Espamena: Isles of Swords - A Swashbuckling Mercantile Microsetting for 5th Edition

Welcome to...

Inspiration

Inspired by media like The Mask of Zorro, The Phantom, The Count of Monte Cristo, Dishonored, John Carter, Robin Hood, Horatio Hornblower, and others, Espamena is an island archipelago of drama, political intrigue, and chivalry. Ruled by nine trade houses, the various islands are full of vim and vigor, and dueling is a way of life.

Introductions

Greetings new arrival!

Creedence MacAbby is the name, writing is the game. What you hold in your hands is a booklet to tell you all about our amazing archipelago that you have come to! I have made an effort to include my own little notes as I think it will just help to add some greater context throughout the readings and the like.

The most important thing that you must truly understand about Espamena is that we are a nation of nature and economics, in that order. While we love our trade, should anything endanger the fragile balance of mortals and the motherland, we must about-face and rectify it before anything should harm her.

We only have the one life we are given, and thank the waemren that they are here to help guide us. So, read on, new Espamenite, and learn of your new home!

- Creedence MacAbby

The World

This archipelago has long been missing from maps and star charts across the known world, hiding behind storms and reefs that were unpassable by ships. But with the help of waemren—individuals who could speak with the clouds, the sea, and the rain—the untouched islands joined the world stage, heavy and full of wilderness and beasts. People flocked to see the islands. When new eyes gazed upon the beauty of the place where life grew undisturbed and shielded by nature, they shed tears. Since then, the isles have grown in population. With the guidance of the waemren, all who dwell here strive to keep the balance of nature and civilization in harmony. Today, the nine houses rule the archipelago—now the nation of Espamena—and work towards a better future, while also waging their own secret political and trade wars behind the scenes. Beyond these petty squabbles though, life amongst the isles is full of color, art, music, and joy. All with their own unique cultures, songs, and languages, the Isles of Swords is a place of romance, craftsmanship, and conservation.

The Team

Core Writing by Cameron Day

Layout by Cameron Day

Dueling for Your Hand Writing by Anna Holden (https://www.dnddisability.com/)

Sensitivity Reading by Anna Holden

Editing by Simone Kay

Cover Art by iamClarex2

Character Art and Cartography by M for Multiverse

Adobe Art from grandfailure, noreefly, Stanislav Nemyrovsky, Painterstock, anitalvdb, dannywilde

Published by Daylight Publications, LLC.