The World: Haunted Islands

Typical Features

The typical Haunted Island should include at least one of these features:

• An ancient cemetery or ruin haunted by ghosts.
• A small port or other settlement facing some sort of struggle.
• A cruel specter, whose name appears in many horror stories.
• A direct link with the stream of souls.

Position

A Haunted Island might be part of the setting from the start, perhaps as a mystery and/or threat, or the group might land on its shores because of a danger or as a result of a Surrender. It’s usually the stage for an interlude or intermission, and as such can be used at any point in the campaign. More rarely, it could be the heroes’ final destination, especially if a powerful, corrupt creature made it their lair.

The Villains’ Plans

In many cases, a location like Candle Bay acts as a subplot in and of itself and has its own local Villain (probably a minor Villain), although in some campaigns it might assume a more central role. An antagonist might attempt to harvest the energy of the restless spirits, or could even be a ghost themselves; or a terrible demon or monster might consume the dark energies of the island to enact a metamorphosis and reach their full potential.

Possible Questions for the Group

• Colored lights brighten the sky over the bay during “the night of lamentation”. What characterizes this event?
• Since time immemorial, a majestic arc has dominated the great hill. Why was it built? What are the rumors about it?
• It looks like the bay is the home of a creature that can grant wishes. What is their true nature? What is the price of such a miracle?
• They say the island stands at a crossroad between the world of the living and the world of the dead. What is its nature? Who would you like to see once again?
• The spirit of a famous character of the past manifests on certain nights. Who are they? What do they have in common with one of you?