Efyas

Efyas is a fictional archipelago used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games. Within its in-world geography, Efyas lies in a temperate oceanic zone and comprises a dozen main islands and numerous islets, linked by coral reefs, tidal channels, and mangrove belts. The terrain ranges from lush lowland forests to volcanic highlands, with a climate that shifts between wet and dry seasons. The name Efyas is drawn from the Efyan language in the setting, where it translates roughly as "tide-watcher" or "those who navigate by currents."

Historically, Efyas is portrayed as a mosaic of independent island communities that gradually formed a maritime federation, the Council of Shallows, to coordinate defense, resource management, and long-distance trade. Political life remains decentralized, with strong local councils on each island and occasional inter-island pacts that adapt to shifting maritime routes. The society is notably diverse, reflecting a long history of migration, with communities that specialize in fishing, pearl diving, timberworking, and boatbuilding.

Economy relies on fisheries, pearl trade, resin and timber exports, and acting as a waypoint for travelers and merchants. The culture emphasizes seafaring literacy, navigational lore, music featuring drum and reed instruments, and lacquered hull crafts. The archipelago is also host to unique bioluminescent flora and fauna that appear in myths and form the basis for local crafts and storytelling.

In modern adaptations, Efyas serves as a setting for quests involving diplomacy, piracy, environmental stewardship, and exploration of volcanic and reef environments. Notable locations within the setting include a gateway reef known as Coral Gate, a luminous reef system called Lantern Reefs, and a cold promontory called Frost Point, used as a frontier in many campaigns. The concept has expanded across sourcebooks, maps, and adventure modules, making Efyas a recurring hub in world-building for fans of the genre.