Chain Archipelago
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     Ships approaching Diking's southern coast must pass through the Chain Archipelago, which stretches in sort of an S-shape from Fort Island off of the south-west coast of New South Dakota to Python Island at the southeast end of the archipelago.  These islands are low-lying and generally have a sub-tropical climate.  Dikanians realized early on the strategic importance that location afforded these islands, and many were fortified, beginning around 1993. 

Chain, Viceroyalty of Corey
     Most of the Chain Archipelago belongs to the Viceroyalty of Corey.  The territory from Stronghold Island in the west to Sabre Island in the east makes up the state of Chain.  The panoramic photograph below shows most of the archipelago, from Lagoon Island all the way east to the Strip Islands. 

This photograph looks southward from the southern coast from the main Island.  Lagoon Island is on the far right (west) with D.N.S. Imperial docked behind the fort.  Working left from there, the next three installations are Brig Island, Cove Island, and Sabre Island.  The castle on the island on the very left belongs to High King Wence S. Lost.  The island on which his castle sits has never appeared on any map and has no known name.  These facts may indicate why King Lost's current capital is named "the Lost Island of Scotlandis."  Given the elements in this photograph, it can not have been taken any earlier than September, 1996.
 
This photograph is contemporary with the one above and looks at the archipelago from the eastern edge.  King Lost's castle is on the right, the Islanders' retreats are in the middle, and the pirate gig on the very left is anchored near one of the Strip Islands.  This configuration of islands does not correspond exactly with any known map.  We should be reminded that map-making is a sketchy business. 
 

Fort, Viceroyalty of Chris
     Of the entire archipelago, only Fort Island belongs to the Viceroyalty of Chris.  It is its own state, aptly named Fort.  Dikanian presence in the Chain Archipelago has been arguably strongest and most consistent on Fort Island.  Currently, the town on the island is known as Callahorn, but in years past, it was referred to simply as 'Fort Island.'  The photographs show Fort Island before the extensive fortifications of the late 1990s and the massive military realignment of the early 2000s that saw many of the fortifications in Chain moved to Fort Island. 
Fort Island from the east.  The Royal Knights' castle is the most imposing structure in this view; the harbor is to its north.  D.N.S. Barracuda and D.N.S. Armada ride at anchor together in the lower left-hand corner of the frame. 
 
Fort Island from the north, along the approach to the main island.  The harbor is most prominent in this view, but it also affords a look at the back side of the castle.  In the photo's background, at the very left, one can make out Lagoon Island.