The Domains of Dread are unique demiplanes connected to, but independent of, the Shadowfell. Someone on the demiplane would be forgiven for thinking that it was made out of some supernatural mist, as the stuff borders every domain; entering the mists could transport one to another location on the same or another demiplane. These mists occasionally formed on the Material Plane to bring individuals, buildings and even entire countries into the demiplane. Whatever force or dark power brings individuals to the demiplane seems to be attracted to people and creatures that committed evil acts or suffered from some terrible loss. These same powers, it is said, regularly inflicted despair on the residents of the demiplane by simultaneously granting them boons and inflicting curses. Each curse is tailored to the individual and inflicts the greatest amount of emotional harm or distress upon them. This often spurs those individuals to commit greater acts of evil. It was apparent that the more heinous the deed, the greater the power and the worse the curse granted/inflicted upon the individual until a new Domain is generated on the demiplane and the individual is trapped forever within that land. These individuals became the Darklords, and they could never leave their domain. Others might be able to leave, but only if they had no great desire to, as the powers almost always intervened to dash the hopes of those trapped within their realm.
Locations
Kartakass
Known as the homeplace for bards and for a particular potent alcoholic drink called Meekulbrau, Kartakass is a Domain with lush forests that is crisscrossed with rivers. It contains only two major settlements: Skald and Harmonia.
Skald is a large town situated between cliffs to the east and the Kilovan River to the west. Skald is the Kartakan nexus for trade and economy, though it is considered inferior to Harmonia in relation to matters of high culture and art. The aptly named Road to Harmony connects the town to Harmonia to the south.
Harmonia is the smaller of the two towns located within Kartakass. The Road to Harmony passes over the Musarde River via the Whirling Bridge. The Loop is the city’s main road, winding its way through the town. Although Skald is larger and commercially more successful, Harmonia is considered the cultural heart of Kartakass. The Amphitheater is considered by the locals to be the town’s greatest cultural splendor, and Harmonic Hall is the most renowned musical school of the Land of Mists.
Bluetspur
This bleak and blasted island wasteland has no life on its surface. It is subject to “nightly” electrical storms of the upmost violence.
Ashington Manor
