The isles: The isles are aptly named due to the naturally occurring elemental phenomena. The isle sits a crossroads for many geomantic ley lines and has poles scattered about the isle where each individual element is the most concentrated. This gives the island a very exotic feel as you have deserts, glaciers, plains, and jungles all side by side. People who live close to poles have been observed to have traits and sometimes powers related to the elements.
The Nihl aspect comes from the propensity of destruction all the nations have. Whether it is the fledgeling kingdom of Wyndia which is constantly being destroyed and rebuilt during the annual giant rampages, the warring Hobgoblins and Humes, the every increasing necropolis, or the self-destroying cultures of the Beastmen and the Haadi. And of course the ever present danger of a Dragon razing entire cities or even subjugating them, the Northlands are a prime example of this.

There is a common legend around the Isle, that every 20 years when the whirlpools around the island temporarily dissipate, a cataclysm will visit the isles. However, during this time of tumult connection to the outside is reached, and courageous souls from across the sea and on the very isle band together and strive to fight against the destiny of annihilation.

Incidentally when you arrive on the isles it during the 7th cycle of destruction. In two short seasons the cataclysm will reach it’s climax. The Isle is balanced on the tip of your blade, are you prepared to save it?