Schuldig (ˈʃʊldɪk)

Schuldig is the fifth largest island in the Volksland island group. The Mutt Cynn is the largest clan on the island, but there are several others, from both the Biegen and Eot ethnicities. It is an island rich in mineral wealth, and the mines of Schuldig produce iron, copper, tin, and silver.

The island is also known for the distinctive schuldigspitz family of dog breeds. These dogs are known for their thick double coats, high intelligence, and sharply pointed ears. The different breeds mostly vary in size and coloration. Larger breeds are trained as guards and herders, while the smallest are typically used as ratters.

The largest settlement on the island is Greifsburg, located on the Bay of Greifsburg. It is named for the population of greifshunds that live in the chalk cliffs overlooking the bay. The greifshund is a winged predator a little larger than an eagle. It has the body of a wolf, but the head and talons of a raptor. They can frequently be seen snatching fish from the water of the bay, and are featured on the city's coat of arms.

Notable Spirits

The most significant spirits of Schuldig are the Vindezwerge who live deep under the island. They are depicted as short reptilian men, with a crest of feathers on their heads. The Vindezwerge are known to cause accidents in the mines, and the miners have a variety of rituals to appease these spirits or to keep them away. One disturbing tradition revolves around the first snow of each winter. It is said that the only time the Vindezwerge will emerge aboveground is during the night immediately after the first snowfall, to hunt for a meal. They seek a human who is outside during the night, and will drag any that they find away to fill their larders for the winter. If the Vindezwerge do not find anyone, they will be hungry all winter long, and take their suffering out on the miners of the area. Because of this, some communities will deliberately throw someone out into the night for the Vindezwerge to find.

Sometimes, there will be a volunteer who goes out willingly. Other times, they will find a traveler who they can sacrifice to the spirit's hunger. In the worst cases, these communities will expel one of their own, and even children have occasionally been turned out into the night. Once, a community attempted to fool the Vindezwerge by dressing a pig in clothing and leaving the animal outside, but the spirits were not fooled. Instead, they were so angered that they pulled down all the walls of the village, and took the eldest, the youngest, and the man who had dressed the pig.

One exception to this tradition is when the first snowfall is so late that it occurs while the Candles are overhead. The Vindezwerge will emerge from their caves as usual, but recoil from the lights overhead and flee back into the deep, and do not emerge to trouble anyone until a full year and a day has passed.

Geography

The island of Schuldig is about 32 miles from north to south, and 26 miles across at the widest point. The terrain is quite hilly and heavily forested. White chalk cliffs are common, especially around the Bay of Greifsburg. A large lake known as the Untersee is located in the north-central area of the island, and villages can be found all along its shore.

Maps

• 

  Schuldig

Type

Island

Location under

Volksland

Included Locations

• Greifsburg

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 56.57 degrees North
Longitude: 43.98 degrees East
Average Elevation: 23 ft
Highest Point: 535 ft
Lowest Point: -16 ft
Area: 357.7 sq mi