Dirhun

Geography

The islands that compose the region of Dirhun are located in the northwestern reaches of the Balacen. The exact number of islands in the archipelago is unknown, but there are enough large islands to make the region hospitable to humans. It is thought that they were formed by volcanic activity, though any volcanos in the area have been dormant for at least a few centuries. Pristine beaches line the islands, and vibrant forests fill the interior. Since Dirhun spans mostly north-south, it reaches across many different climate zones, ranging from the tropical islands of southern Dirhun on Teshelyn's equator, to the mangrove forests of central Dirhun, to the rocky and temperate islands of the north.
A large reef protects the western coasts of the Dirhun islands from the harsh waves coming in from the ocean. The expanse between the reef and the islands is a paradise of biodiversity, and most Dirhun aquaculture is reliant upon it.

Fauna & Flora

Dirhun's various climates mean that the islands are home to several types of ecosystems. In the tropical climate of the southern islands, the warm waters are full of life, sustaining many fishing species. The majority of Dirhun's humans live in this part of the islands.
Moving north from the equator, the central Dirhun islands are dominated by coastal mangrove forests. Freshwater rivers carve through the islands and feed into the ocean, supporting a diverse and hardy collection of species. The mangrove islands are not very habitable for humans, but grove-pod balaceti make their home in the surrounding waters.
The northernmost islands are sparsely inhabited due to their rocky interiors and rough beaches. Sea birds roost on some of the islands, and occasionally a group of pinnipeds will make their home on the beaches, but otherwise there is little evidence of a thriving ecosystem in this region. This is not helped by the presence of Nulltide Bay in one of the northern islands. The empty and lifeless waters of the Nulltide certainly do nothing to support what little life may make its home on the island, and prevent any other organisms from approaching.

Natural Resources

Volcanic soil makes the Dirhun islands fertile and lush, and the people who live there never want for food. The tropical forests of the islands are also an important resource, as they provide the wood for the people's ships. This has been augmented by several agricultural techniques and magics taught to the humans by the orcas of Sauhul. Land can be reshaped to be more convenient for farming, and trees can be coaxed from the soil fully-formed by a talented shaman. Dirhun has become one of the two primary centers of human commerce on Teshelyn in just a few short centuries.

Type

Archipelago

Included Locations

• The Crystal Springs

Related Ethnicities

• Grove-pod balaceti

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Dryfighting