Altaes

"Arriving on the island of rocks, we initially, and foolishly, labeled it abandoned. We did not see the cracks among the stones, nor the endless caverns they led into. When the first night-folk appeared, it shocked and frightened us, for it appeared as though they had emerged from the stone itself."

Geography

On the surface, Altaes is rather barren and unassuming. It is an island of black rock, where flora is extremely rare and coveted. There is a rise near the center of the island, like a small, black mountain.

Among these rocks are hundreds of cracks and holes which drop into the caverns. Over thousands of years, the Alavere have carved out a massive cave system underneath the island. The geography of the island is rather simple, but these caverns are not.

Habitation

Altaes is the traditional home of the Sulmora Alavere. The Alavere have been responsible for this island for thousands of years, and have carved out the intricate cavern system beneath the island's surface. This cavern system does not serve as one massive settlement. Instead, it connects a number of smaller outposts, settlements, and the central Alavere city of Ylirie.

Alavere make up of a vast majority of Altaes's people. Most of the settlements and tunnels are dimly lit, as the Alavere are not built for brightly lit areas. Therefore, outsiders are generally rare, though not unheard of. There are always human scientists studying the unique wildlife of the caverns, or Sulmora on vacation. Many individuals of both kinds can be found at the University of Ylirie.

Natural Resources

Altaes is not a fertile land. Grain cannot be grown here and livestock cannot be sustained. There are no trees for wood. However, the one thing that Altaes can always provide is stone. Whether it comes from the surface or deep underground, Altaes always has stone with which to build or trade.

In the same vein, Altaes consistently provides precious metals and gemstones. Using similar techniques to the Isenthe of Indos Eres, the Alavere are able to grow and farm precious crystals to sell. Furthermore, mushrooms and fungus are common in the caverns, which are often substituted for grain and other crops as a food source.

Cultural Significance

The University of Ylirie

Though "University" is a new word to the Sulmori vocabulary, the University of Ylirie has existed in this way for over a thousand years. The Alavere are a highly technical and scientific-oriented race, and have therefore gained a surplus of knowledge about the workings of Sulvara and its magic. About a thousand years ago, the Alavere established a school to teach both their own people and the other Sulmora this knowledge. Now, the university is a well-recognized pillar of Sulvaran education, and individuals from all islands, both Sulmora and human alike, come to learn within its walls.

Alternative Name(s)

Island of Night; The Anthill Island

Type

Island

Included Locations

• Ylirie