Biluzik Archipelago (ˈbʎus̻ik ˌɑɹkɪˈpɛləˌɡoʊ)

The Biluzik Archipelago is a group of islands in the Middlesea, and is strongly influenced by the unpredictable and magical nature of that region. The islands in this region are a common starting point for logging expeditions to the Floating Forests of The Middlesea.

The people of the Biluzik Archipelago are called the Uhartekoa. They are known for being extremely attached to their homeland, and have an unusually high incidence of eidolons ascending to become the spirits of the various locales and buildings. It is unusual to find an Uhartekoa home that does not have one or two resident spirits, usually meaning that it was only recently constructed. They are also known for having a taboo regarding unnecessary clothing. This taboo is often considered salacious gossip by those who know little else about them, but those who have visited the islands have reported that the Uhartekoa claim that it is vital for their safety against a creature that they name Bizkarroia.

The largest city in the Biluzik Archipelago is Palmondoa, on the island of Irlandia. This port handles most of the mercantile traffic between the archipelago and the rest of the Great Ring, and is busy year round. The most common good shipped out of Palmondoa is timber harvested by lumberjack vessels. It is also the capital of the Kingdom of Herria, the ruling body of the archipelago.

Geography

There are four major islands in the archipelago, and dozens of smaller islets that surround them, making for a total of about fifty islands. They are generally very rugged, with high cliffs and mountains. Caves are common throughout the archipelago, and have been used historically for both residences and storage. The four largest islands are Irlandia, Irlatxikia, Pinuhartea, and Aletegia.

Climate

The climate of the archipelago is notably hot and dry, with a short rainy season during the winter. Temperatures never approach freezing except during exceptional weather events that arise out of the Middlesea's peculiarities. During the summer, the temperature can rise extremely high, and it is dangerous to spend too much time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. Many of the caves in the islands are used to take refuge from the summer heat, and are outfitted as comfortable summer homes.

Type

Archipelago

Location under

The Middlesea

Included Locations

• Aletegia
• Irlandia
• Irlatxikia
• Pinuhartea

Included Organizations

• Kingdom of Herria

Related Ethnicities

• Uhartekoa

Inhabiting Species

• Bizkarroia

Geographic Details

Location: The Middlesea
Latitude: 38.41 degrees North
Longitude: 24.07 degrees East
Average Elevation: 30 ft
Highest Point: 4,321 ft (Gailur Altua)
Lowest Point: -13 ft
Area: 1,927 sq mi