Daros
Daros is a large island east of Great Forbin, known for its lush forests, fertile river valleys, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Though less populated than some of the other islands in the Helerin Archipelago, Daros is an important region within the realm of Forbin, home to the Lord Guardian Orzan Mestis, whose stronghold at Fort Larn overlooks the island’s western shores.
The island’s varied geography, from the rugged Korshan Mountains in the northwest to the rolling grasslands of Larn, makes it a place of both beauty and danger.
Climate
Like much of the Helerin Archipelago, Daros has a dry-summer climate with hot, arid conditions in the summer months and cooler, temperate weather in the winter. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter and early spring, though the island's rivers, particularly the Chora and Mundal, help sustain its ecosystems year-round. Prevailing winds from the northeast are strongest along the coastline. Though storms can occasionally arise from the Forbin Channel or the Sea of Fair Winds, the island is generally protected by its position between larger landmasses. In the southwest, the lands of Larn are somewhat more sheltered.Geography
The geography of Daros is diverse, ranging from the towering Korshan Mountains in the northwest to the densely wooded Callason Forest at its center. The Korshan Mountains are the highest points on the island, with sheer cliffs and rocky valleys that serve as the source for both the Chora and Mundal Rivers. To the east lie the Meelin Hills, a region of rolling uplands where rocky outcrops and limestone formations dot the landscape, while the southwest is dominated by the grassy, windswept region of Larn, with its high cliffs overlooking the Forbin Channel. The island is crisscrossed by several rivers, the most notable being the Chora River, which flows from the Korshan Mountains through the Callason Forest to the sea near the town of Five Swords. The smaller Trosha River, originating in the Meelin Hills, dries up during the summer months, leaving the town of Troshinann reliant on wells and other water sources during the dry season. North of Daros lies the island of Falseharbour with its rocky cliffs and hidden coves, while to the south, Ashris is known for its birdlife.Flora
Daros is known for its rich and varied plant life. The Callason Forest is a source of timber, with Fir, Pine, and Oak trees thriving in its more accessible outer regions. Deeper within the forest, Silvermoss clings to the trees, and dense underbrush of Pryval shrubs makes the interior wild and untamed. The forest is also home to dangerous plants like the Xalrith vine, whose toxic sap is harvested for poisons, and the Arralvin vine, which traps small creatures near the riverbanks. In the Meelin Hills, hardy shrubs like Chorka and Arraxosa flourish on the rocky slopes, while the hillsides are blanketed with the red blooms of Bloodpetal vines in spring. The grasslands of Larn are scattered with groves of Oak and Beech trees, while Chorka shrubs and Pryval provide valuable herbs and food sources. Limestone caves in the region host unique species of mosses and lichens, like the pale-green Stonefelt, which is used to create natural dyes.Fauna
The fauna of Daros is as diverse as its plant life, with both common and dangerous species inhabiting the island's various regions. The Korshan Mountains are home to Hawks, which nest in the high cliffs, while small herds of wild Hrynn graze in the valleys. Golden squirrels are a common sight in the woodlands of Daros. However, the island’s more dangerous creatures are a constant threat. In the Meelin Hills, Rhakkor lurk among the rocks, ambushing prey with deadly speed. Wyrms are said to burrow beneath the hills, occasionally surfacing to hunt. In the Callason Forest, Vorind prowls the shadows, hunting smaller creatures. The Krethgorr, massive, ancient beasts, are rumored to inhabit the coastal limestone caves of Larn, emerging at night to defend their lairs or hunt.Inhabitants
The people of Daros are hardy and self-reliant, shaped by the island’s rugged terrain and the dangers that lurk in its wild places. The largest settlement on the island is Five Swords, a frontier town at the mouth of the Chora River that has a long history of trade and conflict. Smaller towns like Fennantin, at the foot of the Korshan Mountains, and Troshinann, in the Meelin Hills, rely on agriculture, timber, and sheep farming for their livelihoods. Jichallos, situated in the Callason Forest along the banks of the Chora River, is known for its lumber industry, and the strength of its lumberjacks is renowned across Daros. Meanwhile,Fort Larn, standing atop the cliffs of the Larn region, serves as the seat of power for Lord Guardian Orzan Mestis. The people of Troshinann are famed for their candle-making. Though the island is governed by Forbin, many areas of Daros retain a sense of independence, particularly the wilder regions where the law holds little sway. The towns and villages of Daros have learned to live with the constant threat of natural and supernatural dangers, developing strong local traditions and a fierce pride in their self-sufficiency.
Type
Island
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Owning Organization
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