THE ISLES OF QUIOS |
The Isles of Quios are a dozen islands of volcanic origin that lay to the east of Santharia. Filled with luscious forests, snow capped peaks, and rock reefs, this group of islands enjoy not only a geographical diversity, but a cultural and racial one as well.
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Location. Dividing the Aelyvian Sea and the Adanian Sea, the currents through
these volcanic isles are quite treacherous. These isles lay to the east of
Santharia, south of the Kanapan Peninsula, and north of the large island of
Deni’lou and northwest of the Doranian Kingdom, the
Island of Doranthakar.
Geography. The Isles of Quios are actually made up of five separate islands or
island chains. From north to south they are: The Isles of Tyrk, th Isle of
Quios’kathar, the Isles of Khuuz-Duar, the Island of Killyshmagost, and finally
the island of Volveran:
Isles of Tyrk
The most northerly of the chain of island, this group is made up
of four separate islands. The islands are nothing more than spits of volcanic
rock that stick above the crashing waves.
The Isle of Quios’kathar
The largest of the island groups is also home to the
most diverse of the chain's geographical features. The geography neatly slices
the island nearly in half. To the north are the Heaven’s Gate Mountains, and the
Mountains of Laarc. Some of the highest peaks of these dormant volcanoes come
close to rivaling the great mountains in Sarvonia. On top of their impressive
beauty these mountains are rich in iron ore. To the south, growing out of the
rich ash covered plains is the Querinlon Forest, it is the largest forest within
the Isles of Quios.
Isles of Kuuz-Duar
Bearing many similarities to the Isles of Tyrk, this central grouping of isles
only claim to being different in their composition of being a
little less rocky, and having five islands in this small chain.
The Isle of Killyshmagost
The second largest island is also the most densely
populated one. The main difference between this island and its sisters is the
fact that the isle is mostly flat, with only one true peak to note. That
mountain would be Mt. Colvin. This mountain is the only volcano still active
throughout the island chain. Below Mt. Colvin stretches the Green Rocks river
and the fertile plains of Bollgun.
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The Isle of Volveran
The final spur of this long chain of islands is dominated
by the sprawling Heath of Maggoth. The island has little in the way of beach,
but there are many natural tunnels that lead to maze-like bays and coves.
Inhabitants. While many of the smaller islands are the home to fishermen or
lighthouse keepers, only the three largest islands support any true permanent
life. Following the natural geographical split, the Isle of Quios’kathar is home
to dwarves in the north and
elves in the south. The Isle of Killyshmagot is
populated by the human race, though here more than anywhere the different races
of the isles can be seen mixing and interacting with each other. The last island,
the Isle of Volveran, is home to the orc population of the Isles of Quios.
Climate. A north-south warm front is the predominant weather system throughout
the area. As it is the only front in the area, the temperature is normally a
comfortable level with indiscernible seasons. Many of the inhabitants claim that
this is the best feature of this island grouping.
Animal/Plant Life. There is a rich variety of both plant and animal life
throughout the isles. Some are indigenous, such as many small mammals, birds, and
plants. Though animals like the goat and sheep have been introduced here as
well. The waters around the isles team with fish, and much of the
human
population is engaged in this industry.
Information
provided by
Drogo
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