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.

Image description. One of the Lighthouses of the Stormcloaks Guild at Gillwin, the main port on the Isle of Killyshmagost. Picture drawn by Seeker.

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.

• Picture description. The Isles of Quios, east of the United Kindgdom of Santharia. Map by Artimidor.

  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.