The Island of Whalers
A Realm of Fog and Legends
Far north of Banewood, cradled between Encura and the Murknen Gulf, lies the Island of Whalers. Once a beacon of human ambition under Astrid, daughter of Bane, it now stands as a ghostly reminder of the dangers that come with unchecked power. The island, veiled in perpetual fog and circled by treacherous waters, has become a realm of mystery and fear, its shores rarely touched by outsiders.
A Hub of Maritime Prowess
In its prime, the Island of Whalers was the heart of Astrid’s ship-crafting empire. Here, the finest vessels were constructed, and the boldest whalers set sail to conquer the sea. The island’s wealth came from the ocean’s bounty: whales, dolphins, and narwhals hunted for their meat, oil, and bones. Astrid’s throne, a monument to her triumphs, was built amidst the skeletal remains of these majestic creatures, a testament to her dominance over the waves.
The Curse of Abandonment
Following Astrid’s death, the island’s purpose waned, and its inhabitants scattered. The Yv’anda declared the island cursed, citing the greed and bloodshed that had tainted its soil. The Dryads cloaked the island in a dense, stifling fog to protect it from further exploitation. Legends speak of Sirens’ whirlpools, said to guard the island against intruders, though these claims remain unverified. The combination of natural and magical defences has rendered the Island of Whalers almost inaccessible.
A Boneyard of Giants
The island’s landscape is dominated by the remnants of its whaling past. Gigantic whale bones form eerie monuments, their stark white forms a striking contrast against the grey fog. The most notable of these is the skeleton of Urmuz, the first great whale hunted by Astrid, whose immense bones encircle the ruins of her throne. The macabre display serves as both a warning and a lure, drawing the curious and the foolhardy to its shores.
A Hidden Purpose
While many believe the Island of Whalers has been abandoned, it has recently found a new purpose. The Harrat Wing has uncovered an ancient escape tunnel built by Astrid during her later years of paranoia. These natural caves have been expanded and repurposed as a covert base where captured humans are interrogated or forced into labour. The island’s isolation and haunting atmosphere make it the perfect hiding place for such grim endeavours.
The Island of Whalers is a paradox—a place of great ambition and greater regret. Its foggy shores conceal not only its past but also the depths of human folly. To stand amidst its skeletal monuments is to feel the weight of history, a reminder that nature has a long memory and a sharp sense of irony. Yet, beneath the fog, the island breathes still, its secrets waiting to ensnare the unwary.
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