

More comments from Joe:

There are 23 official major regions of the Ascendancy, usually known as Protectorates.

11 are human
3 are fen neko
1 is thoom
1 is halfling
2 are zo
2 are sylvan
2 are dwarf
The small metropolitan protectorate surrounding the Capital is fully integrated.
Obviously, there is a considerable mixture between areas.
The Zo protectorates were once fen neko and halfling.
The thoom protectorate is the island and coast in the southeast.
Not all protectorates have the same size or population.
One of the human protectorates is Nordisland.

All the place names come from one exile or another, and many are part of more detailed exile histories. We've tried to incorporate all known exiles' tales. If geographical information from your home is missing, tell us and we shall put it in. To contribute information contact me at sleipnir@red-quill.com