Malaa

The frigid northern island of Malaa is covered in ice and snow for most of the year, with its summer seeing a brief period of deep and sodden mud in its south to briefly break the deep snow. The island is home to the wild and hardy Malari tribes, as well as the last stronghold of the "Bringers of Glory", thus acting as a haven for Magi.

Geography

Malaa is covered in deep snow and ice for much of the year, with temperatures below freezing on almost every day. In the heart of winter it can reach intensely cold temperatures, forcing all life to seek shelter or risk freezing to death. In summer the south of the island becomes just warm enough for the snow and ice to melt for a while, leaving it a waste of sodden deep mud. Ulkaramaa, a towering dormant volcano dominates the island, sitting at about its center. Its name means "the Great Fiery One" in Malarish. Treacherous ravines and vast lakes of ice dot the land, meaning that extreme caution should be taken when travelling. A lack of roads adds to making travel a difficulty. The island is a hard land where only the strongest and hardiest survive. This makes life here extremely difficult, but also makes any attempted invasions military and logistical nightmares.

Fauna & Flora

Seals and walruses can be found along the coastline of the island, with an abundance of fish and a number of killer whales and larger whales in the cold ocean waters. Lumbering great Ice Bears and small quick Ice Foxes can be found all across the island,. Northern Lemmings, Ermines, Snow Hares, White Caribou, White Reindeer and Snow Oxen can all be found in the south of the island, particularly during Summer, having to often dig for food during much of the rest of the year. These herds can move north, but cold conditions mean they tend to be concentrated in the south. Short grasses and bushes are found in the south, especially during the muddy season. This season also sees a sudden explosion of the numbers of flies and mosquitoes, who flourish in the shallow puddles of water in the mud, and who thrive off animal blood and waste. Small human tribes and clans dot the island, especially in the south and particularly around the coast. These humans rely on hunting and fishing to sustain themselves, with whales and seals being particular targets.

Natural Resources

The Malari trade animals pelts, particularly those of reindeer, caribou, Snow Hare, Ermine and Ice Bear. They also trade whale blubber, seal skin clothing and a variety of smoked meat, particularly fish. The island has little else in terms of resources, but there are rumours of diamonds that can be found in some of the rivers, believed to have been formed in the volcano and washed down through exposure to wind, water and ice erosion. The island has little else in terms of natural wealth, but its isolated location has meant that it is a haven for Magi in hiding, leading to an abundance of magical items, although usually held by powerful Magi or buried in hidden graves under the ice.

Alternative Name(s)

Island of Eternal Ice, Last Stronghold of the Magi

Type

Island

Included Organizations