Mestea

Mestea is the empire's most northerly kingdom, an isolated island whose people are of middling height and build and paler than southern Atlanteans. Some claim elven blood, but the likelier source is the Vanir of Hyperborea, who raided the island in force during the Dark Age.

Most of the island is wild forest broken by low ridges and deep gorges. Firedrakes lair there and in the many sea caves, ogres are said to fill the woods, and bog giants (Aegir) have been seen, so sensible Mesteans stay on the southern coast, home to the only real towns: the fishing port of Promeus and the capital, Klymeus.

Promeus is a dull place of fishermen and dried-cod dealers, but quietly known as a haven for fugitives from Atlantean law, especially smugglers and fences, and a stop for Cymbrian corsairs; its small, unwilling Poseidonean marine detachment offers little security. Klymeus, a small but active hilltop port, is famous for its ancient observatory and also sells timber, furs and hides. Amber recently found along the northeast and northwest coasts is drawing miners, sailors, explorers, mapmakers, engineers and above all hired guards, as Cymbrian and Ska corsairs and other schemers chase a share.

The King of Mestea must be a skilled astrologer born on the island, and his say in the Council of Kings, especially on the empire's future plans, may be second only to Poseidonea's.