Teros Minor

Teros Minor is the smaller of the two main islands of Teros, located southeast of Teros Major across the Strait of Payon.

Geography

The interior is dominated by the Wailing Hills, a barren and rocky landscape stretching from the island’s southwest to its northeastern reaches. These hills, while rugged and inhospitable, are the origin of the island’s three rivers: Payla, Bod, and Gamran, which flow southwest toward the coast. The Deshlin Plains to the east form a vast, arid wasteland, with flat, treeless expanses reaching the shores of the Sarran Sea. The fertile Mabon Coast in the southwest is the most agriculturally productive region, sustained by the rivers that bring life to the otherwise dry land.
The Strait of Payon, a narrow sea channel separating Teros Minor from Teros Major, connects the Sea of Fair Winds to the Sarran Sea. Across the strait lie the Galdrin Coast and the Cape of Dust, while on the Teros Minor side, a narrow coastal plain runs along the strait with high, rocky cliffs at either end.

Climate

Teros Minor experiences a dry-summer climate, similar to the rest of the Helerin Archipelago. The Deshlin Plains and Wailing Hills are arid and harsh, with scorching summers and little rainfall. Winters bring cooler temperatures, though snow is exceedingly rare. Along the Mabon Coast, the proximity to the Mabon Channel moderates the climate slightly, making the region more suitable for agriculture and settlement. The Strait of Payon is notorious for its unpredictable weather, with strong winds and powerful tidal currents making navigation treacherous.

Flora

The flora of Teros Minor reflects the island’s extreme conditions. In the Wailing Hills, hardy species like Malofan and Nifrin survive in the rocky soil, while Spireleaf, a desert succulent, thrives in the driest areas. Along the rivers, more verdant vegetation can be found, including Firevine and Orangemantle flowers. The Deshlin Plains are nearly barren, with only species like Thornfane and Visselstalk cacti managing to survive the relentless heat.
The fertile Mabon Coast is more productive, with farmland sustained by the Payla and Bod rivers. Here, plants like Crommis trees and Orangemantle flowers are more common, supported by the water flowing down from the hills.

Fauna

The wildlife of Teros Minor is as formidable as its landscape. In the Wailing Hills and Deshlin Plains, dangerous predators like the colossal Blackshell beetle and the towering Rhakkor roam the rocky terrain, while flocks of Thrasse soar above, hunting in packs. The venomous Skrathis, large wasp-like creatures, nest in the cliffs and rocky outcrops, fiercely defending their territory.
Along the Mabon Coast and the rivers, less dangerous but still essential species like the Passu and Shassfuni inhabit the waters, supporting local fishing communities. However, the coastal waters are not without their threats, as large predators like the Reestlash and Brossa lurk in the depths.

Inhabitants

The people of Teros Minor are concentrated in the southwest, particularly along the Mabon Coast, where the rivers provide essential water for farming and fishing. The young Prince Niran Valassan rules the island - in name at least.

Elinann, the island’s only city, is a thriving port and a hub of trade, connecting Teros Minor to the Mar Mabon Townships and the wider Helerin Archipelago. The smaller port towns of Radir’s Rock at the mouth of the Bod, and Payon at the mouth of the Payla, also play important roles in the island’s economy.
Inland, the town of Mirosh Boda sits at the foot of the Wailing Hills, serving as a trade hub between the agricultural coast and the barren hills. The @desh and Wailing Hills are largely uninhabited, save for a few nomadic tribes that have adapted to the harsh conditions. These remote regions are dangerous, not only due to the extreme climate but also the presence of deadly predators.
Despite the challenges of life on Teros Minor, its people are known for their resilience and resourcefulness, making the most of the island’s limited resources and navigating the treacherous waters of the Mabon Channel to maintain connections with the rest of the archipelago.

Type

Island

Location under

Helerin Archipelago

Included Locations

• Deshlin Plains
• Elinann
• Wailing Hills

Owning Organization

Teros