Tagaloa (Tag-ah-low-uh)
Elements In Balance
Geography
The western peninsula of the island is dominated by an active volcanic mountain range. Most of the island's northern portion is taken over by rich, rolling fields and loose forests. The western coast alternates stretches of pure white sand beaches and ports built on strong stone shoreline. Connecting the three regions is a towering mountain (Anue) which houses the capitol, and its foothills.
On the northern shore of the western peninsula juts out a low, straight peninsula, very young in comparison to many of the geographic features on the island. This is Trogdor's Folly, as it was created by the hero Valiant "Trogdor" Ebmeros when he visited the island. While the details are disputed, he caused a plugged lava flow to release explosively, sending massive chunks of lava into the sea. The court records in Anue show he claimed that it was an accident, but ultimately he was banned from the island.
Ecosystem
Different sections of the island have their own ecological systems, but at the macro level:
- Soot from the volcanoes on the western peninsula is pushed north by prevailing winds to enrich the soil in the fields and forests.
- The vegetation, in turn, prevents erosion of the beaches.
- Rain occurs frequently, about once a day, keeping the air clear for residents.
Ecosystem Cycles
There really aren't seasons proper on the island. Summer is a little warmer, and winter is a little cooler, but on the whole one day in paradise is the same as the last.
Localized Phenomena
The white sand beaches are something of a phenomenon, as there aren't others like them for thousands of miles. Lightning storms on the western peninsula are spectacular, visually unique, and can cause flaming or crystalline rain.
Natural Resources
Almost without exception, if you can name it, it's here. This is due to it's history as a homeland for elementals and djinn for the most part, and if the local genasi population want anything they can coax out of the land it's short work for them to do it.
History
Tagaloa has always been a focal point of elemental generation and a gathering point for djinni. When humans popped up on the island, they first worshiped these magical beings, which quickly became interbreeding and ultimately assimilation. Now the island is almost entirely populated by genasi and other races of elemental blood, ruling their own land all the while. Even the Empire, while covetous of it's beauty and resources, recognizes the folly of trying to conquer such a place.
Tourism
People visit Tagaloa for almost every feature of the island- stunning mountain ranges, peaceful pastoral views, rich markets, gorgeous beaches (and resorts along them) and, of course, the wonder that is the capital Anue. The reasons are as diverse as the people- this island is the destination vacation for those with the means to travel to it.
Alternative Name(s)
Elemental Island; Four Elements Island
Type
Island
Owning Organization
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