The Verdant Archipelago
There are two kinds of sailors I know: those who have never learned of the Verdant Archipelago and those who dream of visiting the Verdant Archipelago .
Along an Oceanic Rift
The Verdant Archipelago is located along a rift that exists within this area. Observations conducted in the area have concluded that the islands are slowly moving away from one another right along the rift. It is possible that parts of this archipelago was once a massive island that was split long ago. This seems to be supportive of the idea of drifting continents though such a theory has yet to be accepted by a wider audience. Regardless of the truth of the matter, expeditions to this area have consistently reported higher than usual geologic activity.
Native Culture
Tribes of mixed species inhabit the islands, including the Virra who are a people that seem exclusive to this region (note that some of their more adventurous souls have ventured to other lands beyond the islands). These people are as mysterious as they come for they prefer to avoid contact with foreigners. Their existence is partly confirmed for the recently erected stone shrines and other structures that dot the islands.
Below the surface lies two distinct kinds of nations: Mermaids and Tritons. The Mermaids in this region live a generally nomadic lifestyle, and are never seen by passing sailors unless they wish it. The Tritons have developed several permanent settlements within the underwater cliffs close to the island chain.
The fishes know more about the true names of these peoples and where they live. Surface peoples do not yet have any known means of navigating the depths of the oceans, though it is true the Ancients had developed the ability in the past.
Few Ancient Ruins
Where the The Ancient Order had left its mark on nearly all lands through many large settlements and connecting roads, the Verdant Archipelago possesses a curious lack of such ruins. The one notable exception being the Ruined City of Ekla to the south. Contemporary structures indigenous or otherwise are far more common in this region.
Another curiosity is that the geography of the Verdant Archipelago appears to be relatively unscathed by The Great Collapse compared to other regions. The lack of ruins and the relatively untouched condition of the landscape may be related. There is a developing theory that suggests that Ancient activity and the destructive power of the collapse were correlate with one another. Others believe that in reality there are many ruins awaiting discovery. That the reason these ruins weren't discovered yet was because they have been overgrown by the dense vegetation of the region.
Ancient Ruins of Ekla
This archipelago has an artificial island, the Ruined City of Ekla. It is quite unlike The Ancient Order settlements of metal most know. This enormous collection of ruins is made out enormous megaliths. It's most notable feature is the Ekla Pentagon, a wonder whose origins and purpose are a mystery. Some are beginning to believe that the Ekla City is even older than the Ancients and that they too had been studying the ruins in their time.
Since the area is known for its high geologic activity the ruins are subject to a faster rate of erosion. If the age of this structure is indeed far older than anyone believes, then it has proven to be unnaturally resilient. Perhaps arcane forces are at work to preserve it.
Even paradise has its share of dangers. I should know, for I am one of them!
Piracy
As a tropical paradise, the islands attract a wide variety of marine activities. Particularly from the Port Town of Paradise Shores. Merchant vessels make up a not insubstantial portion of shipping traffic through this region. Predictably, many disenfranchised sailors and others of renegade disposition set ambushes for these merchant vessels. Their plunder is taken to their settlement on Spiral Point. This settlement is a lawless port town known simply as the Pirate Lagoon, and the lawless town has been steadily growing with the other settlements of the region.
Geography
Second only to The Chivit Continent, the Verdant Archipelago is home to a numerous variety of life. There is a particular abundance of marine wildlife within this great archipelago. Massive stretches of coral reefs host vast and complex ecosystems.
I have been to the Verdant Archipelago a few times in my life. I could never quite capture its beauty in my work.
Above the Sea
There is only one mountain in the archipelago, and the islands are relatively flat compared to the continents. What the island chain lacks in craggy peaks it makes up for with a few gently sloping, jungle covered hills. These hills are found on the larger islands with most of the remaining islands mostly being flat. The number of islands seems to change with each expedition, particularly concerning the count of the smaller, rocky islands near the extensive fissure. This has led some to speculate that this geologically active area could be producing new islands over time. Speaking of geologic activity, the islands are also home to many volcanic mounds that will ooze lava during certain periods of the year. Caves can be found on several of the islands within this region. Some of these caves serve as access points to underground cave and underground river systems. The largest island contains the greatest underground network of caves and rivers.Floating Islands
The archipelago contains two kinds of floating islands: water and air. A collection of floating air islands are found hovering above the largest island in the island-chain. Floating water islands can be found dispersed throughout the archipelago, with most being located to the west of the great island. Arcane forces are certainly the reason for why these pieces of land can float, though their source is something of a mystery. Many believe that these islands are yet another instance of leftover magics from the collapse and that the effect will be lost over time.Many focus on the bounties of the surface, which in the Verdant is plentiful and pleasant. A paradise of a sort for mortals. However, the real paradise lies beneath the waves; a world us walkers can only catch in too brief glimpses even when aided by magic. I've always regretted lacking gills of my own.
Below the Sea
Under the surface lies an even greater variety of life. Vast coral reefs stretch across the distances between the islands. The shallow waters permit a veritable explosion of underwater plant life. The result of the combination of these reefs and plants creates what many consider to be the underwater equivalent of a jungle. The greatest of these lies on the Great Shelf. The sight of this underwater forest is something to behold during the day, but during the night it is altogether astonishing. Many of the plants come alive in a glowing spectacle that illuminates the surrounding waters. Sailors have described lamps as redundant against the natural lighting provided by the underwater lights.Vast Shallows
Much of the archipelago is shallow water. When the tide is low, one can walk from one island to the other with little hindrance. It is possible that the island chain was a larger landmass at a time when sea levels were lower.Azure Abyss
Where there is a paradise there is also a hell to contrast it. To the north of the island chain is one of the deepest trenches in Awldor. Information about the underwater terrain surrounding the islands were provided by two sources: ancient documents and maps, and the underwater nations. It is said that great monsters live within this abyss and that they represent a constant threat to life in the archipelago. Ships have been known to disappear on occasion when traveling near this area. This has led many sailors to set courses around the area when possible.Geographical Relation to the World
All artwork is made by Starfarertheta unless otherwise stated.
Alternative Name(s)
The Luminous Reefs, Marine Metropolis
Type
Archipelago
Included Locations
See that bit of seemingly isolated and untouched land? I bet somebody claims lordship over it for whatever reason fits their fancy.
Who Owns the Islands?
In most lands, the soil is often claimed by some political power. There is reason to believe the same applies to these islands.
The true names of the indigenous tribes in this region remain unknown to those of us on the Quassus Continent. All that we know is that there are at least five that live on the island, and they have a complex history with one another. This history includes conflict. This was apparent when some sailors were on shore-leave, their camp was caught in the middle of a sudden battle between the two of the tribes. The incident occurred close to midnight. Four of the six who were part of this shore-leave party survived the sudden conflict.
The Archivists Guild has named these tribes as follows:
- Ventus
- Fons
- Caeli
- Arboribus
- Terra
These names are based on the kind of terrain each tribe prefers. It should be noted that these tribes are only found when they want to be. They will avoid foreigners. How they do so is up for debate. Some believe they have simply mastered the art of illusion while others believe they have mastered more arcane means.
Outside powers have attempted to invade the islands through the hundreds of years since the collapse, but all such insurrections have failed to establish a lasting foothold. It is a small wonder that the indigenous peoples still allow others to visit the islands at all. Perhaps they understand that the actions of a few do not constitute a common desire for the whole?
On the Border of Two Oceans
The Verdant finds itself in the unique position of straddling the boundary between two great bodies of water, the Azure Ocean to the north and the Wowala Ocean to the south. The southern ocean is notable for its apparent greater luminosity compared to other oceans. Part of this unique feature is due to the greater number of bio-luminescent sea life. At night, inhabitants of the Verdant Archipelago are in a unique position to witness a darkened sea to the north and a comparatively glowing sea to the south. This difference serves as a unique navigational landmark for seafarers traveling through the region.
Lava Flows
Since this region is geologically active, lava flows are an occasional threat. Most of these occur underwater and help to form new isles. Luckily, lava flows are relatively survivable to a volcanic explosion if one is vigilant. It is believed that these flows are partly the reason for the high fertility of the soil of the Verdant Archipelago.
Lava flows are among the reasons for why there has been no serious settlement attempts by the Kingdoms of the Quassus mainland.
Is that a face? It looks really happy. Too happy...
The Smiley
Sometimes, geologic formations can produce an uncanny resemblances to persons or familiar objects. One such case is present here: a smiley is visible on Ancient maps of the region. The landmark has been included in contemporary cartography of the region. The strange formation can be found to the north of the islands.
No one is sure if the rocks actually create the illusion of a face or if it is merely a continuing bit of humor between cartographers across time.
Common Flora
- Flowering Trees
- Plumeria Flowers
- Cup of Gold Flowers
- Wax Vine Flowers
- Protea Flowers
- Palm Trees
- Verdant Orchid
- Silverswords
- Sugarcane
Common Fauna
- Seals
- Giant Turtles
- Parrots
- Hawks
- Verdant Goose
- Verdant Man-of-War
Typical Magic Fields
- Bubbles
- Stamina
- Confusion
Note(s) from the Archivists:
The Verdant Archipelago; now there's a place that knows only fair weather. - Archivist Bob Ironrock What about the occasional tropical cyclone? -Archivist Rena Aside from the cyclones, that place knows only fair weather. - Archivist Bob There's also a monsoon season during summer. - Archivist Rena Fine, aside from cyclones and monsoons, the place knows only fair weather. - Archivist Bob Don't forget about the rare, though definitely possible anytime, water spouts. - Archivist Edward Forget I said anything. - Archivist BobRemove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
That map is utterly incredible!
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Thank you! \o/