The Sunset Archipelago

Known in Sylvan as Innis-mhara dol Fodha na Grèine or Eileanan dol Fodha na Grèine (Sunset Islands), the Sunset Archipelago is the Realm of Dearil, a Solitary Deity of the Sylvan Pantheon and God of the Call of Death. It was a gift from his mother, Clíodhna, and lays just off the coast of Carrig-Cleena.

Each of the islands in considered part of a "family", each with a purpose to be served in Dearil's role as Shepherd of the Dead.

Geography

The archipelago is a cluster of three large islands and two smaller ones, surrounded by verdant blue seas that turn dark at their depths. The three larger islands are known as An Doras-inntrigidh (The Doorway), Eilean na Fois (Isle of Rest), and An Dòirlinge (Tidal Causeway), while the two smaller ones are simply known as Colbh an Ear (East Pillar) and Colbh an Iar (West Pillar).

When viewed from the shore or from Carrig-Cleena, Colbh an Ear and Colbh an Iar are both rocky islands with a glittering, blue-grey appearance and no apparent flora or fauna. Both islands feature a small cave entrance located on the side facing the central island, Eilean na Fois. Eilean na Fois and Doras-inntrigidh are both green islands, with abundant flora and plenty of sea birds visible. Eilean na Fois has a small wooded grove in the center of the island. The final island, An Dòirlinge, is another rocky island but features old, leafless trees that reach up out of the rocks, meeting and entwining like arches, while most of the rocks are covered in deep green and pale yellow moss.

However, the Archipelago has a dual existence - only those who have been given permission can see its true nature, even when setting foot upon it.

When given this permission, the Souls of the Dead can be seen moving around the Isles in preparation for their transition to Arborea after passing through the Raven Queen's Realm. Dearil's home of Taigh-solais Dearil (Dearil's Lighthouse) can be seen on the island of Colbh an Iar, while a small temple to Dearil can also be seen built into the wooded grove on Eilean na Fois. Additionally, a great pier made of dark wood stretches out from An Dòirlinge, pointing out into the open sea.

Localized Phenomena

The Veil of the Shepherd is a magical "curtain" that hides the true nature of the islands from onlookers. It prevents those that have not been given permission from viewing or interacting with the Souls of the Dead, the temple, the pier, or Taigh-solais Dearil, even if they are upon the islands themselves. The Veil of the Shepherd creates an overlapping pocket-plane which hides its intended treasures, and is intrinsically tied to the will and intent of Dearil. The only ones capable of bypassing this Veil are Dearil's mother, Clíodhna, plus Titania and Oberon.

History

Clíodhna gifted the archipelago to Dearil shortly after his Ascension to Godhood as a congratulatory gift. Prior to this time it was another part of Her Realm.

Alternative Name(s)

Innis-mhara dol Fodha na Grèine; Eileanan dol Fodha na Grèine; The Sunset Islands

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Tìr na Sìthe

Owner/Ruler

Dearil