Eurus

Population: 28,450 Torren (SC) 6920 (2000 Varisians, 2500 half-elves, 1100 Tian, 600 Wood Elf, 400 Hadozee, 200 Halfling, 120 Hobgoblin) Renardy (V) 80 (40 Half-elf, 40 Dwarfs) Texeiras (V) 100 Varisian Fischio del vento (ST) 3150 (1500 Varisians, 1000 half-elves, 500 Hadozee, 150 Wemic) Pordenone (V) 160 (100 half-elves, 60 Varisians) Velletri (V) 60 Half-elves Okak (V) hills 200 (100 Dwarves, 100 Half-elves) Daeilana (SC) 6710 (6100 wood elves, 200 high elves, 210 halflings, 200 hadozee) Naiali (V) 140 wood elves Sylael (V) 180 (100 halflings, 80 Hadozee) Raeraith (SC) 7880 (7300 wood elves, 200 high elves, 380 halflings) Ridlamzair (V) Coast 120 (80 wood elves, 40 half-elves) Sylthus (V) Halflings 160 Common Languages: Eastern Trading, Elvish (Higher and Lower) Lower Xeng, Varisian. Industries: Eurus has a large farming and fishing community. The island is also well known for its sword smiths. The smiths of Eurus combine elvish and Xeng Shu techniques with Alphatian technology to produce an exceptional blade strength and edge. There exist a number of iron mines and the only mithril mine linked to the surface. These support the smiths of this island and the others of the Alphatian group. Description: the Island formed when its volcano catastrophically exploded, sending debris in four different directions. To the south-east this was mostly rock with some ash, to the north-east and south-west the dominance was ash and very soft basalt that has quickly broken down to soil. The north-west was all ash. From this explosion the island has rebuilt. The ash has turned into a swamp with the edge bordering the sea made up of mangroves and mud flats. Little of any real value or intelligence has been noted to live here. The island has two major forests, populated by a large population of elves. A number of villages exist within the forest as well as a sizeable city. This community has existed since the forests first formed on the island and contains many Elenhos as well as the more common Ornhini. The elves also maintain two ports, one in each forest. Those without a special pass must remain in the dock area, which also contain embassies to the sea elves. The mountains contain large clans of dwarves and goblinoids, some of which do trade with the human communities of the island. A number of Xeng Shu Dwarves also find residence here, populating the island town of Renardy and mining the local hills. Within the plains exist a number of nomadic tribes of centaurs and a race of feline humanoids, of which little contact has been made. To the direct south the Xeng Empire has established farming communities with many tiered plantations leading up the mountainside. The Xeng Empire has also established another small farming and fishing village on the eastern side. At the edge of the southwestern forest a village of half-elves, humans and wood elves form a link between the Alphatian nation and the forested community of elves. Notable Sites: Within the forest a number of cities and villages of elves exist, although their location is only known by local elves. Rumour also exists of a magical portal connecting the two forest communities together due to their ability to support each other quickly. With the plains exists a fabled city, possessed by the feline race although no adventurer has successfully returned from it. History: Eurus' history is rather plain. It has never been useful to any major human kingdom due to the strong elven presence controlling most of the island. The build-up of the Xeng presence has mostly occurred because the areas they have developed the elves don’t want. The plains remaining empty due to the presence of its inhabitants, who are hostile towards any settlement party. Cultural notes: The original inhabitants of the southern region, were the Sea Gypsies and their influence in the architecture of the cities are still apparent. The best example of this is the fencing school of Dominguez with its many courtyards and wind tuning windows. Still within the city exists a strong presence of Sea Gypsies holding out against the tide of the Xeng. The Xeng have begun to establish their presence; new buildings while containing pieces of Sea Gypsy stonework have a strong Xeng feel about them. Kimonos are becoming the more common dress of the wealthy replacing the baggy clothing of the Gypsy. Meals more commonly have rice with them and are more likely to be taken at home rather than at a street restaurant. But within these changes towards a new culture a blending is occurring, with both cultures being adopted by many of the younger members of the towns and city. Unlike Dong the formal ways of Xeng are only undertaken in the privacy of the home, on the street the music, food and fashion of both Xeng and Alphatia are combined with a style that is uniquely Eastern Isle. This is further complicated by the introduction of the half elf population opening up previously ignored trade with the elvish communities of the island. Since that moment elvish jewellery and wines have become a popular alternative especially amongst the wealthy. Elvish bards where even noted at the Festival of the Scroll, playing amongst the Xeng and Alphatian bands. Flora and Fauna: The plains are covered in a multitude of different grasses over which roam a number of herds of beasts. The felines, centaurs and the suspected presence of a roc dominate the plains. The forests are mostly beech and elm of the mediterranean variety. Creatures of the forest are in abundance protected by the elves. The swamp is almost barren of any life. Due to the large number of reefs in the area, sea creatures’, including the intelligent races are common, and in some cases a problem to shipping in the region.