Zarisia

Zarisia is a large island off the north-western coast Elsweryn. It is the largest island in the world and is mainly dominated by lush rainforests and tall mountains. The island has been said to have been blessed by Aorel, the Goddess of Life. Before the Fifth Era it housed the the capital of the great Zarissian Empire.

Geography

The island of Zarisia is a large island, sometimes classified as a sub-continent some 100 miles off the main continents coastline. Lying to the west, the island is caught in the temperate and humid tides of the Dead Gulf. The elevation of the island steadily increases, the further one ventures inland. The central mountain range of Zarisia is called the Youlk Range, which is still considerably smaller than any mountain range encountered on the mainland. Most settlements are located along the coast and in the temperate flatlands on the island's southern side. The great river Ero runs through the whole length of the island from the north-west to the south-east.
Curiously the island is also dotted with many natural cave entrances and weaving underground cave systems. The origins of these cave systems are unknown, as it is highly unlikely, that they could be formed by erosion or shifting of the earth as the ground and stone on which the island is based is rather soft, causing any forming cave systems to quickly collapse or be filled in.

Fauna & Flora

Zarisia is home to a myriad of lifeforms, the majority of which are still considered to be undiscovered. The natural barrier formed by the difficult terrain has left some parts of the island completely untouched by any higher races or civilizations. Thousands of creatures and plants have been identified and cataloged by institutions like the Crimson College and the Vailon Brotherhood.
The fauna of Zarisia is astonishingly diverse, ranging from terrifying manticores to playful faerie dragons. Te inhabitants of Zarisia have domesticated and tamed many different species to carry out specific tasks or act as beasts of burden, most common among these is the rhimer.
The plantlife on the island is considerably more diverse and vibrant than anywhere else in the world. Blades of grass as tall as two men and trees stretching up to the clouds are commonplace. Dangerous flesh melting spitter flowers, thorny vines that can whip out at anything that moves and sticky mosses, that slowly consume their victims are only a few of the threats an adventurer faces here. Although the nature of the island may seem hostile and even inhospitable at first, it is also home to various exotic fruits and vegetables, roots and leafs, that can heal even the stiffest of illnesses and trees which can be made into tools and weapons as strong as steel.

Natural Resources

Zarisia is renowned for its export of exotic wood, fruits and herbs, however the island also houses many deposits of common metals such as iron, coppers, tin and most importantly, gold. Zarisia has the largest deposits of gold in the world and is the main supplier of the metal to most nations and realms.
One of Zarisia's more rare resources is elirium, a considerably stronger, tougher and more versatile material than steel or iron. Elirium is an exceedingly rare metal and is hence coveted by wizard, alchemists and ruler who seek to use it for its magical and natural capabilities.

Type

Subcontinent

Location under

Dead Gulf

Contested By

• Fulteri Clans
• Kingdom of Zarisia