Ishmar - Colony of Heterland

Ishmar

A wind-scoured island of white stone and deep harbors, Ishmar is Heterland’s far-flung shield—standing watch over the Infernal coast with sail, steel, and stubborn decency.

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Overview

• Capital: Port Ishmar

• Government: Colonial Governorship under Royal Charter

• Ruler: High Admiral Corwyn Hale

• Primary Culture: Heterlish (Maritime)

• Religion: The Pantheon (Mariner Traditions Emphasized)

• Allies: Kingdom of Heterland, Free City of Gax

• Rivals: The Infernal Empire, Eastern Nokan

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Geography

Ishmar is a rocky island chain lying just off the western coast of Infernal-held lands, ideally positioned to monitor shipping and project naval power.

• Terrain: Steep white cliffs, rolling scrub hills, natural deepwater harbors

• Climate: Mild and windy; heavy storms during late summer

• Seas: Southern Sea

Notable Landmarks

• The White Cliffs of Ishmar – visible leagues out to sea

• Stormwatch Lighthouse – largest beacon in the Southern Sea

• The King’s Anchorage – fortified naval harbor

• Silent Shoals – wreck-strewn waters haunted by rumor

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History

Ishmar was claimed by Kingdom of Heterland over two centuries ago as a resupply station for long-range trade fleets.

• Developed into a major naval base despite Heterland’s limited resources

• Became vital to protecting merchant convoys across the Southern Sea

• Following the rise of The Infernal Empire, Ishmar was heavily reinforced

• Now functions as both colony and forward operating base

While officially neutral, Ishmar has quietly evacuated refugees and disrupted Infernal shipping more than once.

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Major Cities

• Port Ishmar – Capital and naval headquarters; disciplined, orderly, and busy

• Westhaven – Civilian trade port and shipyard

• Cliffward – Fortress-town guarding the eastern approaches

• Marrowdeep – Fishing town built into sea caves

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Factions & Organizations

• Heterlish Admiralty – Ishmar Command – Naval authority of the island

• The Convoy Wardens – Escort captains protecting merchant fleets

• The Salt Oath – Veteran sailors bound by mutual defense

• Harbor Circle – Merchants and shipwrights advising the governor

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Culture & Customs

Ishmar culture blends Heterlish frugality with hardened seafaring tradition.

• Values: Duty, fairness, restraint, protection of the helpless

• Food: Salt cod, hardtack, citrus stews, rum diluted with lime

• Social Structure:

  • Naval service earns respect regardless of birth

  • Officers dine with crew during long deployments

• Traditions:

  • Ships are blessed before every major voyage

  • Bells toll for every vessel lost at sea

• Taboos:

  • Attacking noncombatants

  • Slavery

  • Breaking escort contracts

Infernal merchants are permitted—but watched closely.

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Notes for Players

Ishmar is orderly, safe, and morally serious.

Adventurers find steady work escorting ships, hunting pirates, or scouting Infernal waters.

Open hostility toward the Empire is discouraged—but quiet resistance is common.

The navy remembers those who help its people.