Esperdot
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/esperdot_orig.png)
Esperdot is the heart of Ixoa, one of the largest and the most prosperous regions in Ixoa, compressing several major settlements, numerous smaller villages and townships as well as rivers, roads and ports that link it to nearly every part of the kingdom. The region borders every major region in southern and central Ixoa including the Janor Plains in the northwest, the Highgate Hills and the Wild Marsh to the northeast, Grimefate Swamp and Nottingshire to the west, the Witchlight Fens and the Eastern Reaches to the east, as well as hundreds of miles of coastline with the God Sea to the south.
The environment is varied, in the far south the warm coastal shores near the God Sea give way to vast tracts or agricultural and pastoral lands, dotted with numerous settlements, growing in density towards central Esperdot which is dominated by the sprawl of urbanized lands surrounding the metropolis of Mainstay. The north is dominated by the birch and maple trees of the Kings Woods, a small remeant of a much larger forest that once covered much of the region.
Flora and Fauna in the region are typically domesticated variety of livestock, animals and plants. The Kings Woods houses larger wild animals such as deer and elk, foxes and bears, but most magical or monsterous creature have been killed or driven out long ago. The few that remain stay well hidden choiseing to avoid contact with civilized people’s in the interest of self preservation. The pleasant climate, rich soils feed by the the convergence of several major rivers and tributaries allowed the first human settlers to prosper and advance to heights not seen in the area since the fall of the ancient Ithulian empire a millennium prior. Mainstay is by far the regions most prominet feature serving as the seat of government and culture for the kingdom. Not to be out done Kej Dimfesh is the second largest city in the kingdom and is a major center for trade and commerce. Other notable locations are: Do’ket Notting, a major military fortress and settlement, Riverwatch, a center for manufactured goods, and Breakwater a leading producer of high quality mead and wine.
The environment is varied, in the far south the warm coastal shores near the God Sea give way to vast tracts or agricultural and pastoral lands, dotted with numerous settlements, growing in density towards central Esperdot which is dominated by the sprawl of urbanized lands surrounding the metropolis of Mainstay. The north is dominated by the birch and maple trees of the Kings Woods, a small remeant of a much larger forest that once covered much of the region.
Flora and Fauna in the region are typically domesticated variety of livestock, animals and plants. The Kings Woods houses larger wild animals such as deer and elk, foxes and bears, but most magical or monsterous creature have been killed or driven out long ago. The few that remain stay well hidden choiseing to avoid contact with civilized people’s in the interest of self preservation. The pleasant climate, rich soils feed by the the convergence of several major rivers and tributaries allowed the first human settlers to prosper and advance to heights not seen in the area since the fall of the ancient Ithulian empire a millennium prior. Mainstay is by far the regions most prominet feature serving as the seat of government and culture for the kingdom. Not to be out done Kej Dimfesh is the second largest city in the kingdom and is a major center for trade and commerce. Other notable locations are: Do’ket Notting, a major military fortress and settlement, Riverwatch, a center for manufactured goods, and Breakwater a leading producer of high quality mead and wine.
Major Settlements
Mainstay
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/1366303953.png)
Mainstay is the capital of the largest and most populace of the seven provinces of Ixoa. It is located in the heart of Ixoa at the convergence of the Green and Nadir rivers. By far largest city in Ixoa, Mainstay is the religious and political capital of the Kingdom. The city if primarily occupied by humans who are native to the province and who often find themselves in the middle and upper class of the populace. Atop a hill towering over the rest of the city stands the King's Palace (pictured above) which is the residence of the High King of Ixoa and the seat of power for the entire Kingdom. Further to the north in the temple district sites the majestic Temple of Pelor, the patron god of Mainstay. Built nearly 1000 years ago, the temple is an iconic land mark and frequent destination for pilgrims from all over the kingdom. The Grand Arena is located a mile east of the temple district and is host to regular gladiatorial matches pitting all manor of beast and creature against would be gladiators seeking gold and glory. The city also boasts an active market place as well as over 40 inns and taverns scattered throughout.
Kej Dimfesh
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/1369510848.png)
The city of Kej Dimfish was once part of the human province, but over the years the numerous craft and merchant guilds grew dissatisfied with the rule of the kings in Mainstay and successfully petitioned the council of Ixoa for independence. Since then the city has tripled in size and rivals that of Mainstay in both is economic output as well as its numerous cultural achievements. A true melting pot of races, cultures and traditions, the city is by far the most diverse in all of Ixoa. The province is the smallest of the seven, holding only a thin stretch of land along the southwestern coast. However what the merchant city state lacks in size it makes up in economy and it is by far the wealthiest of the seven provinces thanks to its massive ports through which nearly all commerce entering or leaving the kingdom of Ixoa flows.
Do'Ket Notting
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/published/do-l-ket-notting_1.jpg?1521328259)
Do'Ket Notting defends the mouth of the Green River and the heartland of Ixoa from invasion from the sea. The stewardship of the castle and its surrounding lands is the charge of the High King's nephew Duke Francis III. The city suffered greatly under a two year siege during the Ixoian Civil war and is only not starting to rebuild following the truce of Whitefield.
Breakwater
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/published/breakwater.jpg?1521328038)
The town of Breakwater sits on an island in a small lagoon at the end of the Mainstay River in central Ixoa. The town is famous for its high quality mead thanks in part due to the unique flora of the river and surrounding wet lands that allow the local bees to blend flavors in truly unique ways.
Riverwatch
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/published/riverwatch.jpeg?1521327999)
The town of Riverwatch sits in a peaceful river valley at convergence of two major rivers. The city is prosperous and peaceful enjoying easy access to the sea and many of the major settlements of southern Ixoa. For much of its history the city and the region is supports has been heavily settled by humans, who engage in a number of pastoral and farming enterprises.