If you’re reading this, let me first say congratulations on your survival and good luck on your journey ahead. As a fellow survivor of the Cataclysm, the Great Flood, Drowning… or whatever you call it; welcome to Raft.
I personally think it’s asinine to venture more than a spit’s distance outside the walls but I know you’re not the only one who’s felt the wilderness’ call. Before you ask, I have no clue what’s out there. None of us Anchors or most of the townsfolk have any idea. This part of the world was a complete mystery before everything went to shit and we certainly don’t know more about it now. Frankly, we’re happy this way. After the horrors of the flood we’ve had enough “adventure” for 10 Loxodon lifetimes.
Still, we recognize the importance and usefulness of you explorer types. People need to adventure and strive for something greater. Plus, happy as we are in our ignorance, we must know what dangers threaten our safety. Reports and maps are crucial intelligence for Raft’s continued survival and we’ll pay you well for them.
I guess my tavern, the Goodflower, has become the defacto base of operations for adventurers. As long as you keep drinking like Tortles… and don’t cause trouble I see no problem with it. Just don’t forget that I once beat up a Sher-Kachhua Warpair bare-handed, so I can handle your sorry excuse for fighting skills too.
Long May Queen Alia Reign, John Garble
Geography
Feeding the growing population is a major concern. Raft is settled along the coast of a bay to the east, a plentiful source of fish. However, the western deeper ocean waters are plagued by leviathans, which frequently enter the bay and attack fishing boats.
Even further east exists a mist covered island, where lights of flames are seen on moonless nights, acting as a constant reminder that other unsunken bastions still exist across the world.
A dense forest divides Raft from the northern mountain range and the unknown lands to the west. Most villagers of Raft steer far clear of the forest, for it contains all manner of dangers. Over the years many unlucky villagers have disappeared after foraging too closely to the forest’s edge. Strangely, a handful of them have returned weeks or months later claiming that only hours had passed. Reports were made of a ship on the bay heading toward the forest.
Periodically, rumbling has been heard coming from the far northern mountain range for as long as Raft has existed.
To the south is a cracked barren wasteland that meets the ocean in harsh cliffs. In recent weeks a thin wisp of black smoke can be seen rising high in the sky.
To the southwest is a vast desert with no protection from the harsh sun and no cover from would-be predators. However, some hunters have reported that on particularly clear days dark structures can be seen in the distance. When the seasons change and the winds go soft, a strange wailing is sometimes heard.
Defences
High walls, dedicated militia, strict curfew, merciless punishments and a healthy dose of suspicion.
Government
Run by the Anchors. A council of elders made up of the very first inhabitants and thereby founders of Raft. They live within the central wooden walls.