Few men are born brave; many become so through training and force of discipline.

The Weeping Stones are a chain of twelve tropical islands off the western coast of the continent that is home to the walled city-state of Fastheld. For many, many years, the people of these islands - who call themselves Moss Men - have dwelled in relative (and willing) ignorance of the world beyond their islands because, for the most part, that outside world has seen fit to leave them alone.

The main island, Thakos, is home of a great temple built in honor of the twelve gods (with Ephomoros, the sea god, held in highest regard). Thakos also is the seat of political power for the Weeping Stones, for it is in the Council House that the wisest citizens, one each selected from the various islands, serve as Shells.

The Shells are leaders with the responsibility for negotiating disputes and crafting legislation.

The other islands include Astri, Choraf, Bouno, Skopelos, Synnefo, Polemo, Eirini, Pyrka, Dasos, Apokrys and Trofi. All of these islands are open for free travel by the citizens of the Weeping Stones. However, the island of Apokrys proves a remarkable exception.

It is on this island, which is devoted to the occult god Shados, that Moss Men afflicted with magical abilities are condemned to dwell. Only one Apokrys citizen is allowed to leave that island, and that is the legally appointed Shell who represents Apokrys on the Weeping Stones Council.

Most normal citizens don't travel to Apokrys, but it's not all that unusual for money-prizing merchants and soulsaving priests to pay occasional visits.