Nisi (niˈsi)
Nisi is the second-largest of the Kaphtor Islands, and the best known to those who live beyond the Southeastern Region. It is the primary homeland of the Aethry, a species of winged humanoids. The Aethry were transformed from humans by the god Ídhi, and their culture is still very like those of the Kaphtori people they are descended from.
The largest city on the island is Arthris, capital of the Kingdom of Nisi. It is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea, and is a prime example of Aethry architecture. Its gleaming towers and graceful arches are beautiful to behold, but the city is difficult to navigate for the landbound, and many regions are inaccessible to those who cannot fly.
Notable Spirits
The mountain of Óros Ídhi is the highest in the Kaphtor Islands, and is the body of the god Ídhi, patron of the Aethry. It was Ídhi who transformed the Aethrí Phylí into the winged Aethry, an event commemerated each year when they celebrate I Anávasi, or the Ascent. While Ídhi had always been greatly revered by the Aethrí Phylí, the gift of flight elevated him in their eyes to the greatest of the Daemones, and today they pay only token respects to Zoí Epáno and those gods the other Kaphtori phylai honor.
Other than Ídhi, the island is embodied by the spirit of Éra, the mother of Ídhi. She is the goddess of all the land beneath the mountains, and is the mother of all the spirits and plants on the surface of the island.
Geography
Nisi is a rugged and mountainous island, and has the highest elevation within the Kaphtor Islands. The coastline is lined with stunning white cliffs, and there are several mountain ranges on the island. The interior is largely covered in forests, with a few grasslands and meadows scattered throughout. The island's waters are home to a variety of fish and shellfish, including salmon, trout, and oysters.
Óros Ídhi dominates the southern portion of the island, and overlooks the great city of Arthris on the southern coast. It is always ringed with clouds, which are said to be the thoughts and dreams of the god himself. Some young Aethry will fly into the clouds in an attempt to commune with the god, and a few of those succeed, bearing knowledge and blessings from Ídhi.
Ecosystem
The forests of Nisi are home to a range of flora and fauna, including oak, pine, and cedar trees, as well as a variety of mammals, birds, and insects. The grasslands and meadows are home to grazing animals such as deer and elk, as well as predators such as wolves and mountain lions. There is also a species of bioluminescent mushroom which can only be found in the forests of Nisi, which are prized by the Naga alchemists of Saba for their unusual properties. Naga are not welcomed on Nisi, but the alchemists have been known to hire agents to collect the mushrooms for them. The Kaphtori Aethry dislike the mushrooms and will destroy them when they can, as they claim that animals who eat them may bear strange, hybrid monsters. Despite their efforts, the mushrooms return year after year.
Climate
Nisi has a temperate climate, with mild temperatures year-round and moderate rainfall. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cool and rainy. The island is subject to occasional storms and typhoons during the fall and winter months, which can cause flooding and landslides.
Maps
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Nisi
Geographic Details
Location: Southeastern RegionLatitude: 34.12 degrees North
Longitude: 47.13 degrees East
Average Elevation: 187 ft
Highest Point: 8,058 ft (Óros Ídhi)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 3,260 sq mi
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