Kattaland (kɒtɑˈlənd)

Kattaland is the northernmost group of islands in the Ynys Archipelago. They were originally inhabited by the Albidosi, until the islands were conquered by invaders from the Norður Islands over a thousand years ago. These raiders came mostly from Eyju, but also from the smaller northern islands. The current Kattalanders are descended from both the original inhabitants and the invading northerners in roughly equal measure. They speak a dialect of Eyjamannaræða that borrows heavily from both Inselsprach and Albidosian, and is considered nearly incomprehesible to speakers from Eyju. 
Besides the Kattalanders, there are several communities of Selkies who live in Kattaland. They mostly keep away from the Kattalander settlements, and relations between the two races are peaceful, but distant.

Geography

The archipelago has a complex geology with a rugged coastline and many low, rolling hills. The largest island, known as Zhetland, has an area of 374 sq mi, and is the fifth-largest island in the Ynys Archipelago. It is one of 16 inhabited islands in Kattaland, out of nearly one hundred small islands in total. Some of the islands are connected to each other by bridges and causeways constructed by the Kattalanders.

The Inhabited Islands of the Kattalands (Sorted by Size)

Island Name	Area (sq mi)
Zhetland	374
Jala	81.9
Ornyst	46.6
Herra	15.75
Brwsøy	11
Hvalsay	7.6
Mikla	6.8
Fugley	4.88
Stoor	3.2
Frith	2.9
Vestbar	2.88
Ostbar	1.9
Wuckle	1.26
Turnip	1.06
Húsey	0.63
Vurn	0.21

Climate

The Kattalands has a subpolar climate, with long cold winters and short cool summers. The weather is typically windy and overcast year round, with frequent precipitation. The islands are far enough north to see the northern lights in the winter, and in summer there is almost perpetual daylight, a state of affairs known locally as the "sommer dim".

Natural Resources

Fishing is central to the economy of the Kattalands, and nearly the entire population makes their living from the sea one way or another.  Farming in the islands is almost entirely focused on sheep herding, and the sheep are known to produce particularly excellent wool - Kattaland wool is so renowned that it can fetch high prices in markets around the Great Ring. The Kattaland sheep produces wool in several colors, and the Kattalanders are known for their multi-coloured knitwear and for the traditional knitted lace shawls which are so fine that can be passed through a wedding ring. Crops raised include oats and barley; however, the cold, windswept islands make for a harsh environment for most plants.

Maps

• 

  Kattaland

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Ynys Archipelago

Included Locations

• Zhetland

Related Ethnicities

• Dòbhran
• Kattalander

Inhabiting Species

• Sea-Trow

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 62.31 degrees North
Longitude: 76.62 degrees East
Average Elevation: 13 ft
Highest Point: 1,480 ft
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 566 sq mi