Ish'san

"Ish'san is a land that is said to breed a different type of people. Its harsh winters and everchanging landscape has forced those who dwell there to constantly adapt."

  The frozen subcontinent of Ish'san is a harsh and unforgiving environment. For centuries it has largely remained uninhabited due to the long and harsh winters. Often referred to as the slumbering giant, once the storms hit the lands and winter begins to set, any who are unprepared to survive the changing of the year are left stranded. Many that have tried to tame the land have lost their lives as mountains and waterways quickly freeze over as the summers draw to an end.

Geography

The subcontinent is commonly divided into three different territories. While the entire subcontinent faces harsh winters, the northern and central regions face other hardships due to their location and surroundings.  

The Northern Territories

The Northern territories are largely made up of vast Boreal Forests and rolling streams. As the eastern region spans the Eperom Wall, The rivers throughout the continent run ice cold and can be deadly to any who misstep and fall in. During the summer the warm winds from the Claw of Vala'ros meet with the cold winds from the western wall creating summer storms that ravage the region.  

The Claw of Vala'ros

The Claw of Vala'ros refers to three strings of uninhabited islands off the northern coast of Ish'san. The islands are the cause of the fierce summer storms as the warm winds from beyond are directed towards the mainland. The islands are said to be the remnants of the battle between Mrh'sus & Vala'ros during Vin'mahsa. The islands were pulled from the depths of the sea when Vala'ros clawed at Mrh'sus as he held him beneath the waves. The rocky islands have no vegetation and are avoided by any who still fear or respect the gods.  

The Gloomy Sea

At the north eastern tip of the subcontinent lies the gloomy sea. The sea separates the main land from a chain of islands further north east. The sea gained its name from the murky green & blue waters that lie below the surface. Any who have fallen overboard are lost instantly as they disappear below the water's surface.  

The Yielding Coast

Where the Gloomy Sea meets Ish'san is known as the Yielding Coast. This is the only part of the subcontinent that does not face harsh winters. This is in large part due to the warm wind from further north. It is believed that centuries ago the Yielding Coast was the only inhabited part of the subcontinent until the Proto and Loh'ka tribes were chased out during the fifth crusade. The land was then settled by several Hollan families that would eventually become part of the Visam Trading Company.  

The Eerie Forest

South of the Yielding Coast lies the Eerie Forest. A vast forest that is home to a rare species of red leafed trees that only grow in this area. Botanists believe that the tree thrives in this area due to the vastly different temperatures to its north and south. While the forest is known for its beauty, it also hides a darker secret. Many travelers have gone missing in this forest for as long as anyone can remember. It's said that the trees speak in words long forgotten to the land.  

The Stormwoods

South of the Claw of Vala'ros lies a large forest that traps a majority of the fierce storm coming from the north. The Stormwoods is home to many followers of Mrh'sus. The storms are a reminder of his fury and fuels their devotion to avenge their fallen ancestors during the 5th crusade.  

The Coldwood

West of the Stormwoods, over the Sols River lies the Coldwood. The forest is the coldest part of the Northern Territories. In the shadow of the Vanadal Mountains, the Coldwood is protected from the storm and often receives the largest amount of snow during the winter. Many northern children will spend parts of the winter in the Coldwood during their coming of age ceremonies.  

Vanadal Mountains

The Vanadal Mountains lie at the eastern end of the northern territories. Its tall snow capped peaks overlook the Nor'tarie Sea. Several outlooks have been constructed to allow the Ek’o to watch the northern sea for any unknown ship looking to sail south.

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The Central Territories

The central territories are littered with dozens of large frozen lakes and smaller mountain ranges that have long remained untouched. The land is flat and is home to many smaller animals that nest surrounding the lakes.  

The Freeze

The eastern part of the central territories are referred to as the Freeze. This is in large part due to the countless frozen lakes and rivers in this region. During the warmer months the lakes are not entirely frozen and those who reside on their shores are able to fish the lakes. However, once summer ends and the winds from the western wall grow colder the lakes will quickly freeze. Once frozen the surrounding settlements must survive off of trade and any food stores that have been built during the early part of the year.  

The Iron Woods

The Iron Woods lies north of the Freeze and is home to some of the tallest trees throughout all the continents. Some of the largest trees have been measured to be over twenty feet in diameter. Known as Iron Wood trees, their bark is thicker than most and the wood itself is highly buoyant. It can take several weeks to cut a single tree and several more to mill the tree to be used. Although much effort is put in to process an Iron Wood tree, the lumber from a single tree can build a home and out building.  

Am’sa Heart

At the center of the subcontinent lies Am’sa Heart. The mountain range is said to be the final resting place of Am'sa. Over time several shrines have been constructed at the base of the mountains for mothers to come and offer their prayers.

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The Southern Territories

The Southern Territory is made up of mountain ranges and temperate forests. The region experiences longer but less harsh winters in comparison to the other territories. At the eastern tip of Ah’ki Steps lies the capital city of the E’Jati, Konreivn.  

Ah’ki Steps

At the southern end of the subcontinent lies a mountain range known as Ah’ki Steps. During the 5th crusade it is said this is from where the Loh’ka and Proto tribes sailed away to find a new land. Centuries later it's the same place the lost tribes made landfall. Legend says this is where Dai'kar first step foot in the mortal realm.  

Veskull Mountains

The Veskull Mountains lie to the north of Ah’ki Steps. The mountains have become known as a rich source of durable iron. Known as Veskull Iron, the iron minded here is known to be stronger than iron mined to the south.