Arran
Arran has been colonised many times by both the Alphatian nation and the Seven Kingdoms, this has lead to some conflict over time but the island is now relatively peaceful. The locals have adopted many customs from both powers and are a hardy group of people used to the rigours of a cold winter and balmy summers.
Cultural Notes: People from the Iron Isles, the Southern states of the Seven Kingdoms, the ancient nation of Sea gypsies and the coming of the new half-elven nation have populated Arran. This connection with the Seven Kingdoms and particular the Iron Isles has created a very hardy group of people that populate the island, with many tall blond or chestnut haired people making it their home. However the presence of the sea gypsies means the shorter dark haired person is not uncommon. Much of the population is involved in the fishing industry, but due to the arctic winds and waters of the north and western sides of the island, furs and woolen clothes are more common, sometimes dyed in the traditions of the Iron Isles or Sea Gypsies. Much of population remain armed although in cities a peace knot is required on any weapon bigger than a knife. Heavier armour is rare, although the odd questing knight from the kingdoms or bold/stupid adventurer can be seen encased in metal. A tax of 5cp is charged on anyone wearing armor heavier than chain, due to the frequent trouble caused by such wearers. This island is one of the few to see snow regularly in winter and as such has a strong community focused around the few towns and cities that have been built. Houses, taverns, and shops often have a porteco or enclosed porch, where heavy furs and snow-covered boots can be removed. Buildings are usually one storey and contain a number of rooms. During the warmer seasons most people sit out the front of the houses either working on small tasks or socialising. Shops open their windows and a number of celebrations occur. During the colder months people retreat to the houses, where inside games are played, or the taverns which double as gaming halls. Beer is the popular drink on Arran, drunk yearly. In the summer months wine becomes available but in winter only mulled wine is served. Fish and miste de maré in all its forms, makes up the majority of Arrans diet, supported mostly by vegetables and cereals from the farmers. The pescare-torta of the sea gypsies and calamaro gigantesco of the Iron Isles are considered deliciases in Arran and good cooks of either dish well sort after.
Cultural Notes: People from the Iron Isles, the Southern states of the Seven Kingdoms, the ancient nation of Sea gypsies and the coming of the new half-elven nation have populated Arran. This connection with the Seven Kingdoms and particular the Iron Isles has created a very hardy group of people that populate the island, with many tall blond or chestnut haired people making it their home. However the presence of the sea gypsies means the shorter dark haired person is not uncommon. Much of the population is involved in the fishing industry, but due to the arctic winds and waters of the north and western sides of the island, furs and woolen clothes are more common, sometimes dyed in the traditions of the Iron Isles or Sea Gypsies. Much of population remain armed although in cities a peace knot is required on any weapon bigger than a knife. Heavier armour is rare, although the odd questing knight from the kingdoms or bold/stupid adventurer can be seen encased in metal. A tax of 5cp is charged on anyone wearing armor heavier than chain, due to the frequent trouble caused by such wearers. This island is one of the few to see snow regularly in winter and as such has a strong community focused around the few towns and cities that have been built. Houses, taverns, and shops often have a porteco or enclosed porch, where heavy furs and snow-covered boots can be removed. Buildings are usually one storey and contain a number of rooms. During the warmer seasons most people sit out the front of the houses either working on small tasks or socialising. Shops open their windows and a number of celebrations occur. During the colder months people retreat to the houses, where inside games are played, or the taverns which double as gaming halls. Beer is the popular drink on Arran, drunk yearly. In the summer months wine becomes available but in winter only mulled wine is served. Fish and miste de maré in all its forms, makes up the majority of Arrans diet, supported mostly by vegetables and cereals from the farmers. The pescare-torta of the sea gypsies and calamaro gigantesco of the Iron Isles are considered deliciases in Arran and good cooks of either dish well sort after.
Geography
This small island is heavily windblown from the North West. For this reason much of the countryside is low hilled grassland. However across the centre of the Island runs a ridge of mountains with a now extinct volcano. On the eastern side of this range the conditions are more favorable receiving more of the Alphatian trade winds and a large forest of white populars exists. This forest is also home to a tribe of Wood Elves who live a very secluded life unwanting of strangers.
Fauna & Flora
The west of the isle is mostly wind swept grassland, with farm animals being its major grazer. To the east the white popular forest has some wolves and a small family of bears. The swamp in the north is mostly bog land, but does support a large bird population.
Natural Resources
Fishing, Farming. There are also two well-known craftsmen on the island. In Seaboard their lives a master sword smith and in Seahaven a master axe smith. This island is also home to the School of Kneyalotep Knekopot who specializes in the use of the Scimitars.
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