Torrknå Älm (/ˈtɔrrknoː ɛlm/ Giant)
Geography
Torrknå Älm, a jewel in the archipelago of the Fir Älma chain, stands out as the largest island among them all. It is a sprawling expanse of 171,082 square miles, boasting a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. This impressive island spans an impressive 1,011 miles from the easternmost point to the westernmost, presenting a varied spectacle of geographical features along its length. At its broadest, the island stretches 301 miles from north to south, offering an equally diverse range of northern and southern terrains. This geographical giant is cradled in the vast and deep waters of A Sjansk Årluk, or The Great Expanse. It is considered a part of the continent of Menia, as are all of the islands in the chain.
Climate
Torrknå Älm, a location nestled in the heart of Menia, is renowned for being one of the wettest places in the region. It boasts an impressive annual average rainfall of about 6,500 millimeters, a figure that is largely attributed to the geoclimatic features of the area. This significant amount of precipitation is primarily due to the moisture-laden winds from A Sjansk Årluk. These winds, acting as a natural conveyor belt, use the massive landmass of the island as a dumping ground for their moisture before they continue their journey towards mainland Menia.
Apart from its rainfall, Torrknå Älm also stands out for its relatively warm temperatures. Despite its geographical location at 50 degrees latitude north, which would ordinarily suggest a cooler climate, it maintains a warmer-than-average temperature. This is, once again, a testament to the influence of the winds of A Sjansk Årluk. These winds not only bring moisture but also carry warmth, contributing to the island’s unique weather patterns, distinguishing it from the mainland.
Fauna & Flora
The southern and western portions of the island are distinguished by the presence of several types of vegetation such as fir, western red cedar, madrone, white oak, salal, holly-leaved barbelly, and manzanita. These plant species create a unique and diverse landscape that is characteristic of these parts of the island. The northern, eastern, and most of the central portions of the island, on the other hand, are primarily home to the western hemlock, western red cedar, silver fir, yellow cedar, grand fir, spruce, and western white pine. These areas also feature bigleaf maple, red alder, sword fern, and red huckleberry, further adding to the island's rich biodiversity.
The island is also teeming with wildlife. Mountain goats, moose, coyotes, porcupines, skunks, chipmunks, and numerous species of small mammals are plentiful, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. Both brown and black bears are prevalent, making the island a significant habitat for these species. The island is also inhabited by elk, marmot, black-tailed deer, grey squirrel, and cougars, further contributing to its diverse wildlife population.
The sea wolf, a subspecies of grey wolf, is found in some parts of the island, adding another layer to the wildlife diversity. The island's shores are frequented by harbor seals, and both sea and river otters, which are common along the coasts. These species contribute to the island's marine life, making the coastal areas particularly rich in biodiversity.
The waters off the coast are known to be a significant migration route for orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales. These majestic creatures can often be seen off the coast, providing a spectacle for both locals and visitors. The island's rivers, lakes, and coastal regions are also renowned for their trout, salmon, and steelhead populations, making the island a significant habitat for these species.
History
Torrknå Älm, a place of profound historical and cultural significance, has served as the ancestral home to the Yotunn people for countless millennia. This island, steeped in ancient traditions and folklore, is more to the Yotunn than mere land; it is a symbol of their enduring heritage and indomitable spirit. The Yotunn's kingdom, known as Jhordheim, has held dominion over the island for a vast majority of this extended period, marking an era of prosperous rule and societal growth. Interestingly, the name Torrknå Älm, when translated from their native language — commonly referred to as Giant — directly means 'Home Island'. This further emphasizes the deep-rooted connection between the Yotunn people and this island, underscoring its central role in their collective identity and history.
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