Shag

Shag is a small island across the Strait of Bhreacain from Motha in the Arcaibh Islands. There is a Dòbhran village on the island named Clach, which serves as the winter home for Clan Mhoire.
For many years, the island was held by the Eyjamaður raiders, who built a fort atop the ridge overlooking the south harbor as a base. About fifty years ago, the clans of the Dòbhran banded together to drive out the raiders. They were successful, but suffered heavy casualities, and since then the place where the fort stood has been called Druim Fuilteach, or Bloody Ridge.

Notable Spirits

The best known spirit on Shag is Mhoire, the patron of Clach. She was the founder of Clan Mhoire, and was revered by the clan after her death. Over time, her eidolon became the genius loci of the village, and she continues to guide and protect it. She cannot manifest beyond the village's bounds, but she is aware of everything that is in or near the village, and can manifest physically anywhere within its borders. Her primary gift to the clan is one of memory - she recalls everything that she has witnessed with perfect clarity, and this gives her great insight into the present day. Her anchor to the village and the clan makes her resistant to the influence of the Egregoric Force, and her recollections are much more reliable than other eidolons.
The other location of spiritual activity on Shag is on Druim Fuilteach, specifically in and around the ruins of the fort. Ever since the battle, tales of hauntings and apparitions have been told about the ruins. Few people would dare approach Druim Fuilteach at night, and even in the daytime there are tales of people being struck down by phantom weapons when they go near the ridge.

Geography

Shag is a small island defined by a high ridge that runs roughly north-south down its length, rising steeply to a peak named Cruach Shag near the center of the island. The ridge can be accessed from the south harbor, and a trail leads up from there to Druim Fuilteach, although it is mostly unused. The village of Clach is found at east harbor (also on the southern coast), which is better suited to the Selkie barges than south harbor. East harbor is much more heavily trafficked today. 
There are several small lochs nestled into the ridge, that are mostly filled by rainwater and snowmelt, and they are known to have gone dry in periods of drought (although this is very, very rare in the Arcaibh). To the west lies the Strait of Bhreacain, with its notorious whirlpool.

Ecosystem

Shag is a steep and rocky island with few trees, but a lot of grass and low bushes. There is a thriving population of red deer on the island, who have the unusual ability to drink salt water safely, although they prefer the water from the lochs. Seabirds nest all over the island, and the waters are filled with all kinds of seafood.

Climate

Shag has a harsh climate due to the cold ocean currents which keep the Arcaibh Islands cooler than islands at similar latitudes. Summers and autumns are known to be foggy, and there can be sudden storms in winter, although they are less severe on Shag due to the protection of Motha nearby.

Natural Resources

Shag's resources are primarily in the waters around the island, although the deer provide a welcome alternative to seafood, and venison is traded across the Strait to Motha. Cattle and sheep are also pastured on the island, and peat deposits are common in the island's interior. A small quarry operates on the island as well, which mostly produces blocks of bluestone.

Type

Island

Location under

Arcaibh Islands

Included Locations

• Clach

Owning Organization

Clan Mhoire

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 59.2 degrees North
Longitude: 72.74 degrees East
Average Elevation: 299 ft
Highest Point: 1,444 ft
Lowest Point: -2 ft
Area: 5.75 sq mi