#24: The Barnacle

Age: 200 years

Hidden or Lost?: Only known to pirates and criminals

History: Spoken of only in the whispers of lowlifes, pirates, and smugglers, The Barnacle is a criminal metropolis connecting the world above the waves with the world below.

Built from the broken timbers of 1,000 ships as well as whatever other flotsam and jetsam could be nailed down, The Barnacle is a circular flotilla fortress anchored in the middle of the ocean, far from any prying eyes.

The main attraction is The Maw, a large open pool at the center of The Barnacle’s stepped levels. Its purpose is twofold, acting as both a gateway to the undersea kingdoms, facilitating rare and exotic trade, and as a public execution pit. Anyone found abusing the local hospitality is thrown to “Jenny,” the massive sea monster that lives just below the surface of The Maw. Jenny is controlled by The King’s Horn, an enchanted conch shell held by The Barnacle's ruler, currently a pirate named Blackcoat Beck.

The population of The Barnacle lives on a series of concentric ring levels, each with their own flavor. The lowest ring circling The Maw, known as The Beach, is home mainly to merfolk who have set up permanent shop on The Barnacle. Above that is The Sot’s Quarter, named for the number of drunks found among the taverns, brothels, and casinos lining the ring. The most famous among these establishments is a gambling den known as Neptunes Fortune, where it’s said you can bet on anything from a coin flip to a life. The third level is called The Merchant’s Ring, or The Golden Ring, for all of the coin that passes through the shops and traders’ hands. If it can be bought, it can be found there. Finally there is The Crow’s Nest, the top-most ring, where captains go to parlay and where the powers behind The Barnacle reside. With a view of the entire fortress, inside and out, it is also where The Barnacle’s defenses are based.

Whether it’s for shady business or a way to contact the undersea world, The Barnacle is full of crime, fishfolk, and adventure.

1. Bastard Gate 9. Sodden Jane’s Pleasure Cave

2. The Maw 10. Neptune’s Fortune

3. The Beach 11. Jenny’s Eye Tavern

4. The Sot’s Quarter 12. Lost and Found Traders

5. The Merchant’s Ring 13. Salvage Palace

6. The Crow’s Nest 14. The Captain’s Long Hall

7. All-Gill Breathables 15. The Periscopes

8. Deeptrade Embassy 16. Merfolk Delegation Hall