Central Island
The Opened Eye
Central Island is the ^tanka'^tanwa, or capital, of the North Reach, or Eye Region.
Diplomatic Relationships in The Inbound Lands
Within the larger Ni'kashiga
May our streets be as spokes, turning the wheel of the world. - Councilor Arjou, Representative of the EyeThough small in size compared to other regional capitals, Central Island is considered the hub of most activity in the North: the labyrinthine footpaths cutting into the volcanic stone form the spokes of a massive wheel of influence whose reach extends into the Northern Territories and even into much of the South. This sphere of influence often causes diplomatic tensions with the Citadel: representatives from The Citadel feels that the Eye wakes too much, looking for shadows that are not there, while those from Central Island feel that the South will never see the North with the clarity they have. Because of the high concentration of Followers of Corvus in the area, Diplomats of The North are often (but not necessarily) Corvans. Even those who aren't, tend to have been raised in the culture of her generosities, and so tend to favor attributes of observation, order, and justice: though they may demand their time to look over an issue in full, once the scope of the challenge seems known, the trend from the North to seek immediate action. Coupled with a straightforward approach in diplomatic matters and an uncompromising demand for truth, the blunt and brusque approach to negotiation is often unsettling to those unaccustomed to the manner. Those who would wish to challenge The Eye's decisions would do so best not by flattery, bribery, or manipulation, but by turning an equally critical gaze back to the proposals.
With other folk
Though the differences between the two cultures can be great, diplomatic relationships between Central Island Birdfolk and the peoples of the Northern Walkingfolk are strong. Though the Calderas Eruption devastated early Birdfolk research settlements on the Western Slopes, many of the caravans in route were far enough away to avoid the initial disaster. The arrivals of these caravans quickly brought aid and supplies to the Calderas, restoring the settlements relatively quickly compared to much of the rest of the Inbound Lands, despite the proximity to the disaster. Though too far to effectively aid reconstruction efforts in the South or Left Fork, the swift recovery of the Calderas area - and the repair of the empowerhouse facilities at the Library - allowed the settlements to supply aid, in the form of food and other trade goods, to the Northern Walkingfolk, who had been affected by the Volcanic fallout. This, along with later efforts, provide the groundwork for wartime, trade, and eventual governance treaties with the Northern Walkingfolk. Conversely, relationships with the Foxen are relatively weak. Though a number of Foxen thrive in the academic and research industries of Central Island, and several institutes in these Districts are jointly funded by the Foxen Embassy, there are relatively few cultural concessions made.Demographics
Primarily Birdfolk and Walking Folk, though with the presence of The Library, folken of all kinds are not unusual.
Government
Central Island falls under Birdfolk jurisdiction, and is subject to the laws, taxation, and governance of the greater Inbound Lands, except in strict exceptions as outlined by treaty.
Industry & Trade
Central Island is known as the scientific heart of the Inbound Lands, and its Science District is home to scientific outposts. The most famous, of course, are focused on the study of various aspects of the dormant volcano (ranging from the practical to the mystical, and from the profitable to the philosophical). With most occupants often operating on temporary leases, the buildings in this district are a good source of specialized (if rotating) information and skillsets, with a few more permanent Centers providing consistent storefronts for information and services.
Central Island as a whole is home to the headquarters of The Followers of Corvus, who (despite a public lack of recent sightings) believe that Corvus continues to inhabit the Glass Tower at the Library. Offerings are often left at the Tower Entrance, and it is rumored that the sale of these, along with publicly documented private donations, provide much of the fiscal assets behind the Corvans influence.
The Library at The Caldera serves as Ranger Station and educational outpost for those interested in conservation, preservation, history, and analysis. It provides a major tourist attraction, appealing not only to the Followers of Corvus for its connection to the Long Face Folken, but also to appreciators of Norna architecture, as well as the everyfolken who appreciates a stunning view and a marvel of both nature and mechanwork. As an ancient empowerhouse facility, The Library boasts numerous scientific collections rotating in public view, as well as extensive maps, written accounts, and other kept records, available by appointment.
If you sneezed once when in the egg, the Calderas will have a record of it. If it doesn't, then it didn't happen, azi? - Finca, Calderas IndustrialistLastly, the elegant, narrow falls of The Slip provide a respite for Followers of Corvus and any fan of the great outdoors. The monies provided from the tourism trade allow for not only the more than adequate upkeep of the tourist grounds, but also a quality of life for the everyfolken unknown in much of the North.
Infrastructure
The bridge hall of The Library contains a few minor hydroelectric mechanworks, which provide power during specific hours of the day and eve for residents, and around the clock to the Library itself and a few permissible industries on Fallside.
In addition, many of the docks and island areas have built small generators powered by the waves. These provide power for essential equipment such as elevators, and on the islands, to those who can afford the luxury.
Cliffside dwellings tend to incorporate wind and solar power to a small degree.
Guilds and Factions
Internal Politics
Though not a large city by most standards, Central Island is unique for housing two primary cultural groups, the Followers of Corvus who hail the sanctity of Central Island's dome, and the scientific community studying the volcano beneath it. Though the two groups can and do overlap in mission and scope, leadership within the group occasionally comes to conflict over handling of issues which fall too far into one camp or the other. Though the two groups have managed to work together (and pick their battles) in most cases, there are many issues that fall technically in areas of perpetual bureaucratic red tape (even deliberately overlooked by administration to avoid further conflict or antagonization of a particular group). As a result, inhabitants have made due with workaround solutions, ranging from the inventive to the secretive to the amusingly make-do.Architecture
Though commonly referred to as "Central Island," the capital city in truth encompasses several neighborhoods scattered across the Calderas Volcano and its slopes.
The Dome
The Dome, or the original home of Central Island, is known for its dense architecture and minimalist architectural aesthetic, favoring multi-purpose spaces, compact living arrangements (many of which serve transient or temporary residents), and structural stonework. Certain parts of the Dome, such as the Science District, the Courts District, and the Hatcheries, tend to more opulent architecture to convey a sense of public importance. Decorative elements are usually functional and designed into the space itself - such as carved reliefs, embedded stonework, and stained glass - or by the use of materials that can be easily changed or removed, but provide visual interest and bodily comforts to otherwise sparse and small space.Spillside
Spillside refers to the neighborhoods scattered across the smaller islands found within the Calderas, containing most of the permanent housing structures. Most of the homes are made of stone and/or wood harvested from the trees that cover these islands, and tend to be some of the more lavish or spacious private structures, owned by those who work on the . Transportation to and from Central Island itself is by personal boat, or by small ferry from some of the more populated isles.Cliffside
Cliffside refers to the neighborhoods built into the sides of the Volcano itself. Composed primarily of stone and glass, these homes overlook the waters, and house an equal mix of permanent residents and long-term guests. Though the view is magnificent, the living quarters tend to be small, with shared common areas for cooking, entertaining guests, and relaxation.The Docks
The base of Cliffside has areas of shallow beaches, where wooden and stone docks have been built to ferry individuals to and from the Dome. Other than a few scattered ticketstations for ferries and elevators, and covered areas for waiting, there is little architecture here.Slopeside
Slopeside refers to the neighborhoods dominating the eastern slopes of the Calderas, where the approach is gentler. The relative ease of access makes this area the primary trading grounds of Central Island (at least when it comes to personal items), and the shops that follow the Morning Path are built of wood and glass, full of light from the unfettered dawn. The broad, smooth avenue of The Morning Path, and its many scenic rests and overlooks, also makes it a popular area for wanonbrehi'ces, food carts that serve local delicacies to residents and travelers alike.Fallside
As the original caravan route on the western side of the Caldera Volcano, Fallside hosts Central Island's Industrial area, and is considered the trading ground for major imports and exports or for the purchase and sale of bulk goods. Transports known as "Rimrunners" can be hired to carry the large quantities of exchanged goods between Fallside and Slopeside, but the transactions themselves happen here. As a steeper graded terrain, and because of the production needs of the area, many of the buildings are built on stone bases with metal frameworks and walls. The Tower Entrance of the Library opens out to Fallside, but the entrance is generally closed to passerthroughs, who must circle around the library along North Slope.Rimside, and The Library
Rimside refers to the band of land circling the rim of the Calderas. Though no homes are permitted in this area (largely as the erratic size and material of the rim make it unsuitable for most structures), Rimside contains many of the public parklands of Central Island, and the few structures that dot the Rim are functional: covered rests for the public to gather, elevator and stairway entry points for those who need to descend Cliffside, and the occasional park station with public facilities for rest, education, and the purchase of elevator fare. Though not technically a neighborhood, The Library at the Calderas merits its own inclusion for the sheer amount of space it inhabits along the comparatively narrow Northern slope. Perched at the wide northwestern edge of the Calderas Rim, it dominates the skyline with its massive glass windows, stone buttresses, and wooden elements. The Main Entrance sits at the edge of the northeastern side of the Rim, the long hallway spanning the mouth of the Falls of First Water and forming the lip of the hydroelectric facility that provides energy to the capital. The Tower Entrance - considered sacred to Corvus - sits at the base of the Glass Tower on the western side of the Library, and the Tower itself provides the highest vantage point in the whole region. This ancient empowerhouse facility predates the Birdfolk, and not even the eruption could unseat its glory.Natural Resources
Central Island provides a trading ground for crops of megacycadus, whose plantations line the canyon to the South, and is a hub for the lumber trade as it comes out of the North.
Central Island runs a brisk trade in lizards, snakes, and wintering birds, who are especially drawn to the Hotlands steam vents and stones. Wild variants of these are common game foods, and several exist in domesticated or livestock form, their breeding lines supplemented with wild stock.
Due to the unique geothermals of the regions, several species of fish and algae are also found here, and many are farmed as specialty dishes served in Slopeside restaurants.
Climate
Central Island, like much of The North Reach, is known for cool rainy summers, short springs and autumns, with cold winters and snowfalls.Major Annual Events
Oshpe'zin Ki'kxo / Fragment Feast
Alternative Name(s)
The Eye, so named for the distinctive shape of Central Island inside of the curve of the Calderas.
Type
Capital
Included Locations
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