Iothea Isle
In a world of uncharted mysteries, Iothea Isle emerged as a forgotten oasis tucked away in the Afthyric Ocean. Once touched by ancient Mava'Elle travelers in the forgotten age, the island's jungles still guard their secrets amidst crumbling ruins.
In 505 of the second era, dwarven sailors from Nissea stumbled upon this untamed land, rediscovering its forgotten splendor. Orbytos, their first permanent settlement, took root in 540 second era, founded by Orbas "Orby" Zanou and his mining corporation, Orby's Borers, drawn by the allure of a volatile mineral called Pop Ore.
The island's colossal size, averaging 150 miles wide and stretching over 1,200 miles long, embraced diverse biomes – lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine coastlines. Island gigantism bestowed the fauna with larger-than-life forms while massive predatory creatures prowled.
Geography
Iothea's coastlines vary from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs that loom over the ocean. Natural arches, sea caves, and hidden coves dot the coastline. The beach sand has a soft, golden hue that glistens under the sun. In stark contrast, the cliffs are composed of dark, volcanic basalt with strips of tuff formed by ancient volcanic activity. Their sharp, jagged edges create a harsh barrier between the land and sea. Sea stacks and natural arches are scattered along the coastline, while many natural sea caves are hidden between the cliffs. The rainforests of Iothea Isle are teeming with diverse plant and animal life. The dense canopy formed by ancient trees, hanging vines, epiphytes, and vibrant flowers obscures the sunlight. The forest floor is a lush undergrowth of ferns, moss, and carnivorous plants, while the air is filled with the calls of exotic birds and the buzzing of insects. The island's central mountain ranges are imposing and challenging to climb. Its peaks pierce the sky, some elevating past 10,000 feet, and are often shrouded in mist. Deep valleys and gorges lie between the mountains; while many are home to native species, some ravines are filled with a toxic miasma that even wildlife avoids. Numerous rivers and streams flow from the mountains, carving through the rainforests and eventually cascading down to the coasts. Serene lakes, some surrounded by waterfalls, offer tranquil oases amidst the dense foliage. Evidence of volcanic activity can be seen in some areas of the island. Geysers, hot springs, and boiling mud pools indicate the presence of geothermal hotspots, adding an element of danger and unpredictability to the environment. Iothea Isle is riddled with caves, some formed by ancient volcanic activity and others hidden deep within the rainforests. These underground passages may harbor dangerous creatures or possibly pockets of toxic miasma. Surrounding Iothea Isle are minor, isolated islands ranging from rocky outcrops to tiny paradisiacal islets. While these islands often lack valuable resources, they provide safe havens for colonizers free from the dangerous wildlife of the main island.Environment
Island gigantism is evident in Iothea Isle, where animals have evolved to be larger than their mainland counterparts due to isolation and resource availability. This adaptation might be a response to the limited competition and abundance of food sources on the island. Giant versions of insects, reptiles, and mammals roam the rainforests, while even more massive predatory creatures dominate the apex predator niche. In the rainforests, some plant life has evolved to become carnivorous, relying on capturing and consuming animals and insects to supplement their nutrient intake. These plants make no distinction between the native fauna and the visiting colonizers, and their long writhing tendril will readily pull anyone into their poisonous maw. The unexplored territories of the island harbor enigmatic native tribes and undiscovered creatures living in harmony or conflict with the land's ecosystem. These inhabitants possess a deep understanding of the environment, allowing them to coexist with dangerous, massive creatures and tame certain species.
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