The Summer Coast

The south and southeast of Arginet consists of open country rolling down to the sea. It benefits from fertile soil, sheltered harbours, and a mild climate, and unsurprisingly it produces a great deal of the kingdom’s food.

Despite its idyllic name the Summer Coast suffers particularly from the ills of Arginese society. There is a greater gap between rich and poor here than perhaps anywhere else in the kingdom: the great wealth of the farms and ports is contested between the ruling nobles and a few successful commoners, while the masses of the peasantry endure high rents and a life of toil in the fields. The towns are just as divided, with luxurious mansions and townhouses standing above dockside slums.

However, the south is also known as a land where the commoners have a deep connection to the spirit world. The Heart of Earth in the west and the Heart of Wood to the northeast both inspire the faith of the peasants and strengthen their resolve. Some of the most capable witches in Arginet’s history have been from the Summer Coast - and there are still tales of secret convocations where blood sacrifice is made to the spirits. The Seekers of the Utmost are also active in Suddene and the other port towns. In recent decades they have grown in power as the poor and desperate come seeking a new meaning to life.

Politically the south is one of the most strongly Reformist parts of Arginet. The Noble Houses have a significant presence but little support from the commoners, and while the Armies are more popular inland, the near collapse of the Navy has led to bitterness in Suddene and the towns.

The divide between rich and poor often shows through in southerners’ clothing. The nobles and wealthy merchants dress in elaborate, ostentatious outfits suited to the warm climate - with a fine hat considered the ideal accessory - while peasants mostly wear simple and much-repaired tunics. Those with money favour one-handed swords and bucklers suitable for fighting in the streets and aboard ships.

Notable features

The Heart of Earth

Part of a series about Arginese geography.

The Iseur Valley - The Summer Coast - The Eastern Reach and Fiveways - The Lowen Valley - The Northlands - The Western Reach - The Interior