Motha (mɔ́θA)

Motha is the largest island in the Arcaibh, and has nearly two thirds of the archipelago's total landmass. It is has most of the population of the islands, and the coastline is dotted with Selkie rookeries. During the winter, the population of Motha is four times higher than during the summer, when large sections of the Dòbhran populace are out on their floes.
The largest settlement in the Arcaibh is Selkyre. It is located on Deas Bay, on the south coast. The Hoycandle Lighthouse marks the entrance to Deas Bay, and is the tallest structure in the Arcaibh. Selkyre is the center of trade for the region, and is also a common stopping point for ships travelling between Ynys and the Norður Islands.

Notable Spirits

The most important spirit of Motha is Aonadharc, the genius loci of the island. This god is the patron of the Coille Òran, and has the shape of a unicorn. A circle of standing stones sacred to Aonadharc is located on the outskirts of the forest, and there are tales of miraculous cures bestowed on those who show their dedication to the god at this site.
Another major spirit is known as the Bhrecky Wyrm, which resides in a whirlpool in the Strait of Bhreacain between Motha and Shag. The wyrm is said to devour any ships that are caught in the whirlpool, and will emerge once every seven years to demand tribute if no ships are lost to it during that time.

Geography

The island is dominated by the peak of Beinn Aerthar, and is shaped like a six-legged starfish with the mountain at the center. At the base of the mountain is the sacred forest called Coille Òran, which is the only major woodland in the Arcaibh Islands. The remainder of the island is low-lying, with cliffs to the north and two major bodies of fresh water, named Loch Salainn and Loch Tuinne. In the east, there are four causeways that link Motha to the smaller islands of Uan and Glum. These islands are mostly uninhabited, but are used to pasture sheep and goats.

Ecosystem

The island is fertile and outside the Coille Òran, it is mostly pastureland and heather moorland. The island's wildlife is dominated by birds, although there are rabbits, deer, and wolves in the central forest. Small rodents are found throughout the island, including the goidubh, a species of large vole known to steal and hoard eggs, burying them in clay near Loch Salainn. Eggs buried here are preserved for a long time, and some of the locals consider goidubh eggs to be a delicacy.

Climate

Like the rest of the Arcaibh, the climate of Motha is cold and harsh. Fog is common during the summer and autumn, and winter is known for sudden and fierce storms. During the summer, the days can extend to over eighteen hours long, with no periods of total darkness. Winter is the opposite, and the longest night of the year is also over eighteen hours.

Natural Resources

Motha is the sole source of timber in the Arcaibh, although logging is strictly limited for religious reasons. Other than wood, the fertile pastures and abundant seafood are the island's primary natural resources.

Maps

• 

  Motha

Type

Island

Location under

Arcaibh Islands

Included Locations

• Beinn Aerthar
• Coille Òran
• Selkyre

Characters in Location

• Aonadharc

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 59.43 degrees North
Longitude: 72.11 degrees East
Average Elevation: 92 ft
Highest Point: 1,558 ft (Beinn Aerthar)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 202 sq mi