The Shackles is a Pirate Kingdom consisting of hundreds of islands, as well as a portion of the mainland - The Mawangi Expanse. The map shows the capital, Port Peril, a metropolis set on the mainland, and the larger islands, However, there are many more small islands scattered around and between them. While Port Peril is ruled by The Hurricane King (The King of The Shackles) many of the larger Islands are rules by Pirate Lords from settlements from their home ports, in the towns and cities of The Shackles. Other islands, and their settlements, are home to a mixture of Free Captains, other pirates, humanoids and monsters. It is, perhaps, best described as a series of small city states, separated by a wilderness of islands and water - all of which might hold monsters, bandits, thieves etc.

The Free Captains of The Shackles operate like a massive thieves' guild, with the Hurricane King as their Guild Master. The Pirate Lords are his senior lieutenants, Free Captains are group leaders, while their crews are the rank and file members. Everyone else is an outsider and their vessels and cargo are fair game - including the ships of Independent Captains. However, once an Independent Captain has proved their worth, built a reputation they can apply for Free Captain status - although there are practical tests to complete, boasts to be made, fees to be paid and plenty of chance to bribe. Knowing the right people often helps :)

The islands are surrounded by the Fever Sea, a reasonably shallow body of water that can be sailed by vessels of most types, from the largest ship right down to a small keelboat, and is a major transport route. While there is local trade, international trade, from cities and nations in the south to the inner sea area pass through the shackles. This is because the Eye of Abendego, a vicious, permanent hurricane, lies just north of the shackles, making the seep sea passage both long and very dangerous - and many merchants find the route through The Shackles is more profitable - even with losses to pirates.

To the North, the great states of Cheliax and Rahadoum, who both permit slavery as do may others of the northern states.

To the South are places like Bloodcove (and The Apsis Corporation), The dwarves of The Terwa Uplands and Vidrian and the Bekyar people, a demon worshipping nation of slavers. Fleets from Cheliax, Radahoum and The Terwa uplands have all, at various times, attacked The Free captains of the shackles in attempts to free up the trade route between north and south.

The uninitiated, and uninformed, could find themselves facing other pirates, monsters, humanoid tribes, naval vessels and the wrath of the Apsis Consortium - to mention just a few of the risks associated with living in the shackles.

This list covers the largest, or most well known, settlements. There are many others.

• Port Peril - Capital of The Shackles, home to The Hurricane King (Metropolis)
• Quent - The second-largest settlement in the Shackles ruled by Tessa Fairwind, a charismatic pirate lord and major voice in the Pirate Council. (Large City)
• Drenchport - Storm lashed home of the pirate lord known as the Master of the Gales. (Small City)
• Ollo - Ruled by Avimar Sorrinash, a member of the Pirate Council. (Small City)
• Hell Harbor - Ruled by the pirate lord Arronax Endymion, a member of the Pirate Council (Small City)
• Slipcove - The lord of Bag Island, Jolis Raffles, offers freed slaves the chance to live on Bag Island, it has the largest halfling population in the Shackles. (Small Town)
• Queen Bes - Queen Bes is the only settlement of any size on the Shackles island of Besmara's Throne. Every priest of Besmara is expected to make a pilgrimage to Besmara's Throne at least once in their lifetime. (Small Town)