Isode Papa

The Pit Stop of Pirates, Poachers, and Perilous Scoundrels

"Beautiful scenic beaches, tranquil jungles, and generous people. Why does no one come here?"
"Because of the dangerous plants, vicious sea monsters, and the large population of criminals and pirates."

While a beautiful gem at the southwestern point between Vestra and Amarron, Isode Papa is a largely uninhabited island, aside from the contingent outpost located at the southern tip. Most ships will avoid the area, and risk the possible lack of supplies than docking at the island. Apart from the unknown flora and fauna, which are purported to be deadly, the criminal element of the (mostly) lawless town isn't considered a worthwhile venture.
The island's sole settlement, named after the island itself, is built from the remnants of older shipwrecks, with sparse renovation of older, preexisting houses. At the center of the town sits an ancient stone building, etched with old Thritic runes. The curious difference in these however, is the Hekat Hieroglyphs (the old priestly inscriptions from older Amarronite civilization) that translate the message. Sparse study on the ruins has been done though, since the unsavory nature of the town keep any large archaeological expeditions from staying on the island.

Geography

Southern Area

Composed mostly of a rocky shoreline, and flat beaches. the coast smooths significantly the farther south you go, until the town of Isode Papa, where the shore is clear enough to dock. Up until about the middle of the isle, small groups of palms and shrubs dot the gritty inland sands. smaller desert vegetation can be found as well, species most common to Amarron.

Middle Area

Trekking upwards from the town, the woodline starts to grow thicker, and the sand is replaced with dense muck and humid air. The trees here grow closely together, surrounded by populous bushes and smaller plants. A faded path can be followed, cracking stones and overgrowth wearing away at it. Past an old missionary, where Kivric priests once resided to bring their religion to those of Amarron. Farther in, and the trees can be seen overtaking even older buildings, with the same mixture of runes as the ones in town. A wayward shrine sits in the midst of the island, not far from the only hill in this place.  A forked path sits here, with one taking you towards a large outcropping of fungal-type plants, and the other further into the jungle. Some say an even larger building sits in the jungle, untouched for over 1,000 years.

Northern Area

The northern island is mostly unexplored, either the fungal fields or the jungle interior. This is in large part due to the prevalence of lethal creatures, and the tribes of primitive species. Pygmy Wyverns, Mushroom tribals, and Frogmen all live in this area, and are not privvy to outsiders. Stories of undead creatures roaming the spore-laden areas, and the talk of mesmerized beasts stalking the jungle are just some of the dangers that reside here.

Fauna & Flora

• Funganid Florescue(Mushroom Men)

Not much is known about these small fungaloids, but a few accounts of them exist. They seem to be largely subsistent off of decomposing matter, and have been seen remaining stationary over rotting wood, grass, and dead animals. Some claim they have even nourished off of the corpses of other sentient beings. How they are born, communicate, or operate on a societal level is unknown.

• Amphibius Toxicissa(Frogmen)

Much more dangerous than the Mushroom Men, as their open hostility is frequently encountered. The Frogmen are vicious in their pursuits, and openly attack any who enter the jungle. Their small stature and camouflage helps them excel at ambush tactics, and using an unidentified poison, are able to enthrall any unlucky enough to meet them. Previously sane people, as well as normally docile animals, have been used in retaliation or defense of their wooded home. Their camps are not located, but theories suggest they nest in the tops of trees.

• Jarro's Jovial Julip's

A peculiar plant with a hallucinogenic effect. Any who smell the spores will fall into a euphoric stupor, and will proceed to stand motionless, with a relaxed expression. Explorers have lost men to this plant, as the predators that lurk the jungle have been known to hunt near these convenient pacifiers.

• Pygmy Austrex

A smaller cousin to the widespread Austrex species, Pygmy Austrex are a novel sub-species who only reside on this island. The popular practice of exporting these birds, who sit at a rough average of 17 inches tall. Their legs are also much smaller than other Austrex species, though have an increased musculature, allowing them to jump astoundingly high for their height. This, coupled with their wings, gives them the ability to glide for significant distances.

• Pygmy Wyvern

As with the Pygmy Austrex, Pygmy Wyverns are much smaller than their larger cousins. Most the size of a housecat, these draconic predators hunt in packs, a far cry from the wyverns of Amarron. They also cannot fly for extended periods, and seem to glide from tree to tree, and silently skulk for their next meals. Travelers are advised to not go to the jungle alone, as the prominence of two, or even three of these devious creatures, is enough to take a fully grown man to his grave.

Alternative Name(s)

"Pirate Pass" or "Criminal Coast" are other colloquial names.

Type

Island

Included Locations

• Isode Papa Port