The Southern Isles

The Southern Isles is an archipelago of islands of various sizes that form a self-governing area in the southern ocean.
The archipelago consists of a a large number of islands ranging from specks of land only useful for navigation to the largest island that serves as the political and trade center for the group.

Geography

The Isles are located in a tropical zone with corresponding weather. Most of the islands have high points that are only a couple of dozen feet above sea level. It is not unusual for entire island populations to take to the ships for the season of storms.
The capital island has a large mountain in the center of the island where mines exist and a refuge for use when there is a storm in the area. On a few of the larger islands small beards of imported goats can be found, they are used for their milk and their hair which is used for clothing and sails.

Fauna & Flora

On the islands there are trees that are used to build the ships that are the lifeblood of the culture. These are mostly palm type trees, which do exist on all islands, but hardwoods - originally brought from the mainland, also exist. Cereal crops have also been brought from the mainland and are in limited cultivation. There are a number of seaweeds that are used for a number of purposes.
Aside from the large number of species of fish in the southern ocean, sea birds are commonly found are also contribute to the diet.

Natural Resources

There are forests that grow on the islands which the islanders use to build their ships. The mountains of the largest island have mines where copper, tin, and small amounts of iron can be found. The waters surrounding the islands are well stocked with fishes of many types which are used for food and other purposes, such as oils for lamps.

Type

Archipelago