The Varotra Islands

The Varotra Islands are a collection of islands in the Varotra sea, which include Salas, Falsufarn, Geswen, Pan Efirta and many more smaller islands in the surrounding waters. The region is populated by tribes of yuan-ti, lizardfolk, and tabaxi who mostly keep to themselves. Nestled within the isles is the independent town of Port Jardic which acts as a safe haven, hub of trade, and the home of the Red Fleet. The islands harbor the deep jungles and rain forests of Galledall, which can be dangerous to anyone travelling through them.

History

There are nearly no records of the Varotra Islands until the early Post Cataclysm Era, meaning those records either didn't survive or the islands simply weren't discovered until then. After being discovered there was a brief period of rapid exploration that soon ended when many explorers died from mysterious circumstances, later revealed to be yuan-ti that lurked in the jungles. In addition to the yuan-ti, explorers also discovered lizardfolk and tabaxi. Those on the continent found tabaxi to be the most curious of all the native races, and brought them back as captives through what is now modern day Soldern, where they slowly spread over the rest of the continent. Lizardfolk and tabaxi also eventually made it over to the continent as well, spreading to where they could best adapt.

After the initial excitement about the area, it would not be the center of any notable event until 1934 P.C. when the Domuc Empire sent an expedition to found a city, known as Port Jardic, after which they claimed the surrounding islands their territory. Eventually, this lead to a war with the Domuc's neighbors in which it lost and was forced to abandon the city and the claim to the lands. However, those who lived in the port town remained behind, and it has since become an independent city. Any who are keen on sailing deeper south or exploring the islands for a long period of time typically stay there.

Inhabitants

The islands are inhabited by many different tribes. The tabaxi tribes live on the islands of Falsufarn, Geswen and Salas, and are the most common people on the islands. Though they are cautious towards outsiders, they will attempt to communicate if one appears peaceful in their presentation. All tribes speak the native tabaxi language, and are able to communicate, with some difficulty, with the tabaxi from the mainland. Some of the tribes are so frequently visited that some members have slowly learned non-tabaxi languages. However, some tribes are more isolationist, and will attack if their territory is invaded.

The other most common tribes are comprised of lizardfolk. While lizardfolk also can communicate with those from the mainland who know draconic, they are almost alien creatures, who act very strangely compared to most other humanoid races.

Type

Archipelago