Kalythos Isle

From WFU Wiki
Ancient ruins among the northwestern peaks

Kalythos Isle is the second largest island of Atheryin, lying directly north of Lyria across the Strait of Dunai. The island's cold and hostile environment has left it largely undeveloped, though many settlements by Friddja peoples exist far north of the Nokana Empire's southern Kalythos Canton.

Etymology

The earliest references to the island originate from the Lyrians, who officially referred to it as Kalaetos. This became the collective name for the sparse colonial efforts on the island from Lyrians, who eventually became culturally distinct from the southern empire after integrating with local Friddja peoples. There is record of a Lyrian-Friddja pidgin term, perhaps used by locals before Taryphos colonization, transliterated as Kyllätus. Its origin is largely unknown.

History

One of the few landmasses in Atheryin without widespread permanent settlement, Kalythos' history is one shrouded in legend. Those stories that have been recorded from its earliest years show the island as a highly contested, highly volatile land, telling of mostly transient settlers seeking refuge from other forces. 

Early History

The first reported settlements on Kalythos are attributed to a small, nomadic race of Men, believed to be Vihrean slaves of the Thällin freed by the Prospects after they were exiled from the kingdom of Thäl. These nomads came to refer to themselves as the Friddjakavuu, or Friddja, upon their settlement of Kalythos. Word-of-mouth legend from the Friddja speaks of "sea-skin beasts" in the northwest where they first migrated to, driving them further south and southeast. The Friddja then largely settled in the island's southeastern and central Tulivall Mountains, gathering around several old-growth Pola groves believed to possess godlike or supernatural powers. Some Friddja retreated further into the mountains, worshiping several Earth-Gods known to dwell in its caverns and peaks.

Friddja civilization flourished for centuries during the Kudes Era and the early years of the Dawn Era. However, a decadal winter storm system known as the Surr made it difficult for the Friddja to maintain their success. Delicate agricultural efforts were soon abandoned for more practical hunting and gathering practices, leaving the Friddja to live a rugged, isolated lifestyle.

Arrival of Lyrian Dissenters (Dawn 1–Dawn 26)

During the Lyrian War of Reformation, a large amount of Kendaeist dissenters left the Empire for new lands. Naturally, one of their first destinations was the nearby Kalythos Isle, where they settled mostly along its more temperate southern banks. However, due to post-war inquisitions and bounties placed on cult leaders' heads, those settlers fled further north, encountering the Friddja.

Geography

Topography

Climate

Culture