Arcadawhether

Arcadawhether is a fictional archipelago and region in the Arcadia setting. It lies off the southern coast of the continent of Lythara and comprises roughly a dozen main islands and many smaller cays. The name combines an Arcadian ideal with a reference to weather, reflecting its central role in seafaring culture and meteorological craft.

The archipelago is arranged in a partial ring, with calcareous cliffs, mangrove lagoons on the eastern fringe, and a string of volcanic islets to the west. Its climate is maritime temperate, characterized by steady sea breezes, fog banks, and distinct microclimates that shift with the seasons and sea conditions.

Human settlement dates to the early Bronze Age, with later city-states forming trade networks across Lythara. In the post-classical era, Arcadawhether became a semi-autonomous federation under the Arcadi Council, operating within the larger Realm of Lythara. Internal affairs are handled by island councils, while defense, ports, and weather infrastructure are overseen by a High Prefect.

The economy centers on fishing, salt production, and growing wind and tidal energy capacity, complemented by crafts and coastal perfumery. The archipelago has long hosted navigational schools and meteorological observatories. Cultural life centers on the Flux & Frost Festival, maritime guilds, and a tradition of weather lore that informs seafaring and local governance.

Prominent features include the port of Nereid, the Tempest Dome weather observatory carved into a sea cave, and the Azure Market, a pavilion complex trading in maritime goods and sea herbs. The region is a recurring setting for maritime fiction and role-playing campaigns.