Orkney Isles
Geography
The Orkney Isles are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the far North of the Mor Marv, Northwest of Albia. Heavily affected by Kairos), it is difficult to gage distance, but most ships can make the voyage from the Cloth Cities to Orkney in under a week. The archipelago consists of over 70 islands, varying greatly in size and habitability. There are at least 5 active volcanoes in the region, with the largest being on Tevenn Du, harnessed for the Fomorian Forges.
The islands of Orkney are generallydivided among two types. In the South, tightly clustered around Tevenn Du, are jagged basalt islands, inhospitable for all but the most rudimentary agriculture. Some are uninhabited, but others serve as defensive outposts, prisons, fisheries and tanneries. Floating dock complexes add to the living space on many of these islands. The Northern Islands, called the Hiltlands are lower and flatter, covered in grasslands. The locals take advantage of the surprisingly mild climate for agriculture, covering the areas with farms and pastures. The Hiltlands are less populated than the Basalt Islands.
The largest settlement and capital, Tevenn Du, is built around Blackcliff Bay, a collapsed volcanic cone serving as the region's primary harbour. The town is built on the slopes of the ring around the central harbour, sheer cliffwalls facing the seaside. The harbour can only be accessed through a giant archway carved into the Southwest side of the ring, flanked by two massive fortified towers, and a lava-tube tunnel refitted as a canal on the North side. The ring top, and some of the seaside walls, are fortified with watch towers and artillery positions, while the sloping harborside is made up of residences, warehouses, and docking facilities. On the Northern side of the ring is a second peak, smaller than the collapsed cone, an active volcano harnessed by the great forges that dot its face. The highest point on this northern peak is Caer Blackcliff, 5 towered castle of black stone. surrounding a central keep.
Ecosystem
No trees grow on the Orkney islands, a result of the rough terrain and high ocean winds. The dark smoke of the Blackcliff chokes out all but the heartiest plantlife, while the forests of the Hiltlands have long since been clear cut for the Longships that took the first Orkish settlers and raiders to the The Lost Peninsula and Fortunate Isles
Fresh water is surprisingly abundant on the islands, with large lakes forming from the abundant rainfall and natural springs. The currents around the islands are fast, often forming whirlpools in the narrow channels.
Localized Phenomena
Far to the North, the sky above Orkney never sees full daylight, locked in a perpetual cycle of night and twilight, the sky shifting from a vibrant red to dim black and back again. The sky above Tevenn Du itself is often chocked with black smoke from the forges and volcanoes.
Type
Archipelago
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
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