Yamaran (jəˈmarən)

Yamaran is a small island in the Sabaen Archipelago, located directly east of the island of Saba. It is surrounded on three sides by coral reefs, which make the waters dangerous to navigate. A lighthouse named the Manarat Al-Qamar was constructed there by the Order of the Lightkeepers, and has become one of the most unusual chapters of the order.

The priests of the Manarat Al-Qamar believe that their lighthouse is an earthbound counterpart to the moon, and that their goddess is the embodiment of moonlight. This belief has changed the lantern within the lighthouse such that it does resemble the moon when seen, both in the quality of the light and by following the moon's phase. Sailors in the area know that the Manarat Al-Qamar is dark during the nights of the new moon, and most refuse to sail anywhere near Yamaran on these nights.

Furthermore, the priests of the Manarat Al-Qamar believe that the moon is itself a lighthouse, placed above the world to communicate with the Elohot, creatures that live high in the sky among the stars. The Elohot use the moon to help guide their flying ships. Furthermore, these mysterious beings frequent the skies directly over the Great Ring, seeking those worthy to be drawn out of this world and into their own. Under the guidance of the goddess of the Manarat Al-Qamar, the priesthood seeks to live as paragons of mortal beings, in hopes of being selected and carried away into the sky. The exact criteria that makes for a likely candidate is hotly debated among members of the chapter, but typically involve extensive prayer and variations on an ascetic lifestyle. Individual variations are common, and sometimes verge on the bizarre and painful. Complete abstinence from food and drink is occasionally attempted, as are various acts of self-mutilation. These practices are not encouraged by the chapter, but they are not forbidden since it is a key tenet that each priest be allowed to find their own path to the stars.

Geography

Yamaran is a flat island, with a few hills near the southern coast. It is about 11 miles long and 4 miles wide, and has no fresh water. The landscape is mostly barren rocks, with few plants and animals. At various locations around the island are stones piled into flat-topped cairns - these were constructed by the lighthouse priests, and are used in rituals where they present themselves to the sky as candidates to be taken up.

Type

Island

Location under

Sabaen Archipelago

Geographic Details

Location: Southeastern Region
Latitude: 7.14 degrees North
Longitude: 27.12 degrees East
Average Elevation: 59 ft
Highest Point: 78 ft
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 42 sq mi