Snakefang Isles

  When mangrove swamps and pearly white beaches reach out for as far as the eye can see, one has likely arrived at the Snakefang Isles. These isles stand out by its flat terrain and heavy vegetation that manages to hide hundreds of lagoons and coves - despite their meager size.   This is made possible by a constantly rising and falling tide caused by the gravitational movements of the moon - which causes the many inland rivers to change from narrow streams to flowing waterways.     The Snakefang Isles are surrounded by hot and humid temperatures which makes their beaches oppressive to reside within. Borderlining is painful against the skin and the air hard to breathe, due to the flat and sandy terrain by shallow waters.   The misty mangrove swamps are, however, surprisingly perfect for the human condition. The trees soak up most of the humidity and their boughs stand as a firm cover against the heat and aggressive rays of the sun. Around the day, the isles are pleasantly warm, while at night they are cool but never truly cold.   The isles are also rocked by short but heavy downpours. Through its high humidity, the mist swiftly rises up and as it cools, cascades down. This is why fresh rain hits the region around a dozen times per day, while only lasting for a few minutes.     Beneath the boughs of the isles, the region is so green and floral that it has served dozens of pirate crews by hiding their outposts. Most of the vegetation is edible as well and despite the Snakefang in the name, there is not much to be found here that is actually toxic.   Life thrives within the mangrove swamps, as both wild mango and banana plants flourish here. Even serving the Golden Empire as a region rich in tradegoods. From spinach and purslane to medicinal herbs that are traditionally used to combat snake venoms - which is how the isles got their name.     The Snakefang isles do not have a lot of larger animals that reside within them. Most creatures are amphibians and lizards, such as the Gargantua Toad and Bluetounged Clubtail - that feed on the many bugs of the swamps. Doing the world a favour by purging ticks and mosquitos and keeping their population down to a healthy degree.   These bugs are not always prey, such as the Titanflies that are locked in a bitter rivalry against the Hammerbeaked Parrots. Both fighting beak and claw over the fruits that hang low from the trees.   Neither of these creatures are interested in messing with mortals. That title goes to the seafood, such as the Axphys Eel or Bonejaw Barracuda. Both of which are aggressive to people, but also served butterfried with a side of lemon.   Even the region’s apex is not safe from ending up on a menu. Especially as the Arrow Shark has a tendency to come far too close to settlements, as they prey upon the creatures around the rivers.     Around the isles, there are thousands of smaller villages and hamlets that constantly change with the rise and fall of the tides. The humid climate and wild growth means that most buildings here are not made to last. Instead, temples are built in stone on the most solid ground within a settlement and serve as a refuge during storms.   The rest of the buildings are made from timber, thatch and leaves. Sometimes even rebuilt ships that broke after getting stuck from the falling water levels. Giving the areas a style of pirate architecture.   The largest settlement on the Snakefang Isles, and the only modernized town, is Modisi. Once a pirate capital for the fleets that hid there. The town was claimed by the Golden Empire, after they forced a surrender by flaunting their new ironclads.   Since then, Modisi has been rebuilt into a more permanent settlement - refounded on modern technology.