Slesvig (ˈsleːzʋik)
Slesvig is the easternmost island in the Volksland island group. It has a particularly good bay, making it a popular destination for traders and sailors. The city of Guthafen is located on the bay, and is the busiest port in the Norður Islands.
The island is the primary homeland of the Ðuring people, and there are over a hundred Ðuring tribes (or cynns) that live on Slesvig. The largest of the Ðuring cynns is the Wiss Cynn, who control the northern highland regions around Skarberg. While they have the largest population, they are not as wealthy of influential as the Wænd Cynne who control the Bay of Slesvig and the port of Guthafen.
One unusual feature of Slesvig is the phenomenon known as the Slesvignebel. This is a persistent and mobile fog cloud that wanders the island, covering everything in a several mile radius for hours, days, or weeks at a time. It has been known to completely cut off communities and ports, and more than one shipwreck has been blamed on the unnatural mist. The residents have a variety of rituals that are intended to repel or drive away the Slesvignebel, with varying degrees of success.
Notable Spirits
The patron spirit of Slesvig is Sturmriese, a gigantic being said to reside in the sky over the island. Sturmriese is said to have castles hidden in the clouds overhead, with untold treasures hidden within them. Sometimes, the giant will descend to the island and disguise himself as a huge mortal man, in order to gather more treasure for his hoard. During these visits, brave and clever adventurers have raided the sky-castles, and returned with many strange and precious things. One story describes how the Ðuring hero Hannes retrieved a magical sword called Beißer from one castle. Beißer was a devastating weapon that could cut through any armor, and left gaping wounds from even the slightest cut.
Sturmriese is also said to control the weather around Slesvig, with bags full of wind and barrels of rain. In times of drought, the people of Slesvig will abandon valuables on the highest points of the island in an appeal to Sturmriese to pour out the rain, a tactic which seems to work if the offering is valuable enough. On the other hand, when great storms wrack the island, it is believed that Sturmriese has discovered some theft from his vaults and is in a great rage, tossing anything that comes to hand at the island below. Sometimes, after these storms, strange things will be found in the fields and hills, such as dead livestock, ancient bones, or even treasures from the horde above.
Geography
The island is rugged and hilly, with dense forests covering much of its interior. There are also several small rivers that flow through the island, providing fresh water and fertile soil for farming. The highest point on the island is Skarberg, in the northern highlands.
There are several small islands off the coast of Slesvig, some of which are inhabited. The largest of these are Langinsel, Puh, and Thosbet. These islands have traditionally held themselves apart from the big island, and have their own distinct dialect of Inselsprach.
Ecosystem
The island's forests are home to a variety of animals, including deer, boars, and wolves, while the rivers are home to fish such as salmon and trout. The seas around Slesvig are also teeming with life, including dolphins, whales, and a variety of fish.
The flora of Slesvig is dominated by dense forests of oak, beech, and pine trees. There are also several species of wildflowers and grasses that grow in meadows and along riverbanks.
Climate
Slesvig has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The island is located in a region that is prone to storms and strong winds, which can make sailing difficult at times.
Maps
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Slesvig
Geographic Details
Location: Northeastern RegionLatitude: 57.46 degrees North
Longitude: 47.94 degrees East
Average Elevation: 438 feet
Highest Point: 1,397 feet
Lowest Point: -20 feet (Bay of Slesvig)
Area: 1,152.35 square miles
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