Dvipa

Dvipa (pronounced "dwee-puh") is a low-floating island (no more than 200m/650ft above ground level) roughly 4km across, currently approaching Telaria. It travels 4 800 miles in a narrow oval path from Telaria, counter-clockwise up to the Soul kiss, before descending southwest to Telaria once again. This journey takes Dvipa 100 years to complete. The upper surface of Dvipa is mostly flat, but has one lone sign of architecture: a concentric series of stones signalling the location of an old portal to the plane of Elemental Air. This portal is guarded by the Order of the Gliding Feather. This is an order of Aarakocran monks, who practice control and discipline on their flying home, defending it from invaders, and hoping that it will one day reopen. The lower part of Dvipa consists of many large stalagtites. These stalagtites have been internally sculpted, and are currently inhabited by Tabaxi, who have brokered a deal with the Aarakocra to act as traders, in exchange for free (albeit painfully slow) transport.

Geography

The upper surface of Dvipa is large and flat enough to have a climate of its own, and the occasional rainfall experienced exclusively on the floating island, as well as over entire regions, is enough to maintain a decent amount of plant life. Most of the central basin is taken up by tall grass (which is kept short around the former portal), with fruit trees maintained around the perimeter. There is a small lake (no more than 300-500m in diameter) on the southern part of the island. This lake has underground channels leading down into the Tabaxi drinking wells. The lower surface's stalagtites range from barely a dozen metres to nearly 50m long. The inner part of the mountain is reserved exclusively for heavy goods, and movement between the stalagtites (which usually function as separate houses) is possible through a network of rope bridges connecting them. The bridges are fairly secure, but in instances of freakishly strong wind or attack by external forces, they have been known to break. Thankfully, the Tabaxi's claws usually allow them to grab hold of a rope or nearby stalagtite, and avoid falling. Should this not be enough, a few Aarakocra can be entreated to look for the fallen Tabaxi (although there is rarely hope for those who fall while Dvipa is over land).

Fauna & Flora

The fruit trees growing around the perimeter of Dvipa's upper surface are predominantly peaches, but there are also many oranges and a few apple trees. The long grass is fairly soft, and comfortable to lie upon. Besides these two sentient races, Dvipa is also the roost of birds from many habitats, some of whom have adapted to live exclusively on the floating island. Despite sharing an outward appearance with them, the Aarakocra share no special bond with birds, and chase them away if they overeat from the fruit trees. They also don't mind the Tabaxi catching and cooking them. Any rats or other vermin brought up to Dvipa as cargo are swiftly exterminated, as loss of food would be catastrophic for both races.

Natural Resources

Dvipa has no natural resources per se, since there is not enough space to produce or store an excess of food, and nor is there enough wood to create an efficient logging camp. However, due to its affinity with the plane of Elemental Air, Dvipa is a nexus of magical energy. This allows objects to be enchanted fairly easily. These objects are then sold to surface-dwellers in exchange for valuable materials. The Tabaxi are also skilled crafters, and create other trinkets for extra coin. The Aarakocra prefer to avoid interacting with anyone outside of their Order (even the Tabaxi are usually treated coolly), and prefer to have their neighbours act as go-betweens.

Alternative Name(s)

The Floating Island, The Sky Temple

Type

Island, Floating

Owning Organization

The Gliding Feather