Isle of Dread
The native humans in the Isle of Dread are still Aztlan. Other races include kopru and other aquatic races, demonic beings, and dinosaurs.
The Aztlanecatl of the Isle of Dread are divided into various clans based on animal totems: the Ape, Tiger, Boar, and Sea Turtle. The villages are governed by female chiefs, while the clans are led by males. A local Zombie Master or Mistress also exists in each village as an advisor to the chief. The job of the Zombie Master is to animate corpses to be used as laborers or warriors.
Geography
Ecosystem
Localized Phenomena
Giant insects, adapted to the island's dense jungles, represent a localized threat, their size and aggression far exceeding that of their mainland counterparts. Similarly, specific regions may be dominated by particular monster types, like the kopru-infested swamps or the dinosaur-ruled plateaus, creating distinct zones of danger. Weather patterns, too, can be highly localized, with sudden torrential downpours in one valley contrasting with oppressive humidity and sweltering heat in another, impacting visibility and travel.
Furthermore, rumors abound of ancient, localized curses or blessings tied to sacred sites or hidden ruins, capable of bestowing either terrible afflictions or boons upon those who stumble upon them, adding a layer of unpredictable mystical influence to the island's already volatile landscape. One such sight is called "Fogmire" by locals, as the area is coated in a thick, seemingly magical, fog that never leaves.
Climate
The island's interior is dominated by a humid, tropical rainforest, perpetually drenched by heavy rainfall and shrouded in dense mist. Temperatures are consistently high, fostering a sweltering environment ripe with exotic flora and fauna, both wondrous and deadly. Coastal regions experience a more moderate, albeit still tropical, climate, with warm ocean breezes offering slight respite from the oppressive humidity inland. Monsoonal seasons bring torrential downpours and devastating storms, adding to the island's inherent dangers. The unpredictable weather patterns further contribute to the feeling of isolation and the raw, untamed power of the Isle of Dread.
Fauna & Flora
The Isle of Dread is dominated by lush, tropical vegetation. A thick, almost impenetrable jungle blankets much of the island, a testament to the consistent rainfall and fertile volcanic soil. Here, towering trees blot out the sun, creating a perpetually dim and humid environment. Some notable botanical features include:
Giant Ferns: These prehistoric relics grow to enormous sizes, their fronds reaching dozens of feet in length. They provide ample cover for smaller creatures and can create disorienting labyrinths within the jungle, hindering exploration.
Carnivorous Plants: The island boasts a diverse collection of flesh-eating plants. From the seemingly innocuous pitcher plants that lure insects with sweet scents to the menacing flytraps capable of ensnaring small animals, these botanical predators add another layer of danger to the Isle of Dread. Perhaps the most terrifying is the Umdhlebi, a huge carnivorous, seemingly dead tree, of quickly devouring a humanoid with its long, red leaf covered, tendrils.
Luminous Fungi: Deep within the jungle's undergrowth, bioluminescent fungi thrive, casting an eerie glow and illuminating hidden paths. These fungi often possess magical properties, some providing healing whilst others are dangerously poisonous.
Medicinal Herbs: Despite the dangers, the jungle also harbors a wealth of medicinal plants. Skilled herbalists can find remedies for various ailments, making the Isle of Dread a potential treasure trove of natural cures, although acquiring them is far from easy.
Bamboo Forests: Vast swathes of bamboo sway gently in the breeze, providing building materials and cover. Some varieties of bamboo are remarkably strong and resistant to damage, making them ideal for constructing shelters and traps.
The fauna of the Isle of Dread is equally diverse and dangerous, reflecting the island's isolation and harsh environment. Dinosaurs are the dominant species, having been returned from extinction as result of the same cataclysm that cast down Thanaclan.Dinosaurs: The Isle of Dread is a haven for dinosaurs of many shapes and sizes. From the lumbering Amargasaurus that shakes the ground with its every step to the swift and deadly Aoniraptor that hunt in packs, these prehistoric giants roam freely. The mighty Maraxes reign supreme as the apex predator, a terrifying force of nature capable of rending flesh from bones with its powerful jaws. Ornithopods such as the Macrogryphosaurs and armored dinosaurs like the Tehuelopelta and Stegouros also contribute to the rich dinosaur population. Pterosaurs circle the skies, adding to the aerial menace.
Giant Insects: The warm, humid climate of the Isle of Dread allows insects to grow to incredible sizes. Giant ants, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes lurk in the undergrowth, posing a significant threat to adventurers. Their bites and stings can be incredibly painful, and most are quite venomous.
Aquatic Monstrosities: These primitive humanoids, known as Kopru, dwell in the deep jungles and caverns. They are fiercely territorial and protective of their domain. While not necessarily intelligent, they are cunning and capable of using simple weapons and traps. Most tribes are known to worship demon lords and offer humanoids as sacrifice.
Flying Reptiles: Most dangerous of the aforementioned pterosaurs is the enormous Thanatosdrakon. They hunt from above, but are equally capable of hunting upon the ground, making open areas dangerous yet dense forest is little protection.
Marine Creatures: The waters surrounding the Isle of Dread are just as hazardous as the land. Giant sharks, monstrous squids, marine reptiles and the aggressive Reef Mashers lurk beneath the waves, making sea travel a perilous undertaking.
Unique Hybrids and Mutants: The Isle of Dread's magical properties and unique environment have led to the emergence of strange hybrid creatures and mutated beasts. These bizarre entities pose a unique challenge to adventurers, as their abilities and weaknesses are often unpredictable.
The Isle of Dread is more than just a collection of dangerous plants and animals. The island's isolation and unique environment have fostered a sense of primeval power, making it a place where magic thrives and the boundaries between reality and myth blur. Tales are told of forgotten temples, ancient relics, and powerful spirits that guard the island's secrets. Exploring the Isle of Dread is not just a test of strength and skill, but also a journey into the heart of a primordial world.
Natural Resources
Dense jungles dominate the landscape, providing a bounty of exotic hardwoods, medicinal plants, and rare spices. These resources could be highly valuable to outside traders brave enough to venture into the island's interior.
The island's volcanic activity hints at rich mineral deposits, potentially including valuable metals like gold, silver, and iron. Prospecting, however, would be fraught with peril due to the presence of monstrous creatures and hostile natives. The surrounding ocean teems with life, offering plentiful fishing opportunities and the chance to harvest pearls and other valuable sea treasures.
Freshwater sources are abundant, with rivers and waterfalls cascading through the jungle, though many are home to dangerous predators. Finally, the very soil itself is fertile, capable of supporting a wide range of crops, if anyone can survive long enough to cultivate it.
History
The Isle of Dread was settled by Aztlan humans more than 1,300 years ago, and they called it Xacate. They cleared the jungle, planted crops, and built a fortified city, known as Thanaclan, on top of a large central plateau. This city-state became one of the wealthiest provinces of the Aztlan kingdom, in large part due to the recovery of treasure in the waters off the coast. In addition, their isolated location kept them from becoming embroiled in the civil wars that afflicted the Aztlan further north, helping to maintain this prosperity.
Disasterously, a kopru plot destroyed Thanaclan through the power of a giant black pearl imbued with the influence of Demogorgon, the demonic god of the kopru. The city was swallowed by a boiling lake and the island was overwhelmed with prehistoric creatures, while the remaining Aztlan descended into savagery.
Comments