• Information • [Scalvoris] Lore

[Pegasus]

The Towns & Villages

When most people hear Scalvoris, they think of the island as a whole. Technically, it is actually the name of the first and largest town, though this has come to be called Scalvoris Proper, or Scalvoris Town when people feel the need to differentiate. Colloquially, Scalvtown is the usual name for it

Having travelled through Trieds Mouth, as well as the myriad of exciting and different views and sights along the way the first view of Scalvoris would be.. Well not very exciting honestly. Scalvoris is entirely encircled by a wooden palisade cutting it off from view. This is roughly two stories high, wide enough for people to walk around the top with ease and has murder-holes to shoot through while staying in cover. There are large double-doored gates leading both to the extensive docks and piers and at the opposite side of the town where a path leads on to the Tower and then Gunvorton.

Off to one side of Scalvoris Town, though, there is the Menagerie, the place where the animals and mounts for the Scalvoris Military (The Elements) are bred and trained. This is an astonishing sight, soaring into the skyline and is much, much more interesting to the visitor than the fairly boring town itself.

Most of the original inhabitant of Scalvoris have moved to Almund. A few have stayed. Still, the overall population has gone up due to the influx of academics, scientists and scholars from Viden Academy and the inevitable treasure hunters, wild animal enthusiast and thrill seekers who are more and more evident across the island. The majority of Scalvoris' supplies are shipped overland from Gunvorton. Once a boisterous town of debauchery and anarchy, then one of intense xenophobia, Scalvoris has become for the most part one of intense discipline, extensive study and a refuge for academics.

The housing in Scalvoris Town is interesting. It reflects the strange history of the place in that it is completely random; just about every size, shape and design of home is in Scalvoris town and no two buildings are alike. It must be said, the locals really quite like it that way.

The main point of interest in Scalvoris Town is the University of Viden: Scalvoris Campus. The opening of this campus has allowed a unique opportunity for exploration around and throughout the island. From Scalvoris Town, expeditions and scientific explorations have made their way out in their droves.

Due to its placement, also, Scalvoris Town has the unique property of being warmer than the rest of the island. This is thought to be due to the underground caverns and how the volcano runs underneath the island, but no one really knows for absolutely sure. In fairness, although it's odd, it isn't the strangest thing that's going on so mostly folks just shrug and, should one of the many tourists ask, the reply is pretty much the same. "This is Scalvoris."

It sums it up, really.

Scalvoris Town Fast Facts

The Town of Scalvoris Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: Leigh Birch
Elements Presence: Yes. All four branches
Bank Available: Yes
Sand: Green
Religious Presence: High
Most known for: Academia, Viden Academy

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

Faldrass is an oceanic volcano which is the closest thing to a 'tourist spot' that Scalvoris has. Faldrass is rarely very active, and is often visited as during its more dormant phases it is covered with quite enjoyable hot springs, though a person has to be careful not to leap into one which is too hot. It occasionally does wake and belch dark smoke, sometimes with lava lazily winding its way into the ocean, slowly expanding. In a few hundred more Arcs, it might even connect with mainland Scalvoris.

A complete search of Faldrass would also turn up some natural caves, often empty, but sometimes containing beasts that flourish in the heat. In Vhalar 716, one of the more enterprising Scalvorian residents set up a "luxury retreat" on this small island. Just a few small cabins and a reception area, but no longer are the hot springs just something one can pop in to, now one can pay coin for the privilege, and get a massage whilst staying there! As the time goes on, this retreat is growing more and more popular as it has a great attention to detail, a focus on excellent customer service and it is staffed by almost impossibly beautiful people.

Faldrass Fast Facts

Faldrass Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: None specifc. Mostly Merchant
Elements Presence: Yes. All four branches
Bank Available: Yes
Sand: Orange
Religious Presence: Low
Most known for: Faldrass Luxury Resort

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

If the bay is Tried's Mouth, this small island is the tongue, rising dark, icy and almost permanently windy from the waters surrounding it. It's craggy peaks are covered in rough footpaths, rope and stone bridges in various states of disrepair due to the elements, and shrines. Immortals' Tongue is filled with shrines to the varying Immortals, dotted around the paths, apparently randomly. These shrines range from intricately carved huts and gazebos to simple piles of stones.

There are often offerings left to the various Immortals at these shrines, many of the residents of Scalvoris and the travellers who pass here or visit specifically hold a belief that here in the cold wind, the Immortals are listening. Its also not uncommon to find the remains of someone who either slipped and fell or succumbed to the elements. While most of these unfortunates get tipped into the ocean, often after having their pockets checked, there is still the rare skeleton, stripped clean or perfectly preserved corpse uncovered from a snowy grave when the winds shift.

Its said that the pious can hear the whispers of the Immortals in the moaning of the wind. Even those who dismiss this as superstition know that the Immortals are somehow closer here. While near any Immortal has at least one shrine somewhere on the Tongue, there are major ones to U'frek, Chrien, Raskalarn, Zanik, Ilaren, Karem, Syroa, Mastes, Ethelynda, Treid, Aeva, Qylios and even the mortalborn Ethelm. Many of the shrines have guardians or wardens on them, either visiting regularly or staying for some time while they tend to the place.

Immortals' Tongue Fast Facts

Immortals' Tongue Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: The Devout
Elements Presence: None
Bank Available: No
Sand: None
Religious Presence: Total
Most known for: Shrines to the Immortals

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

Ishallr itself is actually a very small island which one could walk every square foot of in a break, but this tiny island is unique in that it is covered by a permanent iceberg that has lasted longer than any live Scalvorian can recall.

Because of ocean currents and particularly the ones bringing significantly warmer water from Faldrass, Ishallr is an ever-changing catacomb of ice caves. What is present one trial might be gone the next. It's not unusual for wrecks from the Mouth to wash up onto or into Ishallr. It's also not unheard of for a variety of oceanic creatures to set up camp there, the mix of cold and warm waters as well as the shelter of the caves allowing some very bizarre and rarely seen creatures to flourish.

As of Vhalar 716, a strange group have set up on Ishallr. This small little gang are living on the tiny island and recording the many and varied creatures which they seem positively excited to be discovering. When they row to the main island for supplies, they explain that they have been able to find some 'statis' ice caves and this has afforded them this remarkable opportunity. They're an eccentric bunch.

Since the start of the collaboration with Viden Academy and now, with a campus of the same on Scalvoris, there are a number of expeditions and explorations taking place across the island, but nowhere moreso than Ishallr. There are many opportunities for discovery in this strange place. For the hardy, the brave or the downright foolish it is a place where vast treasures and amazing discoveries await.

The cataloguing of the flora and fauna found on Ishallr is an ongoing process ~ but it is worth to note that the constant shifting and changing of the caves is a phenomena not fully understood and so this place has more than the usual share of danger to it.

Ishallr Fast Facts

Ishallr Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: The Academic
Elements Presence: Small, but all four branches
Bank Available: No
Sand: None
Religious Presence: None
Most known for: Ice Caves, Scientific Expeditions

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

On the Western shores of Scalvoris sits the strange Scaltoth Jungles. Whilst there is no doubt at all that these jungles have existed as long as the island itself, there is next to nothing known about them. The reason for this is that, on the whole, people who go in there either don't come out or don't come out quite right. Those few who have returned have done so with stories of strange creatures, which is saying something for Scalvoris, plants which try to kill you and warring tribes of unusual and almost feral humanoids. Unanimously, people who hear these tales have refused point blank to believe them; whether that is because they genuinely don't believe them or because they actually just don't want to consider how likely they are to be true, remains to be seen.

As one gets closer to the Scaltoth Jungle, the boundaries of the area are marked at regular intervals by tattered flags. These all depict the same thing, a burning white tree on a brown patched background. There has been some speculation about what that means, what it signifies as a symbol. Theories range from the jungle having bushes and trees which are immune to fire to it somehow symbolising an anti-Immortal viewpoint. At the moment the meaning of the symbol on the flags is as much a mystery as who put the flags there to begin with.

At the moment, all that is known about the Scaltoth Jungle is known through legend and rumour. Therefore, some of the information below might be slightly or wildly inaccurate. It certainly is not guaranteed. Also, there might be things about the Scaltoth Jungle which are true, and very important, but not written here. As information is discovered this post will be updated. It is said that:
~~ if you sleep there, do so on one of the higher level tree branches~there are grasses and plants which feed on flesh and blood.
~~ the Immortals walk there and often wage war, thus ravaging the jungle itself and creating even more strangeness.
~~ there is a waterfall in the very middle of the Scaltoth Jungle which holds the secrets to eternal life.
~~ there are warring tribes of mutated humanoids who have reverted to an almost-feral state.

Scaltoth Jungle Fast Facts

Scaltoth Jungle Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: None
Elements Presence: No
Bank Available: No
Sand: Not Known
Religious Presence: Not Known
Most known for: No one knowing anything about it.

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

Looming over the entire island and visible from almost everywhere, the three mountains of Syper, Yfan and Raegar sit on the north-east corner of the island. Although the three snow-capped giants dominate, there are a number of smaller hills and mountains around them.

At this point, these mountains are largely unexplored. There are some of the Elements Troops, specifically the Air Troops who venture up there to collect eggs from the Enormowl, for example, or other strange flora and fauna. However, they tend to make specific trips and in large numbers. Even from these few excursions, they say that there are many strange creatures and plants in this area for anyone hardy, or foolhardy, enough to explore. There are even whispers of mountain tribes living up there, carving out an existence for themselves from the harsh terrain.

One strange thing which people know about, is that there are flags which mark the territory around the base of the mountains. Not one of them, though, like around the perimiter of the Scaltoth; here there are three flags. Always in the same order and, just like the Scaltoth Jungles, no one know who puts them there.

There is the belief amongst those who talk about such that each mountain has it's own tribe, it's own eco system and it's own mysteries to solve. However, these are all just stories. Until a proper exploration begins, well... who knows?

Scalvoris Mountains Fast Facts

Scalvoris Mountains Overview & Link Map
Council Representative: None
Elements Presence: Air troops visit
Bank Available: No
Sand: Rainbow
Religious Presence: Not Known
Most known for: No one knowing anything about it.

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

The Tower is an extremely well constructed piece of architecture. Several stories high, there is a singular entrance at the bottom. First noted in records as far back as Arc 500, this had been a military base of some kind, it seemed, but since the shadow beast attack of Vhalar 716, the Tower has undergone a change of some kind. Still a well defended and highly secretive place, it has become evident that the Tower has become a place of some scientific interest to a range of people. During Zi'da 716, those who live in Scalvoris reported a lot of strange equipment going in there and a lot of people too. A variety of people, scientists, warriors and just plain odd-looking folk were seen going in there during that season and, to a one, the people of Scalvoris will tell you.

Not one of them was seen coming back out.

The Tower stands sentry on one of the only two true roads connecting Scalvoris Proper and Gunvorton, and it is by this road that supplies are brought in. It is a constant source of discussion amongst the locals and, late at night, strange lights are often seen.

Please note:
The Tower is a moderated location. It is absolutely fine for players to mention it, go past it etc, but any exploration of it must be discussed with a Scalvoris Prophet beforehand and is likely to require a moderated thread.

The Tower

[/googlefont][/style2]

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

The main bay on the island is referred to as Treids Mouth. This is because it is often dotted with icebergs, colorfully referred to as Treid's Teeth. The local Scalvorians, particularly those of Almund take great delight in telling people about ships Treid has chewed up, ie, when the wind or inexperience sees a ship wrecked on the ice, or what a close-mouthed bastard he is, when the bay has frozen over keeping all but dedicated ice breakers locked in. However, following the attack of the Shadow Beasts in Vhalar 716, a change overtook Scalvoris and with the disappearance of the Pirate Lords, a very strange thing happened; although there are still icebergs, there is almost always (except in the coldest weather) a clear path of water through Tried's Mouth, large enough for a competent captain to steer their way with relative ease.

The reason for this is completely unknown and seems to be more likely to be the lifting of what had previously made Tried's Mouth so dangerous, rather than a new addition. This has been a major boost for Scalvoris as it allows the free trade with Viden and other areas which has helped to boost their economy.

Another new sight along Tried's Mouth are the exploration and science vessels which are becoming more and more commonplace to see. The rich and diverse ecosystem which Scalvoris is built on means that there are many rare, unusual and downright unique species on land and under water here, and the understanding and cataloguing of them is becoming more and more common a sight.

Treid's Mouth

][/googlefont][/style2]

[Pegasus]

Landmarks & Small Islands

Watch is located at the entrance to Trieds Mouth, the bay Scalvoris sits within. It takes a good half trial more, after passing Watch, to reach Scalvoris. Which would make it an ideal outpost.. if anyone was interested in conquering the nearly permanently snowy island.

Still, tradition dictates that Watch is always manned and so it is! It is whispered that part of the Pact between the twenty Pirate Lords insisted on it, also. There is generally only one Watchman or Watchwoman at a time, though occasionally a particularly masochistic or desperate family might take the job on. Watch is fairly rundown, drafty, much of it is abandoned and crumbling and has a distressing tendency to list in bad weather. Its also not unknown for Watchmen to slip on the near constant ice and fall to their deaths. Particularly given one of the very few perks of taking on the position.

Free booze. The same tradition that states there has to be a Watchman, also states that he or she is entitled to 'as much alcohol as is necessary to make tenure tolerable'. This has been interpreted extremely liberally. Some might argue that a Watchman who is completely off their face all the breaks of the trial is a bit useless, Scalvorians would inform them that they quite frankly do not care. Although, should one speak to one of those who knew the Pirate Lords about Watch, they might have a different answer.

Watch

[Pegasus]

Geography

Appearance

Scalvoris sits in the far north east of Idalos, rising out of the waters and creating a jagged silhouette on the skyline. The island is in a rough u-shape meaning that boats enter into the bay almost in the very middle of the landmass.

The small archipelago is as diverse in the geography of its landscape as it is in its residents. The majority of the main island is hilly to mountainous, with a rugged and untamed feeling. There are a few grassy areas and some tracts of rich land, although the majority of the soil is hard and difficult to work. Upon approaching Scalvoris it seems like it will be a frozen and inhospitable place, which was certainly the experience of the earliest settlers. However, the volcano which sits on one of the smaller island runs under the island meaning that, in places, the earth itself is warmer than would be expected. Therefore, even in the grips of Cylus and with its placement in the extreme North of known Idalos, there are places on Scalvoris which aren't the frozen tundra one might expect.

It is worth to note that there are a number of very small "isledots" as the locals call them all around the shoreline of Scalvoris. Many of those will have one or two houses on them, inhabited by people who are happy to be isolated, who like the house or who live there because they like to live there. Whilst these are not all detailed on the map or identified with individual write ups, they are definitely there and are as much part of trial by trial life on Scalvoris as any other strangeness.

Often, however, these "isledots" are only accessible with a sea or air mount or a boat. Some of them are inhabited whereas others are not. There are many who believe that there are even more strange flora and fauna to be found on these 'isledots', but thus far the scientific teams haven't got there. There is also the legend that every area of the island is connected by a series of interwoven tunnels, snaking underneath the water level. Again, this has not yet been confirmed or refuted.

The events of Vhalar 716 and, in fact, many events before that have meant that Scalvoris is a haven to unusual flora and fauna. Strange creatures both large and small flying in the skies above the island are a common sight and the waters are filled with unique, wonderous and sometimes dangerous beasts. The volcano belches out smoke most trials and, every now and then, a deep grumbling noise emanates from it like a grandfather complaining at being woken. A glance into the skies usually shows a number of flying creatures, the oceans are filled with the unusual and bizarre and the land itself has a plethora of strange flora and obscure fauna. Approaching from the west, the Scaltoth jungles rise into view but no matter from which direction Scalvoris comes into sight, the three mountains on it, nestled together in south east rise in dominance of the skyline.

As one travels into Scalvoris Bay, through Treid's teeth then Scalvoris Town comes into view. It is as strange a mismatch of a town as the island itself. Some of the buildings one can see from the approaching boat are beautiful and intricate, others are higgledy- piggledy structures which seem unlikely to survive for too long. Yet, like everything else on Scalvoris and despite all odds, they endure. The Menagerie, the place where the land, sea and air mounts are bred and trained for the military is also a sight which greets many visitors to Scalvoris, being a much more interesting structure than the town it sits next to.

From snow covered mountains, an active volcano, ice caves and multi-colured sand, the island of Scalvoris boasts more strangeness than might be easily understood by the casual visitor. There is no doubt though ~ up and down the island, there are many, many things to discover.