The Ember Isles /The Bloody Islands

The Ember Isles are an island chain consisting primarily of two large land masses characterized by their red volcanic ash and soil. West Ember Island is an active volcano and has erupted many times throughout the last three centuries, with minor eruptions often visible from points along the isles and surrounding sea. Its volatile state prevents significant development on its shores. East Ember Island is a dormant caldera. The isles are currently managed by the Ebrelia Trading Company.

Geography

East Ember Island

The island is known for its distinctive shape. When approaching the island from the west, the volcanic cone rises roughly 900 meters/3,031 feet above sea level. The eastern side of the volcano has collapsed. There are two smaller islands in the middle, hinting at minor volcanic activity after the caldera formed.

West Ember Island

West Ember Island has frequently erupted over the last three hundred years. Eruptions from the summit crater typically results in a few short, energetic bursts, known as the streams of fire. During these eruptions ash, and obsidian fragments are scattered across the island and into the ocean. On the southern side of the island there are several hot springs heated by the underground lava currents and pyroclastic gasses. While the rich, fertile soil provides an excellent source of nutrients for various plants, the extreme environment prevents long-term growth.

Ecosystem

Despite the active volcanic activity of West Ember Island, several species call the area home. Dolphins and whales travel around the area, likely due to the phytoplankton bloom caused by the volcanic eruptions. However, the most distinctive species to call the isles home is the magma octopus.

History

The Sea Princes initially settled the island. They sent several ships to set up several copper mining operations. While the sites were modestly profitable, the Sea Princes were unable to maintain the mines during the The Great War and the settlements fell into disrepair.
Several years later the Ebrelia Trading Company used the islands as a home port. As their involvement in the slave trade grew, they began using the West Ember Island cave systems for slave storage, and moved the slaves to Red Seed on East Ember Island for selling. The practice continues to this day.