The Shade is the name of the island cultivated by the Novak family. The purpose of the Shade is to have a place where vampires can live without being chased and persecuted by the Shadow Hunters. The vampires are in danger of being executed and need some form of protection. Oddly enough, before Derek was turned, he was a Shadow Hunter.

The plans for the Shade were formed mostly by Derek. They include creating a fortress around the island that is impenetrable by humans. The walls, known as the Crimson Fortress, has been fortified over the centuries to include guards.

The Vale is a town of sorts set in the woods. The Baths is a spa. The mountains are known as the Black Heights or the Beauties. There are catacombs and cells on the island for housing prisoners. The Residences are built atop giant redwoods. Derek chose...