Thyra Isle
Off the coast to the southeast of Ediacara is the swampy island of Thyra. Due to the near constant rain that falls on the isle’s mountain range, Thyra is a waterlogged place with almost no dry land. Aside from the floating city of Khagzid, and the small handful of fishing villages along the island’s northern coast, Thyra is a place devoid of people. What truly lurks inland is still very much a mystery, with few souls wanting to brave the bogs and swamps that cover the island in what is sure to be, vain attempt at discovery.
What little is known about the interior swamps paints a picture of a primeval place that is home to beasts and plants that prey and hunt any and everything. Few expeditions have been taken into the interior of the island, and it seems that the isle is in no rush to give up her secrets.
Settlements, Towns, and Cities
Khagzid
Population: ~10,000
Sitting on the northern tip of the island and facing the open expanse of the Atalina Sea is the ‘floating’ city of Khagzid. While the city was originally built and founded along the small strip of the shore that is dry and stable, over the years, more and more ships, barges, and floating homes have moored themselves at the city’s docks and piers, causing the city to grow out into the ocean bit by bit. This is how the city has continued to grow over the years, giving it the title of the “Floating City.”
Looking after the day to day running of the city is the Capitan’s Table. This group of elected representatives make sure the city keeps above water, both literally and financially.
Life Along the Coast
Very few people live Thyra’s interior swamps, with most preferring to live on, or close to the coast. Life on the coast is one of fishing, sailing, and living off the sea. There are a handful of farms on the island’s dry parcels of land, but what little is grown there is used by those who grow it, with the thought of exporting anything nothing but a vague dream.
As you move inland, the island becomes a boggy mire that is antithetical to civilization and comfortable living. There are rumours of people eking out a life within the swamp, but those rumours are most likely nothing more than fantastical stories. Until concrete evidence of people living out in the mire is confirmed, it is advised to stay away from the interior of Thyra.
Landmarks & Points of Interest
These are limited to Thyra’s coast, with the interior still closely guarding its secrets.
Dragon’s Teeth
Extending from Thyra’s southern mountains and out into the ocean are the ship crushing spires of rock known as the Dragon’s Teeth. Countless ships have been dashed upon the Teeth; their riches sourced from the world over settling to the ocean floor.
It is the allure of this treasure that continues to draw ships to this deadly expanse of water. This in turn, leads to even more goods being lost to the deep as the Dragon preys upon those foolish enough to entre its domain.
The Luminous Mangrove
Within the mangroves growing along the coast emanates a ghostly purple glow that gives this stretch of Thyra’s western coast its name. Whatever is causing this glow is still unknown, because not a single soul wants to venture into the depths of the swamp to investigate.
Ecology
These animals are the ones that can be seen from the coast and somewhat below the ocean’s surface.
Humboldt Squid
Massive shoals of these man-sized squid are a common sight in most of the waters around Thyra. Also known as devil fish and orc eaters, these squid, while large, are no more dangerous than any other animal its size, and the stories of their overt savagery have no basis.
Now that is not to say one should go and fight with one of these cephalopods in the water, because a squid this large is still a dangerous animal, but a malicious beast it is not.
Pterosaurs
The high peaks of the island’s mountains, and of the Dragon’s Teeth, are the perfect environment for multiple species of pterosaurs to build their large colonies. These massive conglomerations of airborne reptiles are a sight to behold, with some colonies having up to a few thousand individuals.
These animals are generally harmless to people, but it is still advised to stay away from their colonies. Like most animals, pterosaurs protecting their young are sure to be dangerous.
Hydra
From time to time, sailors, and locals both report sightings of the many headed reptiles know as hydras moving through the swamps. These vicious beasts stick to the inland bogs and fens, only rarely coming to the coast, and thus, rarely running into the small number of people who call Thyra home.
While the hydra reported here are said to be smaller than those found elsewhere on Ediacara, it is still advised to avoid these monstrous reptiles if you can.