Sellenia
The island of Sellenia is the largest of the The Southern Isles. Nearly 820 miles at its longest axis, and 250 miles at its widest point, it is 180,000 square miles of mountains, jungles, plains, river valleys and coastline. It has rugged spine of nearly continuous mountains running down the middle of the island with only a very few accessible passes available for travel from east to west. There are eight large riverways that offer a navigable path into the interior of the island and well-protected natural harbors for ship traffic and trade. To place the island of Sellenia in perspective, it is more than twice as large as the island of Great Britian (which is only 81,000 square miles in surface area).
The island has a population of more than 1.9 million souls, most of which are Human. Most of the Human inhabitants of Sellenia are dark skinned and have very black silky hair and dark brown eyes. These dark skinned people refer to themselves as Ebonos, from the Sellenian word for "dark". Skin tones vary from light brown to an almost jet black, with the darker skin usually found on people originating on the mainland of the continent and relocating to the island. While most Sellenians call themselves "ebonos", there is a significant minority that is not. These Humans originate from countries and lands further to the north, and most can be found in and around coastal cities.
The island of Sellenia is one of many controlled by the vast and powerful Empire of Sellenia.
Geography
A huge, mountainous island covering more than 185,000 square miles of area. It has a range of high, rugged mountains that average more than 9,000 feet in elevation that divides the island roughly into two halfs, east and west. On the eastern, sea-side shores there are many steep and rocky cliffs, some of which exceed 100' in height. On the western shores, the ground rises more gently from the sea up towards the heights of the central mountains.
The central spine of mountains that runs the length of the island has three wagon usuable passes located across them. The first is located in the south between the cities of Arpesh and Kardoom and spans more than 100 miles of high, rocky terrain. The second is in the central region of the island between the cities of Khalla and Radoom and spans 120 miles. This is the lowest pass of the island in elevation, making it the easiest and most used pass from east to west. The third pass is the longest, running more than 200 miles north-to-south between Apoor and Brest.
There are 29 cities on Sellenia with a population of 20,000 souls or more. The largest city on the island is Abest, which is also the capital of the Empire. Abest has a population of just over 60,000 people, and within a 50-mile radius of Abest are six other cities with populations of more than 20,000 souls. Most population centers on Sellenia are found either on the coast or along navigable rivers. Of the 1.9 million people found on the island, 1.5 million of them live within a days walk of navigable water.
Localized Phenomena
About 90 miles north of the southern city of Kardoom is a large, active volcano locally known as Jabalanaar ("fire mountain"). A near constant column of smoke and steam can be seen rising out of the caldera but actual eruptions are quite rare. Of particular note however is the almost lifeless state of the region immedieately around the sides of Jabalanaar. For nearly 60 square miles in all directions, nothing lives among the sharp and jagged black rocks.
Climate
Hot, humid tropical jungles all along the coastal regions. As one travels further into the interior of the island and gains elevation, temperatures fall slightly and humidity comes down. Rain is frequent and heavy, especially in the late summer and early fall. Late winter and early spring are the driest season, but still experience significant rainfall, especially near the coast.
Fauna & Flora
Close to the shore, the island has a near tropical climate with heavy rains and a hot, very humid temperature most of the year. Coastal regions have jungle-like atmosphere comprised of palm trees, vines and tall grasses. As one gains elevation, the surrounding foliage changes to think deciduous forests of mahogony, ironwood, teak and towering redwoods. Rare and magical plants and herbs are abundant throughout the jungles and higher forests.
Carnifex, Arakan Tiger and Lions are the apex non-magical predators and can be encountered nearly anywhere on the entire island. Dragons and Hill Giants are the less common but still numerous monsterous predators.
Coastal waters are teeming with both delicious and harvestible fish and the more dangerous Giant Kraken and Leviathan that are a constant danger to the local fishing fleets.
Natural Resources
The island of Sellenia abounds in resources. In the hills and mountains east of Abest are dozens of iron mines. The mountians north of Kardoom hold vast amounts of gold, silver and lead. The forests around Brest produce a nearly endless supply of teak, spruce and live oak used in ship building. Coal, copper, tin, marble, fine clays, exotic hardwoods, precious gems, and rare magical and medicinal plants produce vast amounts of wealth for the ruling elite of the island.
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