Island Kingdoms
In the distant regions of the southeastern point of the continent, where the azure waves of the Boundless Ocean embrace the fractured shores, lies the enigmatic domain known as the Broken Peninsula. This archipelago, a constellation of landmasses scattered across the ocean like fragments of a shattered gem, holds a history as turbulent and mysterious as the winds and hurricanes that whip through its rugged cliffs and lush forests. The people of the Island Kingdoms are known for their indomitable spirit, forged in the crucible of rebellion and liberation. With a deep connection to the sea woven into the fabric of their culture, these resilient islanders navigate the treacherous waters of their past, preserving ancient traditions while embracing the winds of change that whisper through their vibrant and diverse realm.
Fishers
The Ancestors of the Fisherfolk are believed by many to have watched over them long before they became what they are today. Centuries ago, according to Island Kingdoms’ legend, the Broken Peninsula was inhabited mostly by Elves and Humans. However, a ship laden with travelers bound for the recently-discovered islands of the peninsula sank. The survivors floating in the water pleaded to the ancestors to save them. As the shipwrecked survivors beseeched the benevolent spirits of their forebears for salvation, the ancestors responded in kind. The offering of miracles from a conduit of their ethereal power resonated deeply with the ancient ones, stirring them to bestow their blessings upon the desperate souls. In a testament to the enduring influence of the ancestors, the survivors underwent a transformation that transcended the bounds of biology, and were guided to a nearby island. These survivors called themselves the Fisherfolk, the first people of the Island Kingdoms.
Guided by this newfound connection, the Fisherfolk emerged from their ordeal not just as a people, but as stewards of the ancestral bond. In return for their survival, they bore the duty of honoring their lineage, ensuring that the ancestors’ influence continued to shape their lives. The sacred pact forged in the waters that fateful day became the cornerstone of Fisherfolk identity, a testament to their enduring bond with the ethereal realm of their ancestors.
The Fisherfolk, born from the crucible of the Boundless Ocean's embrace and the ancestors’ intervention, have adapted in remarkable ways to their oceanic lifestyle. These adaptations, a reflection of their harmonious relationship with the waters, are etched into their very beings. Finned ears and webbed hands, features both graceful and practical, are the mark of those who have seamlessly integrated with the rhythms of the ocean. Gills that allow them to breathe beneath the waves are a testament to the ancestral gift that forever binds them to the depths.
The Fisherfolk's vibrant diversity extends beyond their abilities, encompassing their appearances as well. Fishers are a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, each hue a reflection of their unique journey through the waters. The chromatic tapestry of their society tells stories of salt and freshwater, warmth and cold, life and adventure. Their varied appearances not only celebrate the richness of their experiences but also serve as a visual manifestation of their connection to the seas that have nurtured them.
In the heart of Fisherfolk culture lies an unspoken code, a philosophy woven into the fabric of their existence. Common sense and practicality reign supreme, echoing the lessons of survival etched into their history. Loose-fitting, sailor-inspired attire reflects both their affinity for the sea and their no-nonsense approach to life. Yet, amidst the pragmatism, an undercurrent of appreciation for beauty flows. The Fisherfolk, attuned to the splendor of their environment, hold a penchant for the aesthetically pleasing, recognizing that even in the depths of practicality, beauty has its place.
While self-reliance is a cardinal rule, the sanctity of the crew-captain bond remains an exception. A captain's mantle carries not only the responsibility of navigating the treacherous waves but also the sacred duty to watch over and support their crew. A failure to uphold this bond, a betrayal of trust on the tempest's waters, could spell mutiny or death - a reminder of the collective resilience forged in the crucible of survival.