Hersey (hə́ːzɪj)

Hersey is the eleventh largest island in the Ynys Archipelago, located off the west coast of Ynys, near the mouth of the Wulfrun. It is a part of the northern Eileanan an Iar island group. For three hundred years, it was part of the Kingdom of Suðya, but was conquered by Bernicia in the early days of King Beornric's reign, denying the Suðeyjamaður the use of the island as a base for raids against the larger island and allowing the Bernicians full control of the mouth of the Wulfrun.
There are several villages on Hersey, mostly along the shoreline. The largest settlement is Brodig, on the southwestern coast. Its name is derived from the Eyjamannaræða words for 'Broad Bay' and has long been the busiest harbor on the island.

Notable Spirits

There are many spirits native to the island of Hersey, both of the Ellyll and the Vættir, but the most interesting is the story of Billy the Goat. Since the creation of this drunken small god, several tremors have struck the island during high tide, and there are some who wonder if the new god will ever succeed at sailing the entire island of Hersey away from the shore of Ynys.

Geography

Hersey is approximately 20 miles long, and has an average width of 9 miles. The profile of the island seen from Ynys resembles a sleeping man, and used to be known as 'the Warrior'. In recent years, it has become known as 'the Drunkard', and some claim that there have been subtle shifts in the landscape associated with this shift. The island is separated into highland and lowland areas - the highest point on the island is Bheinn Gaoda. There are three other large hills in the highlands, in a line stretching northeast from Bheinn Gaoda. The island includes miles of coastal pathways, numerous hills and mountains, forested areas, rivers, small lochs and beaches.

Ecosystem Cycles

Red deer are common in the Hersey hills, and the woods are filled with birds, squirrels, boar, and many other animals. Wild goats roam the highlands, and there is substantial crossbreeding between the feral and domesticated goat populations. Along the coasts can be found populations of otters, seals, basking sharks, dolphins, and many species of fish and crustaceans. The forests of Hersey contain a tree that is unique to the island, the Hersey whitebeam. This tree is related to rowans, and is considered sacred by the Albannach residents of the island.

Climate

Hersey has a climate similar to the rest of the Ynys Archipelago. It is particularly known for having fierce windstorms in the spring, and a 'Hersey Wind' is a term used by local sailors to describe a particularly violent gale.

Natural Resources

Hersey is a rich island, with plenty of arable land, abundant timber, and rich seas. The island also has the highest concentration of pitchstone sources in the archipelago, with approximately 100 documented sources of it on the island. Pitchstone was widely exported from the island before the introduction of metalworking, but today is mostly used for decorative and religious purposes.

Type

Island

Location under

Eileanan an Iar

Included Locations

• Bheinn Gaoda
• Brodig

Owning Organization

Bernicia

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 56.8 degrees North
Longitude: 65.5 degrees East
Average Elevation: 322 ft
Highest Point: 2,799 ft (Bheinn Gaoda)
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 166.8 sq mi