Zhetland (ˈʒɛtlənd)

Zhetland is the largest island in the Kattaland island group. It is the northernmost large island in the Ynys Archipelago, and the Kattalanders who live there are descended from a mix of the original Albidosi inhabitants and immigrants from the Norður Islands. While the Kattalands are technically a part of the Kingdom of Cait, they are self-governing in practice. 

The largest settlement on Zhetland is the town of Larvik, on the Quarff Bay. Quarff means 'bent' in Eyjamannaræða, and refers to the unusual shape of the bay. Due to the challenges presented by this and other hazards around the bay, most ships require a local pilot to get safely in and out of the harbor at Larvik.

Notable Spirits

Like the Albidosi in Cait, the Kattalanders have a great reverence for cats, and this is reflected in the gods of Zhetland and the other Kattaland islands. The most prominent spirit of Zhetland is the Sjóköttur, or Sea Cat. This god is said to appear as a giagantic aquatic lion, with a mane of kelp and webbed feet. Legends claim that it is large enough to hunt whales, and has the power to bless or curse any vessel. Those who offend the Sjóköttur will find their ships in danger of sinking any time they put to sea, while those who have the god's blessing will always find safe harbor in the area. Sometimes, the Sjóköttur will take the form of a small cat floating on a plank of wood to test passing ships - those who pass by without rescuing the cat will incur the god's wrath.

Geography

Zhetland is mostly moorland, much of which is farmed by the Kattalanders. There are some small wooded areas on the island, particularly in the central region. The northern coast is known for its imposing cliffs and wild waters - sailing too close to the northern shore of Zhetland has wrecked many ships. The Hæsta Lighthouse stands on the northern shore, and the locals claim it is the highest lighthouse above the sea in the entire Ring of Light by virtue of the cliff it is built on. On the northeastern side of the island is the Heiða River, which is the largest waterway in the Kattalands - it opens in the Norðaustur Bay, which is mostly used by the fishing villages along the shore, while most commercial traffic goes to Quarff Bay on the other side of the island.

Ecosystem

The island's flora is dominated by only a few hundred plant species that can survive the harsh climate. This includes wild flowers, moss, and lichen, along with a few native trees such as rowan and crab apple. The animal life on the island is mostly sea birds, although there are a few species of small rodent. The strange moss-mouse is unique to the island, and nowhere else has this odd symbiosis been reported. There are several domesticated species that have been brought to the island by the Kattalanders, including sheep and goats, and the well-known Kattaland pony was bred mostly on Zhetland.

Climate

Zhetland has long, cold winters and short warm summers. The cold currents from the north keep the island cooler than other places at the same latitude, and during the winter there is frequent snow. Some years, there are only three months where the temperature does not drop below freezing every night. The weather is windy and cloudy, and there is rain or snow at least two-thirds of the time.

Natural Resources

Fish are the core of the Zhetland economy, and the primary resource of the island. After this, the island is known for producing particularly fine wool and knitted goods; these are prized throughout the northern regions of the Great Ring as some of the best cold-weather clothing that can be obtained.

Type

Island

Location under

Kattaland

Included Locations

• Hæsta Lighthouse
• Larvik

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 62.31 degrees North
Longitude: 76.61 degrees East
Average Elevation: 36 ft
Highest Point: 1,447 ft
Lowest Point: -10 ft
Area: 374 sq mi