Barrier Isle

Barrier Isle is a long, thin, island that is also the southernmost land point in the known world. Beyond, the only thing in existence is the endless waves of the southern ocean, unforgiving and unmapped (although not for lack of trying). Because of this geographical significance, Barrier Isle has become an important holy site for people of all religions, a site where people come to look out over the ocean, pay respects to those who have been lost trying to discover what lies there, and to pray to whichever god they hold most holy, in whatever way they desire.
The island is not claimed by any nation or empire, specifically because of the significance it plays in so many world religions. If any sovereign nation were to try and claim it, an international uproar would occur.
Instead, the island offers unparalleled views of the southern ocean, steep rock crags, grass, seabirds, and an abandoned temple from an ancient, dead religion that sits at the westernmost point. It offers an opportunity for people from all over the world to gaze out at the point where the known world stops and the great south ocean wilderness begins.

Geography

The mountain is a craggy rock outcropping that rises about 600 feet out of the ocean. It is covered in some grasses, mostly, with a small number of footpaths traveling the backbone of the long, thin island from east to west. At the far western end, a lone temple lies, a temple from an ancient religion that has not existed for hundreds of years. It is slowly crumbling into ruins, but the old plinths and columns provide the perfect place for the hundreds of pilgrims who travel to the island every year, looking to mourn or pray or simply wonder.

Fauna & Flora

The island does not contain much natural life. Tall grasses grow between rock crags, with few (if any trees), and the only native wildlife species are a couple of seabirds who use the island as a resting place before the open ocean.

Natural Resources

Almost none. It's all rock and grass and seagull crap. Even if this island did create natural resources, the mere idea of stealing resources from this holy site is unthinkable.

Why do people hold this site so holy?

• To pay respects to those who have been lost at sea
• Because many religions of the world have sea gods, ocean gods, or gods of the endless expanse, and this is a naturally holy place to pray to any of the above
• Because the southern ocean is simultaneously terrifying and intriguing. It's seemingly endless and leaves no one alive. Some claim it as the land of the gods, others claim if you sail far enough, you'll fall off the earth.
• The ancient South Forest religion had a temple out here, that they used for seclusion and meditation. Since the ancient South Forest religion has died, the temple has become a popular non-denominal place to pray, because of its secluded nature and celestial alignment.

Type

Island

The view from Barrier Isle