Post by Trippy Hare on Jul 8, 2006 18:24:47 GMT -5
The island of Matavia is the second largest landmass on Eshathar, though it is less than a quarter the size of the main continent. Located 70 miles to the southeast of the main continent, Matavia has developed its own culture and government over the years, isolated from political power struggles on the mainland. During the War of Oblivion, Matavia was used by the Dragoons as a Penal Colony. Prisoners that did not convert were banished onto this island. Most of them did not survive the journey. Those who managed to get ashore had to deal with such problems as lack of shelter, lack of any sort of tools or weapons, and finding food, water, clothing, etcetera. It is little wonder that there was little contact from the island during the reign of the Dragoons.
Since the downfall of the Dragoons, contact with Matavia has markedly improved, though it is by no means stellar. Avian scouts are the only way to convey messages to or from the island, thanks in large part to its bizarre geography.
There are no beaches on Matavia. Instead, the waters of the Great Sea run to within a meter of the coastline, then plummet down towards the seabed, leaving a hole about a meter wide of unknown depth all the way around the entire coastline of the island. Cliffs composed mostly of volcanic glass line the inner ring of this chasm, making travel to the island by any means save flight utterly impossible. Avians, with their inherent ability for self-sustained flight, are Matavia's unofficial messengers more out of necessity than out of greed.
The descendants of convicts who currently live on Matavia are a mixed lot indeed. Most can claim Terran parentage, though there are many elven bloodlines, as well. Making such distinctions is almost absurd, however, as these islanders have no real racial distinction, having intermarried for generations. There is no decisive kingdom on Matavia, only a spattering of villages across its landscape. Most of these villages are agricultural and self-sustaining: there is no need for any sort of unified government, as Matavia's geography offers complete protection from any outside aggression.
If that were all Matavia had to offer, the island would no doubt be forgotten. But there is a resource, found only on Matavia, that is of extreme value to every kingdom on the mainland: Mithril. This legendary material, light as silver and tougher than steel, is a hot commodity on the mainland. The Mithril trade with Matavia is such a profitable venture, that many would-be fortune seekers attempt to get onto, and escape from, the island, in the hopes of becoming obscenely wealthy. Many die in the attempt.
Although Avian scouts seem to have a monopoly on trade with the island, the Canid race has little knowledge of mithril, and even less about the peculiar island and even more peculiar islanders. These Avian messengers and tradesmen are independent agents, working on their own for their own gains, without the knowledge or consent of their government. In order to keep the venture worth their while, these Avians, known collectively as the Wings of Ros, routinely price-gouge their customers, in order to turn an enormous profit. They employ a small private force of about 15 men in Templar Suits. These custom Templar suits are crafted with Mithril as well, making them much more durable than any other Templar suit in Eshathar. These Templars are the only military presence on the entire island.
Since the downfall of the Dragoons, contact with Matavia has markedly improved, though it is by no means stellar. Avian scouts are the only way to convey messages to or from the island, thanks in large part to its bizarre geography.
There are no beaches on Matavia. Instead, the waters of the Great Sea run to within a meter of the coastline, then plummet down towards the seabed, leaving a hole about a meter wide of unknown depth all the way around the entire coastline of the island. Cliffs composed mostly of volcanic glass line the inner ring of this chasm, making travel to the island by any means save flight utterly impossible. Avians, with their inherent ability for self-sustained flight, are Matavia's unofficial messengers more out of necessity than out of greed.
The descendants of convicts who currently live on Matavia are a mixed lot indeed. Most can claim Terran parentage, though there are many elven bloodlines, as well. Making such distinctions is almost absurd, however, as these islanders have no real racial distinction, having intermarried for generations. There is no decisive kingdom on Matavia, only a spattering of villages across its landscape. Most of these villages are agricultural and self-sustaining: there is no need for any sort of unified government, as Matavia's geography offers complete protection from any outside aggression.
If that were all Matavia had to offer, the island would no doubt be forgotten. But there is a resource, found only on Matavia, that is of extreme value to every kingdom on the mainland: Mithril. This legendary material, light as silver and tougher than steel, is a hot commodity on the mainland. The Mithril trade with Matavia is such a profitable venture, that many would-be fortune seekers attempt to get onto, and escape from, the island, in the hopes of becoming obscenely wealthy. Many die in the attempt.
Although Avian scouts seem to have a monopoly on trade with the island, the Canid race has little knowledge of mithril, and even less about the peculiar island and even more peculiar islanders. These Avian messengers and tradesmen are independent agents, working on their own for their own gains, without the knowledge or consent of their government. In order to keep the venture worth their while, these Avians, known collectively as the Wings of Ros, routinely price-gouge their customers, in order to turn an enormous profit. They employ a small private force of about 15 men in Templar Suits. These custom Templar suits are crafted with Mithril as well, making them much more durable than any other Templar suit in Eshathar. These Templars are the only military presence on the entire island.