Tshan Harbour

A natural harbour on the southern side of Tsaidahu provides refuge from the stormy Tsotun Channel, and serves as the northern trading hub of Aighol Auran. In early years it provided a haven for Khairok raiders to stop in, to either prepare for the raiding of Aighol Auran's more prosperous islands, or to prepare for the journey back home. As the Khairok gradually settled the area, the small port village of Tshan Kaphu prospered and became a trading hub connecting the north and south islands.

Geography

Tshan Harbour is a large natural harbour, home to Tshan Kaphu, Tsaidahu's unofficial capital. It is sheltered from the dominant south-west winds that plague the Tsotun Channel, which made it an attractive hub for the early Khairok sailors raiders. The raiders went on to settle the land and founded the city of Tshan Kaphu on the river Khomeur. The Khomeur river connects the seafaring Tsotunti Khairok with the Khairok that settled further inland. In summer the shoreline is dominated by jagged rocks that obscure the many bays frequented by smugglers and raiders. During winter most of the northern shoreline freezes over, only broken by the flow of the Khomeur river.

Fauna & Flora

Plants that grow on the coastline are hardy types, resilient to both the cold and salt spray. Dwarf trees and tussock grasses are among the most common types found.
The harbour itself is home to a variety of aquatic life acclimatised to the cold weather. Seals and polar bears can be found around the less inhabited northern edges, and even the occasional whale that makes its way into the harbour.

Etymology

The first name given to this place was Tshan Kaph, the Khairok name for a safe harbour or haven. Literally, the phrase translates to "Safe Boat", or "Safe Ship", with the latter becoming the most popular Aernish translation. Due to the trade hub nature of Tshan Kaphu, the local name and translation became mingled. For some time it has been known by; Safe Ship Harbour, Tshan Haven, Tshan Kaph Harbour, before eventually being widely known as the shortened version, Tshan Harbour.

Type

Coast / Shore

Location under

Nostir

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Khairok Burial at Sea

A Raiding History

In recent times the leaders of Tshan Kaphu have banned the raiding of the Aernish, in an attempt to build better trade relationships with their neighbours. Without a seal of official approval, some raiders turned to the legal trades of fishing and merchantry. Others refused to give up their lifestyle, and use the hidden bays in Tshan Harbour to smuggle their stolen goods away from official eyes.