Lore

Myos Islands

An island nation at the convergence of Lattice Nodes known as the Sea Gates, ringed by storms that rarely touch the isles.

The Myos Islands are a nation that sits securely at the middle of a convergence of several Lattice Nodes known as the Sea Gates. Although the Gates themselves are usually surrounded by storms, the bad weather rarely touches the islands. The Myosians claim all of the sea up to the Gates as inside their border; this has caused arguments with other countries. There are three main islands in the nation: Myos Misi, Myos Cori, and Myos Okelis. It has become a thriving culture of its own as well as a gigantic trading hub. If you’re willing to brave the storms and the Strait of Salts, you can trade in Myos for almost anything, as long as both parties agree it exists.

Geography, History, and Climate

While most of the smaller islands have their own ports of call and busy markets, Myos Misi has higher lands and rolling hills good for supporting livestock and producing goods made of wool, leather, and horn. Recently a quarry has begun work on the far side of this island, producing stone that appears to be good for building.

Myos Cori has low lands and limni ponds that produce two of the goods Myos is most famous for: island sugar and sun salt.

Myos Okelis is the largest and tallest of the three islands, and the center of commerce and trade. It is informally divided into two areas: “The Boards”, which are the ship docks, markets, taverns and houses that cover every available spot at sea level, and “The Clouds”, where the wealthiest merchants and nobles live in a bit more space. Each depends mightily on the other for survival, and a person running the Boards in search of something one day will be in the Clouds negotiating the best price the next.

The sigil of the Myos Islands is a stylized gold starfish on a field of blue. Locals proudly state that the arms of the starfish represent traveling through the Nodes to find needed things that only Myos can provide.

Politics, Government, and Economy

Myos is a monarchy that is descended from Carolin Myosine, the original discoverer of the Islands. She was an adventuring ship captain who set out and got caught in a terrible storm. With visibility at a dangerous low, she sailed in the only direction she could: dead ahead. After half a day of terrible winds and rain, suddenly they came upon clear weather–and tall islands rearing up from the horizon. Upon landing, Carolin and her crew broke out the rum to celebrate that they had lived through the journey. As their hangovers dissipated, they began to scout the land. They soon discovered that the islands were rich in wildlife and natural resources, but had no people. Seeing that, Carolin immediately declared herself Monarch and the rest of her crew to be Nobles. Originally the monarchy was meant to be hereditary, however, it took only a few generations to realize that the monarchy should be negotiated as well as most other things on Myos. Exactly how that was achieved remains a mystery to this day. The current Monarch is styled Arion Galanis of Myos, and has been reigning for the last 4 years.

The government is headed by the monarch but run by the Stewards, who are negotiated representatives of the people. While most noble Houses each have a steward of their own, it’s not uncommon for whole neighborhoods in the Boards to band together and be represented by only one Steward. With protracted negotiations being almost inevitable, though, many Islanders simply trust themselves rather than waiting for the Stewards to decree something. A Steward of recent note is Sofia Kellis, who seems to be always available to lend a hand or smooth a discussion.

Everyday Life

Though negotiations dominate business, family and friendships have a much more relaxed approach. A marriage between firstborn sons might take months to finalize, but once they are family, business is a far second thought. A common signal in the Islands is to hold a coin or token in the hand but refuse to let it go, indicating that this is friendship, not livelihood. Parents often place a coin on a shelf, telling children they can begin learning to negotiate when the child can reach the coin—and not before.

Learning is prized in Myos, but is almost always in the style of mentor-apprentice rather than formal classrooms. Even the highest nobles will have done some practical training in their life; it is a point of pride to be able to say that they can always make an honest living. The first Monarch and Nobles, after all, were sailors—even Arion Galanis is said to be a very competent leather worker. Many people come to the Islands to learn sailing and shipbuilding, of course, but alchemy, healing, and art are becoming more popular for apprentices seeking mentors.

Just like their first Queen and her crew, Myosians love to celebrate. A ship arriving, a masterpiece made, a full moon are all reasons to relax and enjoy life on these pleasant islands. One of the most famous celebrations is called the Festival of the Boards, which is so popular that revelers have been known to swim ashore for it if no docks are available for their ship.

Current events

The nation of Myos is currently dealing with something almost incomprehensible to the population: piracy. Goods have been falling prey to ships flying no identifying flags, causing turmoil in all areas of trade. Being a nation that is famous for their negotiating skills, the reality that someone can stoop to stealing what they want (and be successful!) is increasing anger and suspicion on the Boards and in the Clouds. Myos has never held a navy or other military force, but some voices are starting to question if that decision is wise.

Notes for Players

Cultural Plot Themes/RP Themes

Adventurers, Ambassadors, Mercenaries and Crafters from all cultures are in Myos from one day to the next. Some choose to stay and make a living; others choose to take the next ship out. It’s almost a rite of passage for young Myosians to step on a ship without knowing where it’s going; if they choose to return, they’re expected to have learned a great deal to offer back.

Myos is a relatively young country with all of the benefits and drawbacks of being young. Players from Myos can expect themes of exploration, discovery, and danger in unexpected places. Those who enjoy finding what’s beyond the sugar and above the salt, forging new alliances, and fighting for their ideals will likely find Myos plot entertaining.

Costume Themes

Since Myos is a true international port, cultural dress from all nations can be seen. Locals wear any style they like and can afford, with practical alterations where necessary. Those that stay a while will often copy their previous culture’s style in lighter weight fabrics that help to keep cool in the warm Myos air. Vests have recently become the fashion. Different hues of gold and blue are popular, representing the sun and the sea.