Cities among the Clouds
During the time of the Dark Blood Fever, a tumultuous period between the transition from nomadism to city-building, a group of humans set sail for a distant archipelago. These humans differed not only physically, with more tanned skin and stronger features, but also embraced progressive ideals, rejecting slavery and other practices of the time. Driven by an ancient legend, a prophecy that foretells a time when the reflection of the heavens would descend upon the earth. This reflection, manifested as the perpetual fog, conceals a hidden land overflowing with riches, a paradise mirroring the beauty of the celestial realm. They ventured into the South Sea, where a perpetual fog concealed an archipelago of immense natural wealth. There, they established their homes, giving rise to the legendary "Cities among the Clouds".
Weeks by Sail: This distance creates a sense of isolation and emphasizes the arduous journey undertaken by the settlers. It allows for the development of a unique culture and society on the islands. The first time humans traveled to this archipelago took almost 1 month, and few reached the place. Now, with better sails and an understanding of currents, is a 2 weeks travel.
Localized Phenomena
Unique Flora: Certain plants or trees native to the archipelago could release a constant mist that hangs in the air.
Without really realizing it, this phenomenon helped the settlement prosper because it protected them against any attempt at pillage by pirates or bandits
Climate
The archipelago enjoys a unique microclimate characterized by persistent fog caused by the native vegetation. This fog, which blankets the islands for most of the year, creates a humid and temperate environment. Due to the fog's cooling effect, the temperature range is relatively narrow, with mild days and cool nights. The lack of strong winds and hurricanes is a direct result of the dense fog, which acts as a natural barrier, dissipating the energy of any approaching storms.
Fauna & Flora
Dominating the landscape are the majestic Neblina Tree, their massive leaves shimmering with moisture. These arboreal giants, with their shallow root systems, form a dense canopy that intercepts the passing clouds. Intertwined among the Neblina are the delicate Velos ferns, their feathery fronds creating a soft, ethereal understory.
The Nubes bromeliads, perched high in the branches, collect rainwater in their cup-shaped leaves, forming tiny, hanging gardens. And draping from the trees like emerald curtains, the Brumas orchids add a touch of elegance to the fog-shrouded forest.
The archipelago's flora is dominated by fog-harvesting plants. These specialized plants have evolved to collect moisture from the fog, allowing them to thrive in an otherwise arid environment. Their leaves are often covered in tiny hairs or waxy coatings that trap water droplets, which then drip down to the roots.
Some common types of fog-harvesting plants include:
- Bromeliads: These epiphytic plants form rosettes of leaves that collect water, creating small reservoirs.
- Lichens: These symbiotic organisms are well-adapted to humid environments and can grow on various surfaces, including rocks and tree bark.
- Mosses: Mosses form dense carpets on the forest floor, absorbing moisture from the fog and creating a humid microclimate.
Impact on other flora and fauna
The constant fog and high humidity create a perfect environment for fungi. The forest floor is likely carpeted with a variety of mushrooms, molds, and other fungal species. This abundance of fungi can have a significant impact on the ecosystem, as they play a vital role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
The dense fog can also limit sunlight penetration, affecting the growth of plants that require full sun. However, many plants have adapted to these conditions by developing larger leaves or growing closer to the ground. The high humidity can also lead to the formation of unique and delicate ecosystems, such as cloud forests, which support a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Type
Archipelago
Inhabiting Species
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