Skylands

Long before the first airships entered the sky, the floating mountains known as the Skylands captured the imagination of every civilization that gazed upward from their mountaintop homes. These remarkable geological formations have shaped the development of cultures, spawned countless legends, and ultimately driven the technological advancement of aerial navigation.

Natural Formation and Characteristics

Historical records describe Skylands of varying sizes, from small floating garden-like formations to massive plateaus spanning several kilometers across. The rock composition matches that of the planet's mountain peaks - primarily igneous formations rich in various mineral deposits. Early geological studies in the Age of Free Travel revealed high concentrations of previously unknown minerals within the Skyland rock matrix, though these findings did little to explain their ability to remain airborne.

The majority of Skylands maintain fixed positions in the upper atmosphere, creating reliable landmarks for early airship navigation. A smaller percentage, known historically as riders, follow seasonal air currents in predictable patterns. These mobile Skylands played a crucial role in early trade networks, as merchant vessels would use their movements to navigate favorable wind patterns. Some are now used as trade hubs.

The Evolution of Isolated Ecosystems

The biological isolation of the Skylands led to the development of unique ecosystems unlike anything found in the mountain peaks. Historical botanical surveys documented sophisticated root networks that evolved to anchor both soil and moisture in the floating environments. The complex symbiotic relationships between various plant species became a cornerstone of early biological research.

The discovery of indigenous Skyland fauna revolutionized scientific understanding.

The Age of Myths

Mountain civilizations developed rich mythological traditions around the Skylands during the centuries before air travel. The Eastern Peak Chronicles tell of the Cloud Weavers, divine beings who supposedly maintained celestial bridges between the floating islands. Western Mountain historical texts reference the ‘Fragments of the Shattered Moon,’ attributing magical properties to each floating island.

The myth of the Sky Shepherds appeared independently in multiple cultures, suggesting common observations of the wind-rider Skylands' seasonal movements. These legends often incorporated astronomical observations, as early astronomers used the fixed Skylands as reference points for charting celestial movements.

Dawn of Exploration

The invention of reliable airship technology in 0 AT marked the beginning of systematic Skyland exploration. Karson Windermere's historic first landing on the Grey Sister Skyland established basic protocols for aerial navigation and landing procedures that would be used for generations to follow.

Early exploration proved costly in both lives and resources. The Aurus Expedition of 15 AT, which vanished while investigating a dense cluster of Skylands, led to the establishment of the first aerial safety guidelines. 

Archaeological Significance

The discovery of artificial structures on several major Skylands in 63 AT launched a new field of historical study. The ruins suggested the existence of an advanced civilization predating all known mountain cultures. Dating methods placed the construction of these structures between 1000-2000 years before the Age of Air Travel, raising questions about previously unknown methods of accessing the Skylands.

Architectural features of these ruins indicated sophisticated understanding of high-altitude construction techniques. The presence of similar architectural styles across multiple Skylands suggested a connected culture with the ability to travel between the floating islands. No records exist of how this civilization achieved flight, nor what led to their eventual disappearance. Some say the biggest discovery was of a long destroyed Ticker.

Scientific Understanding 

Early theories about Skyland levitation focused on magnetic properties. The discovery of gravitic minerals in 102 AT provided the first scientific framework for understanding their ability to float, though the complete mechanism remains a subject of study. The interaction between these minerals and the planet's magnetic field continues to generate new research in geological studies.

~ Kwerwin Stimms, Doctor of Natural History, Solspire University