Ovest
Ovest is the most populated of the islands, it's population locked in feuds of family lines, internal family politics and even neighbour against neighbour. Many of the laws of Alphatia were created and required to handle this rolling turmoil of political, mercantile, and social conflict that is always a breath away from bloodshed. A visitor to this isle would be wise to watch their money bag, sword and mouth lest they find themselves in a conflict against warriors honed to knife-edge skill.
Population: 55,000
History: Ovest being the gentlest terrain and best environment for growing food has been considered the jewel of the Alphatian islands. It was quickly colonized by the Varisians and then Shets'doma. It's many inhabitants cleared the land of the small amount of forest that had grown here to discover that the ground was rich but shallow and so perfect for crops and grasses. The lack of forest had meant that the Ornhini and fey had never considered it a place to build their homes away from the Seelie realm. With the large population of travelers creating their homes here, the fleets of the Seven Kingdoms, the raiders from the Iron Isle and the juggernauts of Thothia have each at one time taken control of some or all of Ovest. It has fallen to the inhabitants to reclaim their island and created a culture of ownership unseen on other Isle. Each inhabitant of Ovest knows what they control and who might be challenging them for their stack. Many families have risen on the island and taken their place in the mercantile trade wars across Alphatia.
Just recently in the city of Har'Harshaan a new concept of leadership has arisen. The workers and traders tired of the profits of their work being funneled away into the families many squabbles and excesses have formed a union and taken control of the city. On the 'night of knives' various thieve's guilds within the city with the support of workers across the industries struck and wiped out the Torentino family and its representatives. The morning light brought for many a day of work yet the word spread that the 80% taxation of raw materials had been lifted and that any craftsmen could chose to sell their wares to the public. These two simple announcements meant that when the *** consortium's ships arrived to investigate the disappearance of their family members they were meet with an armed and cohesive city, ready to maintain their independence. Within the Alphatian council debate still rages as to whether the navy should be sent to resolve this situation with the union finding many supporters amongst the islands and being opposed at every turn by the merchant families.
Geography
Description: The isle rises slowly from the coast which is dotted with long bays and rocky promontories. Much of the isle is covered in forests and trees, the soil a rich loam of volcanic ash. Rivers wind through the green landscape many of their paths now controlled by levies and wooden banks to allow for the movement of barges up and down their length. This is an island that has felt the development of the half-elves across it, with much of the natural forest replaced by a more sculptured landscape. At its center Mount Espada rises quickly, a caldera now filled with a large freshwater lake that feeds many of the rivers. At the center of this lake sits the palace of swords, a monument to the study of dueling and final location of the bi-annual tournament of swords.
Across the isle are dotted cities, towns and villages, each with clear ties to a family of the isle. To the east, one such city has fallen into ruin its inhabitants and surrounding lands transformed by some old and terrifying magic, a large wall surrounds the area, extending well into the sea.
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Natural Resources
Ovest is mostly an agricultural island. Most of its forests have been cleared and a large farming industry occurs. Due to its size, it is one of the few places in Alphatia where large herds of livestock reside as well as horse studs. Along the coast a large number of fishing villages also mean the island has a strong fishing and boat building industry. The fighting of the families however has meant that much of the potential of the island is wasted in this internal turmoil, keeping the West Isle from dominating trade amongst the islands. Within the cities tradesmen work to create marvelous items to draw attention to the owners, trying to keep ahead of the trends of the consumer and provide unique works for patrons. Schools in the arts of fencing, dancing and etiquette are as common as those dedicated to the trades. Unions are almost unknown among Ovest's cities as workers are expected to respect their patron families before their particular trade, although the political strength of the Captain's guild and dock unions have begun to be felt in Ovest.
Maps
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Ovest
Type
Island
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