Islands of Vestijar; A description
Topic Started: Apr 5 2009, 07:37 PM (99 Views)
Shizu	Apr 5 2009, 07:37 PM Post #1
Lord of Twilight Posts: 609 Group: Admin Member #2 Joined: Dec 1, 2008	Islands of Vestijar Terrain: The Vestijar is a small cluster of islands located of Marador’s western coast. Surrounded by the sea it is a harsh land, most of it dominated by rouged plains and sharp cliffs, millions of small islets dotting the coast and making travelling a dangerous prospect. It is constantly swept by a sea-born wind, plagued by storms which threaten to rip even the sturdiest house to pieces. For many long months, almost half the year, snow covers every inch of the land and the nights seem almost eternal. But with spring it will melt, the day growing longer again and the world seemingly born anew. It if often sunny, but showers of rain constantly drop themselves on the islands during the warmer months. During winter it is also possible to view the astronomical phenomenon known as Aurora or polar light. There are few natural beaches, most of the coastline being made up of rocks jutting from the sea. The inland plains are dotted with thin windswept grass and heather, small groups of hardy birch sometimes breaking the monotony. It is a land unsuited for both farming and husbandry. On the largest island, Miklar, a small line of torn mountains rise along its northern coastline, the sea endlessly beating against their feet. An even darker place can be found on Miklar, the forest of Vargar. This forest is the only major gathering of trees on Vestijar, a dark and foreboding place which is constantly hunted by Vargs and shunned by all sane people. It is whispered that even darker beasts lurks under the shadows of the trees there. Of the four island only two are actually populated, Miklar and Hjalholt. Hjollar is also dotted by a few villages, but these are small and poor as the land here is even harsher then ever. Daudaöy is devoid of all life, a place were no man has place his foot. It is said the approach is impossible, as the coastline is nothing but tall and sharp cliffs. What lays beyond the coastline no one knows…. But dark shapes and horrible cries has been heard at night. Yet even if unforgiving the land also has its good sides. Good landing beaches are scarce, but small natural harbours are found on all the major islands, most surrounded by a thriving village. They are ideal landing places for the Varjagers tough longboats, and protect them from the harsh storms. Sheep also live well on Vestijar, being naturally adapted to the environment these tough animals make up the majority of the Varjagers livestock. But most important of all is the close procimity to a sea filled with food enough to feed the entire nation. Fishes are large and abundant around the island cluster, serving as the mainstay of the populations food supply. Wildlife: Vestijar are harsh islands, only the largest big enough to sustain many animals. Sheep are common, as are small rugged ponies. Both spicies are found in the wilds as well as in livestock. The Varg, also known as Grey Wolf, is the island’s largest predator, living mainly on Miklar, Hjollar and Daudaöy. These are ferocious and hardy beasts, both aggressive and strong. Raindeers also populate the islands as the main grasser, in addition to a host of smaller creatures like rabbits, mink, mice, rats and arctic foxes. Vestijar is home to a multitude of different sea-birds; most common are puffins, skuas and legions of seagulls. Hawks and even eagles can sometimes be seen, though they are rare and only live inland around the Oseberg Mountains. Places of notice: Varting is the largest Ting on Vestijar, the Ting being a gathering of all free men were feuds and trades can be settled. Set along the coast by a huge natural harbour the main features of the Ting is the large “Tingplass” a flat stretch of ground where the Ting is held, and the “Holmen” a small islet on which disputes are settled in ritual combat. Borg is the only place of authority upon Hjollar, garrisoned by a large force under command of the kings. It stands as a bastion of force atop a gigantic cliff which overlooks “Björgyn sondet” the strait between Hjollar and Miklar. It is of great stragetic importance as this strait is the only place a ship can sail along Miklar’s western coast.
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