So, consider the following two passages: 1. Yes, I know Steve doesn't think it's canon, but: Introduction to Dzurlord - The continent on which the Empire rests is roughly the shape of Europe, but twice the size, and the Empire encompasses (at the moment) more than half of it 2. The Paths of the Dead, pg 314 - Gyffer's Peak [in the Ash Mountains, along Greymist Valley] is even populated upon some of its lower slopes, though not ... in the valley itself... there are several villages on the west side where coffee beans are grown [and] often brought overland to the Eastern River or to the Spearhead Channel and thus to the Kieron's Sea The Spearhead Channel isn't to the south, as that's where the Eastern River is. It isn't to the East, as the map in Brokedown Palace demonstrates. That leaves west and north. Consider if it is to the west or northwest of Gyffer's peak. It struck me that it would be in roughly the same position relative to Dragaera as the "English Channel" is to Europe. Note that Paarfi says when Kieron united the tribes and began moving EAST, one of the first things he encountered was the Kanefthali Mountains. Perhaps "move East" means "crossed the channel"? That would put the "source" of the Tribes on an island to the northwest of the Empire. Admittedly, this is the only reference to the Spearhead Channel that I have found... And I think the weakest part of this theory is that there hasn't been any discussion of an island to the northwest. Perhaps this is one of the four islands mentioned by name but not specifically by location: the Spindrift Islands, the Grey Rocks, Holcomb, and Landsight. Or this gem: Book of Taltos, pg 122 - she finally caught a ship to one of the island duchies If it's a "duchy", it's probably part of the Empire, but at least Greenaere and Elde Island are NOT... perhaps this is Holcomb or Landsight as well. What do you all think? Bryan Newell (http://bryann.net) Let's settle this the democratic way: Whoever has the most money decides.