[Maplore] The Southern Shores

[RaiderBlue 1064]

 

The Southern Shores

Coasts of Marigold

 

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Lands of Golden Grass

 

Spanning a large swath of the southern coast, a rocky and grassy expanse lies, holding a warm temperament and relatively peaceful plains of golden grass, with the occasional sprouting of marigolds. The land itself provides safe travel for most explorers of Azuras, holding little to no geographical dangers across the expanse. That said, those unlucky enough to linger near mountainside and cove caverns might find themselves facing some of the unique beasts that make their home within the plains.

 

In terms of civilizations, past or present, those who find themselves traveling across the southern mainland might come across remnants of old pillars that once formed the foundations of small buildings, along with remnants of long-abandoned campsites darting across the landing and hinting towards some descendant or beastfolk presence within the space at some point in time. That said, while the mainland itself is not greatly inhabited in present times, the coves and isles that make up the entrance to the waters spanning the center of Azuras often serve as staging grounds for roaming sailors or bands of marauding vessels. These bands constantly switch locations to avoid competition within the space before taking their journeys elsewhere on the seas of Eos.

 

 

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The Silver Oath

 

Throughout the Southern Shores, travelers who frequent the land spread rumors and tales of creatures that lurk within its caves —most would consider them mythical: one-eyed giants, multi-headed serpents, and creatures that can turn men to stone. That said, one legend is far more prominently told, focusing on a singular hero, Diodros, and his crew, the Oathbound, who came in search of a relic said to offer a glimpse of the future. 

Diodros was a foreigner, like many others who had set out for Azuras when Descendants first touched the lands of Eos centuries prior. His main charge, along with that of his crew, was to locate a site of power somewhere within the southlands known as the Oracles' Pool. Said to be able to offer a glimpse into one's future and the height of their potential, the crew of glory-seeking sailors were keen on gathering a glimpse of their fate, even if potentially bleak. It is spread throughout tales of Diodros that each of his crew took an Oath, granting them their given title. Each Oathbound swore upon a silverblade which they would carry on their person until death or their mission was made complete. However, the Oathbound would soon find that this quest would be far more challenging than they had assumed.

 

Once they had gathered a suitable camp and staging ground, Diodros and his crew set out to explore the various hills and cave entrances, seeking clues and encountering numerous dangers, some of which are still said to linger around the inner coves and mountain sides. Their journey and search through the southern lands spanned years, claiming many lives of the expansive crew to the beasts of the land, until it is said that Diodros and a handful of men were all that remained. Whether the man ultimately discovered the Oracle’s Pool remains unknown; one defining fact is known: Diodros left the Southern Shores without an Oathbound aboard a small vessel and was not seen again. The rest lingers in speculation; some say the Oathbound now stand as eternal guardians of the so-called Oracle’s Pool. Others believe that the original vessels of the Oathbound were stolen or sunk, leaving echoes of them throughout the shores and depths of the nearby waters.

 

The Marauding Isles

 

Throughout the central isles of the Southlands, it is not uncommon to see stray ships docking for or setting up within the coves. These ships often carry foreign goods from other established descendant lands and serve as a stopping point before moving elsewhere. That said, this fact makes the area a ripe target for numerous marauding pirate bands seeking to make a quick fortune from undefended vessels. A reputation has arisen that ships known to linger in the area for more than a few weeks have a crew that is either seeking other marauders to expand their crew or awaiting unsuspecting vessels foolish enough to resupply.

 

 

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