Nephtys' Isles
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Nephtys' Isles
Nephtys' Isles are are several islands in the Netherose Sea. They're called Nephtys' Isles because the gigantic turtle Nephtys chooses this sea as her home, and she and her kin protect these islands. Sometimes they're just simply referred to as 'The Isles'.
Most of the islands are uninhabitable by humans, and most of them are nothing but rocky resource-less dots in the sea. Indeed the Netherose Sea is known to be nearly impossible for large ships to maneuver, due to the many hidden rocks and sand bars, not to mention sea monsters.
Nephtys
see main artcile Nephtys
History
Nephtys' Isles have been independent ever since ridding themselves of the presence of the Night Blood Vampires in Pre-Solis 2. When the Gramm Empire was formed in Solis 0, the isles managed to remain independent through diplomacy.
The citizens of The Isles are known for their courage in battle, though in actuality they have not participated as a nation in any wars since the fairly insignificant civil war in Solis 320.
Though all of the islands consider themselves one nation, each of the four villages is autonomous of the others, and each has their own system of government. Culturally however, they are all very similar.
The four villages of Nephtys are Pyrsis, Aoros, Corsynth, and Nephtys' Back.
General Culture
Though there are some differences between the four villages, they share many cultural similarities. The culture of Nephtys' Isles is loosely based on ancient Greek culture. Most of the villages value knowledge and learning highly, as well as appreciate the arts, Corsynth perhaps being the exception.
Because of the mild climate, clothing is loose and simple, being as ancient Greek clothing from out world. The different articles of clothing can be seen in the picture to the left. All four articles are rather versatile and can be used in different ways, the chiton being the most basic garment, and the others serving as a cloak over a chiton or as individual garments. Most of these garments are not entirely effective in wholly covering up the body; public nudity is a very relaxed thing in Nephtys' Isles, especially with men and children. Married women are expected to put a little effort into covering up, but it's not a particularly big deal.
The humans and wingers get along better here than anywhere else near the continent; the island of Corsynth being respected as a fully fledged member of the nation of The Islands. Interacial marriages are very rare, but not unheard of, and they don't hold particularly high negative stigma; their rarity may be because the two races cannot successfully have offspring together. Bisexuality is the norm among youth, with heterosexuality becoming expected in adulthood. However, homosexuality is not frowned upon.
Overall, the culture here is very layed back. There is seldom crime or conflict, so life is very peaceful. The people here mostly simply try to get through the day by fishing, herding sheep and goat, and growing crops - especially olives and grapes. However, The Islands are a very dangerous place, full of monsters, so stepping out into the forests and traveling alone at sea can be a deadly mistake.
For more information about specifics of culture in the different cities, see bellow in the geography section
Geography
Varies Location - Nephtys - Nephty's Back is the sacred city to the people of The Isles. Nephtys is a giant turtle who bears the True Earth Rune, and has let life inhabit her back for millenia. It is the smallest of the four villages, due to being restricted to the land upon the turtle's back, which is only about 1 acre, or a little smaller than a football field. The village holds only one building; the large temple of Nephtys, a temple dedicated to Mother Earth and Nephtys as her representative. It is inhabited by priests and priestesses who act as spiritual advisers to the people of the Isles. It is not a true village because no one is really born here, people come here to join the priesthood, but it is given representation in the council nonetheless. Nephtys is always followed by a large entourage of giant turtles (none nearly as giant as Nephtys herself; but stand about 12 feet tall) which protect the humans on the island as well as Nephtys herself from the many monsters that inhabit the seas of the Isles. In return, the islands always make sure to give the turtles fish and vegetables in the morning.
1 - Aoros - Aoros is the largest of the 4 villages, and the largest of the islands. Because the seas of Nephtys are dangerous, the village is in the middle of the island. Aoros is a fairly peaceful village, blessed with more land than any other village; as such, they have the largest olive and grade orchards, and herd the most sheep. They're an important producer of wine, olive products, and wool. In the Middle of the village is the Temple to the Winds, known for the crows that inhabit it.
2 - Pyrsis - Pyrsis is the second most spiritual center other than Nephtys itself. It houses the Temple of Fires, which houses the Gate Rune in a statue of its previous bearer. A large pyre is always kept burning, as its believe flames hold sacred significance to the spirits. Pyrsis is known for its goats; the rocky land and sparse vegetation is not very good for growing crops, but goats seem to live comfortably. Goat cheese and milk is made here in large quantities to be consumed and traded to the other villages.
3 - Aquus - The third largest island, and the only large island with a fresh-water source that remains uninhabited other than Canathys. This is because it is completely covered in forests, which house many monsters - and in particular, the mysterious creatures known as Sirens, which inhabit not only the island itself but its surrounding waters. Sirens try to tempt men with carnal pleasures and their beautiful voices, only to keep them as slaves for some time, later to kill them and consume them. The ruins of the Temple of Waters is known to be on the island, and many brave pilgrims attempt to visit it. While a few are successful, most meet their demise.
4 - Errean - Errean, unlike the other islands, has a semi-tropical climate and as thus is covered in thick jungles. Humans have tried to set up a village here many times, but they have always failed. While it has plentiful fruits and trees, it lacks a freshwater source. This can be overcome because of the plentiful rains, but the large amount of vicious monsters are the true problem.
5 - Troptys - Troptys is an unpleasant place, mostly covered in salt-water marshes. Crocodiles are plentiful here, but even worse and much more dangerous things also lurk in the bogs. People have been forced to stop here because of a bad storm, but those that make it out make a point to avoid ever returning.
6 - Corsynth - Corsynth is a very small island, with few trees and vegetation, and has cliffs facing the sea on all sides. However, it does have a fairly good freshwater spring, which makes it a perfect place for the Wingers, who have set up a village upon the cliffs. Originally, many centuries ago, the village had no infrastructure and was designed entirely for wingers (who could fly and thus did not need bridges) but bridges were later built as humans started to visit here more and more. Now some humans even live here, living within the Winger village. The various cliff-sides on which the straw buildings of the wingers are built are connected by rope bridges to allow humans to live in the village.
7 - Galas - Galas is a barren land, in which a harsh wind from the sea is always blowing. The weaves are always beating violently upon its shores. It's hard to arrive at the island without crashing into the sharp rocks. The island is inhabited by Rocs, which are gigantic predatory birds. Rocs are sometimes dangerous to those traveling the ocean, though they mostly simply feed on fish and other creatures.
8 - Canathys - Canathys once had a prosperous village. It was covered by lush woods, and was known for its fruits and berries. However, around 230 Pre-Solis, mysterious monsters known as the Bandersnatchs. When they arrived on the island, they were said to have slaughtered the villagers. They are said to stand abotu 10 feet tall, be covered in thick bristly fur like that of an ape, have very long arms with sharp claws, and to cover their face with a red cowl. They're also known to be able to move extremely quickly and silently, and be very powerful jumpers. They also seem to have slight supernatural powers of concealment, being able to make themselves blend in with the forests.
9 - Farora - Farora is a rocky island, with not much on it. However, it has underwater caves that flow in from the sea on its sides, which serve as breeding grounds for sea serpents. As such, the waters around the island are specially dangerous.
