Lorebook: The Stolen Isles
The Stolen Isles
LORE
Overview
The Agora Archipelago, often referred to as the Stolen Isles, is a chain of temperate, heavily-forested islands located off the eastern coast of the Empire of Durram. Its notorious history as a haven for pirates, smugglers, and slavers has given it a reputation as one of the most dangerous and lawless regions in Atheria. The name "Stolen Isles" was said to come from the belief that the archipelago was once part of nearby kingdoms but was "stolen" by the sea and dropped into the treacherous waters of The Drown, forever claimed by outlaws and criminals.
The archipelago’s tumultuous history is closely tied to the Dark Tide War, a conflict that saw the diminished Empire of Durram cede control of the islands to marauding pirates. Since then, the Agora Archipelago has become synonymous with illicit trade.
History
1641 to 1630 PSO: The Dark Tide War
The Agora Archipelago was once loosely governed by the Empire of Durram, but by 1641 PSO, the empire had weakened, and its control over its eastern waters was slipping. The Dark Tide War began when bands of pirates, drawn to the strategic value of the Agora islands, launched a series of raids on Durram’s coastal towns and trade routes. Unable to defend against these repeated attacks, the empire’s navy engaged in numerous skirmishes with the marauding fleets.
However, the pirate forces were swift and elusive, using the islands and the rough waters of The Drown to their advantage. Over the course of more than a decade, the Empire of Durram found itself outmaneuvered and overextended. By 1630 PSO, Durram’s naval strength had been all but eliminated, and the empire unofficially ceded control of the Agora Archipelago to the pirate lords who had claimed it.
1600 PSO: Rise of the Stolen Isles
Following the Dark Tide War, the Agora Archipelago became a notorious haven for all manner of criminals. Its strategic position in The Drown made it an ideal hub for illicit activities, particularly piracy and the slave trade. Pirates from across the seas flocked to the archipelago, establishing hidden strongholds where they could operate free from the reach of the Durram navy or any other nearby kingdoms.
Over time, the archipelago evolved into a waystation for smugglers, slavers, and mercenaries. The islands served as a neutral ground for these outlaws, who forged alliances, traded captives, and sold stolen goods with impunity.