Archipelago de Malta

Note: These islands are real and while i'm using real names, I'm not attempting to be accurate as to their real location in relation to Malta.  For game purposes they will be located in areas for our convenience. 

The minor islands that form part of the archipelago are varied in resources as well as species, some are as yet unconquered by any known humanoid race. The islands to the north of Malta are controlled by a variety of buccaneer forces while the ones to the south tend towards wealthy family holdings. Most Pirate islands include the word rock in their name, as most of the islands inhabited by the pirates are either unwanted volcanic wastes or slowly sinking islands.

Barbganni Rock: A small island northeast of Gozo, Barbganni is primarily a gnomish enclave, supported by many halflings and dwarves.  The Barbganni gnomes craft a unique powder for the pirates to use in firing their cannons. While the gnomes seem to suffer no ill effects from the powder known as Salt Pyre, many of the pirates who operate the cannon are known to become maniacal from too much exposure to the substance.  The barbarians from Tunis are said to purchase large quantities of Salt Pyre but the men of Tunis are not known for their use of cannon.

Comminoto (Kemmunett): The small island is known for three things, the gems that can be found on its beaches, the flammable Cindermoss coveted by alchemists, and finally the goblin/hobgoblin, bugbear, and ogre forces that serve the islands ruler.  For the last several years the island has been under the control of the Ogre-Magi Karok. The civilized islands haven't moved against Karok, due to his followers propensity for attacking pirate ships and other small islands. 

Dellimara Island: There is something about the Dellimara family, the Maltese people don't speak of it however its there.  Somehow even though they have lived there for as long as most people could remember, they weren't viewed as original islanders.  The island itself is very small, consisting of a large manor, a tower, temple and a small dock.  The manor strangely built, the walls end in uneven angles that create optical illusions that people find difficult to gaze upon for longer than a moment.

Some sailors claim that besides the Dellimara family that resides in the manor there is a druid that maintains a grove on the island.

Dellimara

Fessaj Rock: The broken stone coast of this island provides many caves for the Fessaj pirates to take cover in.  From the sea, the largest cave appears wide enough for a ship to maneuver into. The Fessaj pirates are a wide mix of races but always lead by one of the Catfolk descendants of Captain Liarstooth Fessaj.  The Fessaj pirates lead by Soverah Fessaj recently claimed two frigate traders believed to hail from Carthage. 

Captain Soverah Fessaj

Fungus Rock: This island is west of Gozo and is a botanist dream. The variety of plant life is astounding, although be warned, some of the plants are sentient.  One half of the island is full of Dire animal life and larger monsters.  The other half of the island is the half mountain remains of a volcano that burst up from the sea floor.  A group of pirates known as "The Plague" operates from the half mountain.  The Plague is said to have two dozen ships under the command of Captain Benald Mokeif.

Ghallis Rock: Naxxar rules this rock, which is incredibly easy to defend from other ships due to the path ships have to travel through sea debris and other land masses.  Naxxar is an elven wizard whose piracy is unique in that he harasses the Egyptians. There is a rumor that Naxxar is willing to  train other pirates in wizardry if they have the talent.  

Naxxar

Naxxar is fond of employing half-elves and halflings, among which are a famous pair, a ship captain and his first mate.  The elven Captain Vargin is commander of The Sea Whiskey, a smaller agile ship recognized by most sailors in the region. Captain Vargin's first mate, the halfling known as Walker (the Mediterranean Sea Ranger), was widely recognized as the best cannon shot in the Mediterranean.

Walker

 

Captain Vargin

Halfa Rock (Gozo): Halfa Rock sits a few miles south of Gozo and causes many problems for all of Malta due to the poppy that grows here.  Halfa is layered, with the northern and eastern portion of the islands risen several dozen feet above sea level while the southern and western portions frequently flood during rain season.  There are many pirates who claim dominion of Halfa Rock but their control over the island usually only lasts  until their men are overcome with addiction. Wanna Be captains and stranded sailors in the region will frequently check Halfa Rock for available ships first, as it isn't unheard of to find abandoned sea-craft there.

Halfa Rock

Large Blue Lagoon Rocks (Comino): is populated by several Tengu pirates. While no one pirate is said to rule the island, the most famous of the ships that dock there is The Sea Raven, captained by Relu Gokkut, a short Tengu known for his skill in swordplay. The Large Blue Lagoon Rock is said to have freshwater ponds, a rarity for "Rocks".  The Large Blue is also considered a dueling ground for conflicts between Pirate Captains who wish to spare their ships and crewmen.  On occasion arbitration between pirates can occur her, usually in times of extreme weather or foreign invasion. 

Selmunett Island:  Northeast of Malta lies Selmunett Island, this island caters to the darker desires and demands of the Maltese.  It is a local custom that those that stay on Selmunett after dark can report no crime and have no crime reported against them.  The priests of Malta turn a blind eye to the gambling halls and houses of ill repute that populate this island. Of late however word has begun to circulate of Egyptian loyalists using Selmunett as a trade pipeline between Egypt and Greek reformists in Korinthos Greece.  Selmunett is also known for its black tar, a bubbling fountain, located on the southern coast.  The tar bubbles up between a boulder called the bleeding stone. Selmunett Tar is coveted for its waterproofing and ability to patch ships damaged at sea. 

Selmunett 

Tac-Cawl Rock (Gozo): Easily the largest of the Rocks, Tac-Cawl is known for the mountain of bones made from the remains of the Dire Ape's victims.  The totem honoring their ferocity rises some 50 feet tall and is made up of bones from adventurers, pirates, and dire beasts.  Little known beyond Malta is that for the last several years a group of Centaur Hunters has taken up residence on the Rock proving themselves against its harsh environment. 

Ta' Fraben Island: Even the Egyptians try to avoid this island, over run with Thri-Kreen and insectoids known as Trox.  The islands foliage is overgrown and their aren't any known structures built there. The largest trees are believed to serve the Thri-Kreen while the Trox' customs are unknown.  Thri-Kreen have been known to leave the island, a rare few even joining up with pirates in the region. Of course their are sailor's rumors regarding treasures buried on the island but there is no denying the ship that has laid wrecked on its shores for this last year. Beached on the island and laid open on its side, The Monger warship was believed to be a Roman merchant's prized possession. Many larcenous hearts covet whatever treasures lie in its hold. 

Trox

The Roman

The Greek

Sala Rock (Zabbar):  Locals call it Sala Rock but not in the presence of the Tiefling pirate king Zabbar. Sala Rock has a watchtower, dock, house and barn since it was claimed by the Pirate King.  He has re-christened the island with his own moniker, Zabbar Island.  The Pirate King has anywhere from ten to two dozen ships at his disposal and is famous among pirates due to the two Thri-Kreen guardians that serve him.  Zabbar himself refers to the two Thri-Kreen as "The Roman and The Greek" and frequently chuckles after saying it.