Representation of the type of architecture found in the city, not an actual representation of the city itself. Credits
Aberystwyth
Overview
Aberystwyth, or better known as Prison Island, is an island settlement originally established by the Imperium as a stronghold to defend against siege by sea. After a declaration of independence was signed, it was turned into a place to send the most vile of criminals and degenerates. Most of the inhabitants range anywhere from murderers and cultists to political prisoners and the criminally insane. Aberystwyth is a self-governing island nation that has remained neutral in every war since it gained independence, mostly due to their willingness to provide their detention services to any and all. As such, they are provided with funds by the various kingdoms and empires in order to properly secure even the most powerful of criminals. The settlement has a reputation for being desolate and inescapable. Many brave souls have attempted to escape, and have died trying. The preferred method of death for escapees is death at sea, or some other natural death, as when they are caught they are never seen again. However, one of the laws of the island is that should a prisoner escape from the island alive, they are to be pardoned of all crimes.
Rumors tell of a secret location on the island where these would-be escapees are sent, though none have ever returned to confirm them. Those who do escape, usually die at sea, as the island is surrounded by a breeding ground for all manner of sea monsters and dangers of the water. If the sea monsters don't get you, the treacherous weather will do the job. Aberystwyth is run as an imperial dictatorship, as the title of Warden is passed down a familial line of succession. The peacekeepers all live on the island, and are all trained since childhood for the express job of keeping the prisoners in line by any means necessary. Aberystwyth is mostly lawless, save for the will of the Warden and their peacekeepers. Rumors say that the peacekeepers are all descendants of the original soldiers that were stationed in the fort, and the Warden is the descendant of its commanding officer.
The island, and its surrounding ocean, is plagued by a constant storm said to have been created by Mil’Anaara, the goddess of storms herself. Because of this, the ground of the island is mostly muddy, and most prisoners who don't die by execution generally die by sickness or disease. The storm is said to be inhabited by storm dragons, which serve as the island's guardians. Though the prisoners are mostly the prized prey of these dragons, and it is generally thought that the reasons the dragons protect the island is to protect their food source.
Districts
Fort Aberystwyth
An ancient and stalwart fort, it was the first structure built on the island, and was originally designed as a fort to defend against siege. The fort itself is made of an extremely dense material, and has stood strong against the storm that is constantly over the city. Speculation into the origins of this material posit that it is either magical in nature, or built of an extremely rare material. It is said that the walls of this fort will repel even adamantine.
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
Blood Coast
Description
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
The Barrows
Description
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
Gloom Warrens
Description
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
Crook Downs
Description
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
Far Coast
Description
- Social Class:
- Population
- Approx:
- race %
- Subdivisions
- name of division
Landmarks
Final Row
Founder's Monument
Rations Market
The One Road
Map of the city.
As a note from the author, the setting is currently under revision to accommodate the inclusion of the Spelljammer setting.
Antæra is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. For more information on the Fan Content Policy, visit the link here.