Baltia
Baltia (also known as Basilia or Abaius) is a mythical Greco-Roman land situated in or around the Baltic or North Sea. Sometimes thought of as Prussia, Jutland or Gotland, or at least their coastlines, it is considered to be a major source of amber. Not much is known except thought of as an island. Mentioned in the times of the ancient Greek states, the island is mentioned as being three days by sail from Scythia.
In a few occult and ancient stories of the elder species, the island was meant to have been created when a massive chunk of amber slammed into the Earth. Smaller shards were scattered throughout the world, spreading deposits throughout the world. It is a great source of amber, especially if it is used for magical purposes, as well as magic items, armour, & weapons. This is thought to be due to what the amber contained. Most of the stories say that the amber came from the depth of the void during the early years of the Material Plane, and contained the trapped spirits of neverborn gods, and their neverborn minions. This was blasted into the Material Plane at the start of the universe, along with the first inhabited world. Since the rest of the gods didn't want the contents escaping, they forced the amber to sail the multiverse until it was caught in the gravity well of the Sol system. This led it breaking apart as it sailed past the outer planets, with slivers landing on many of these and their moons. The main body still survived along with many shards that hit Earth.
The stories also state that it was made of the same amber as the amber sarcophagi, and came from the first world tree. When the Material Plane grew on it, it sucked in the amber during the throes of birthing the Plane. It is mentioned, that other worlds were born at the same time that had the amber on it too.
For this island, no-one is exactly sure as to it's location, but finding it could be lucrative. Any creature that can stake a claim on it, and hold onto it successfully, would be able to throttle the exploitation of the amber present there. If it could be mined then it would be worth more. Some of the local Germanic peoples (especially the eastern Northman tribes), the Finnish people, and a few of the Slavic tribes in the region, are actively searching for it. They know that this could be the key to dominating the Baltic Sea region, and maybe even further afield. A few also know that if they get there, it is best left alone, and want to prevent anything trapped in the amber does not escape.
Many Elves & Dwarves search for this island too, looking to exploit the resources of it. So far, they have also been unsuccessful in finding it too. In the past Greek troops, and Roman troops have as well to no success. There is a rumour that some ancient shamans had been successful, and have hidden Baltia deliberately from the masses, after finding that the amber is far too deadly to be used by mortals.
Summary
In a few occult and ancient stories of the elder species, the island was meant to have been created when a massive chunk of amber slammed into the Earth. Smaller shards were scattered throughout the world, spreading deposits throughout the world. It is a great source of amber, especially if it is used for magical purposes, as well as magic items, armour, & weapons. This is thought to be due to what the amber contained. Most of the stories say that the amber came from the depth of the void during the early years of the Material Plane, and contained the trapped spirits of neverborn gods, and their neverborn minions. This was blasted into the Material Plane at the start of the universe, along with the first inhabited world. Since the rest of the gods didn't want the contents escaping, they forced the amber to sail the multiverse until it was caught in the gravity well of the Sol system. This led it breaking apart as it sailed past the outer planets, with slivers landing on many of these and their moons. The main body still survived along with many shards that hit Earth.
Historical Basis
The story of Baltia is served by some to explain the Baltic Sea, and the amount of amber that washes up on the beaches of surrounding lands. Whether there is an actual island of Baltia is another matter.
Spread
The myth is very widespread in Europe, and the Middle East. This is in part to Pliny the Elder noting it in his first 10 books printed in 77AD. It spread with the growth of the Roman Empire. Before it was a localised myth to the Baltic regions.
Cultural Reception
Many of the peoples that hear the legend think that it could explain what happened, and that there definitely an island. A few even cobble together groups to try to find it.
In Literature
The only written source of the account is in Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia published in 77 AD, and no other source.
Date of First Recording
77 AD
Related Ethnicities
Related Items
Comments