Eilean Skìth (ˈeɪ.lə.n skiːtʲʰ)
Eilean Skìth is the fourth largest island in the Ynys Archipelago, after Ynys, Oileán Fiáin, and Löngeyja. It is located between the two islands, roughly in the center of the Skìth Channel. It is a part of the Kingdom of Dalriada. Rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and dense forests characterize the terrain of Eilean Skìth.
The largest settlement on the island is the town of Targhlain, located on the north coast of the island. Targhlain has a harbor fringed by cliffs, and many consider it to be the prettiest town in the entire region. The center of the island is a ridge of several high peaks, the tallest of which is Sgurr Biorach. Travel through the interior is difficult due to the mountains, and it is often faster to take goods by boat around the coast than it is to travel straight through the interior.
Notable Spirits
While most associate the Courts of the Fae with Oileán Fiáin, there is a lesser known court resident on the island of Eilean Skìth. It is known as the Bog Court, and it rules over the lowland regions of the island. It is not a court ruled by powerful Sidhe, but is more a collection of lesser spirits who band together for mutual benefit and enjoyment. Mortals who fall into the hands of the Bog Faeries will typically find themselves the target of increasingly dangerous jokes and multiple humiliations, but are likely to escape without significant harm as long as they don't offend their captors.
The deep forests that cover the central spine of Eilean Skìth are a different story. They are the domain of Sean Mac Tíre, the Old Wolf. Sean Mac Tíre does not welcome the coming of humans into the mountains, and will harry and harrass any who trespass without making the appropriate sacrifices. This usually means dedicating a kill to the god, a large animal such as deer, which is slaughtered and then left at one the stone altars dedicated to Sean Mac Tíre.
Geography
Eilean Skìth is a long island and relatively narrow. The center of the island is a high ridge with several peaks over three thousand feet, known as the Fiacla mac Tíre, or Teeth of the Wolf. The lowlands on either side are primarily peat bogs. The island splits the Skìth Channel into two smaller channels, and tidal currents through the region can be tricky to navigate. The Durinish Lighthouse sits at the southeastern tip of the island, marking the beginning of the channel.
Ecosystem
The island is filled with life, both on the coast and in the interior. Seafood is readily available, and much of the lowland is farmland. Wolves, bears, deer, and wild boar are common in the mountains, along with many smaller animals. The island is also the home of the Skìth terrier, a low, long and hardy hunting dog breed that is unique to Eilean Skìth.
Climate
The climate of Eilean Skìth is similar to that of the rest of the Ynys Archipelago. Cold ocean currents from the north make the region less temperate than other areas at this latitude, and winters can be long and harsh especially in the highlands. Summers on Eilean Skìth are warm and foggy, and some claim that there are more foggy and misty days here than anywhere else in the Northeastern Region.
Geographic Details
Location: Northeastern RegionLatitude: 54.82 degrees North
Longitude: 65.08 degrees East
Average Elevation: 207 ft
Highest Point: 3,255 ft (Sgurr Biorach)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 639 sq mi
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