The Calathian Archipelago
Geography
The archipelago of Calathis is a lush, tropical paradise. It plays host to a widely diverse layout of biomes, from volcanic lava deserts and craggy plateaus across the northern islands, to misty tropical jungles towards the southern islands. The archipelago was historically highly volcanically active, which is the source of many of the distinct islands. Such activity mellowed out during the mid-to-late Third Age, and it has only recently become volcanically active once again, the timing in line with the recent Kenerese invasion. This activity is most prevalent on the northern islands, leading to wide swaths of volcanic desert surrounding the mountains. Due to their more bountiful resources, the southern islands are more inhabited than their northern counterparts, and serve as the homes of many distinct Calathian tribes. These islands also sport sandy coasts with beautiful water and easy access to the North Sea.
Localized Phenomena
The archipelago, in contrast to what its northern location would have you believe, sports a mysterious tropical climate with humid temperatures and not a drop of snow to be seen. Some believe it to be divine in origin, a bastion of tropical wonder in the chilling North Sea as a gift from Melora to her most faithful followers. Others believe it to be arcane, a ward placed upon the islands by early settlers to prove themselves some sort of comfort. Others simply see it as an odd fact of life, and refuse to look such a beautiful gift horse in the mouth.
Fauna & Flora
The calathian people are the primary humanoid group to call the archipelago home, but it is also home to many wild creatures. Many different breeds of dragons make their lairs in the diverse Calathian biomes, from Gold, Brass, and Bronze to Green & Blue, and even Amethyst and Topaz. Many beasts that make their homes along the coast, in the sea, in forests and in deserts find homes here as well. Fae such as blink dogs, dryads, sea hags and green hags find themselves here. A small tribe of Yuan-Ti separate from the calathian people have also built up a small civilization on one of the northern islands.
The flora of the archipelago is equally diverse, with marsh plants and palm trees galore, and coral reefs surrounding the islands. Trees that flower fruits such as coconuts, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, guavas, passion fruits, bananas and dragon fruits grow here, among others.
The flora of the archipelago is equally diverse, with marsh plants and palm trees galore, and coral reefs surrounding the islands. Trees that flower fruits such as coconuts, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, guavas, passion fruits, bananas and dragon fruits grow here, among others.
History
In the First Age, the continents of Geloriel were sculpted by the goddess Melora, the largest islands of Calathis among them. From there, volcanoes across the continent erupted and created many more of the modern islands. Corellon populated the islands with Elves, and Melora continued her work with beasts and other creatures. During the Divine War, Calathis was not a primary battleground, and as such suffered little in the way of penalties.
During the Second Age, the archipelago of Calathis was not the home of any tribes of Giants, and the residents generally kept to themselves.
During the Third Age, small tribes of humans emigrated to Calathis by boat, integrating themselves into the pre-existing culture. This persisted during the Fourth Age, but Calathis was not the subject of Brekarian expansion.
During the late Fifth Age, Kenereth began expanding their empire into the archipelago by way of colonization efforts, setting up territory in the southern islands, culling the lush forests and attempting to forcefully integrate Calathian natives into Kenerse society.
During the Second Age, the archipelago of Calathis was not the home of any tribes of Giants, and the residents generally kept to themselves.
During the Third Age, small tribes of humans emigrated to Calathis by boat, integrating themselves into the pre-existing culture. This persisted during the Fourth Age, but Calathis was not the subject of Brekarian expansion.
During the late Fifth Age, Kenereth began expanding their empire into the archipelago by way of colonization efforts, setting up territory in the southern islands, culling the lush forests and attempting to forcefully integrate Calathian natives into Kenerse society.
Alternative Name(s)
The Archipelago
Type
Archipelago
Location under
Included Organizations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Related Ethnicities
Contested By
Related Tradition (Primary)
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