Scaetra

Scaetra is the westernmost of the Cluster Islands, both the longest and narrowest of the Middle Isles. In its position within the cluster it acts as a barrier island to the Inside Sea, and ships must either sail around the island or pay to be towed overland or through one of its many natural and artificial channels. The conduit switching stations were modeled after Scaetra's ship transition systems.

Shipbuilding is the primary industry on Scaetra.

Geography

Scaetra is a mountain range from one end to the other.  It is divided roughly into thirds, with overland and canal crossings at the narrow points. The northeast third is increasingly fractured into smaller islands, featuring numerous caves and a tangle of waterways. Three large bays on the ocean coast offer sheltered anchorage.

Climate

Scaetra's mountains divide its late year neatly between dry and wet. The range's eastern slope captures what little rain is carried by the prevailing winds during this time, leaving the west slope relatively dry for 5 to7 months.

Natural Resources

Although Scaetra is nearly all mountain, it is valued more for its forests than its minerals. Most of the timber harvested from the east half is sent to the shipyards on the west half, but some is exported to islands with less forested land.

History

Shipbuilding on Scaetra began before the atoll evacuations were complete. After the long journey across the Great Gap (now the Western Gap), Tideriders frequently came ashore here to make needed repairs. The mountain forests provided the raw materials, the long coastline reduced competition for favorable locations to anchor, and the late-year weather conditions were ideal for extended outdoor work.

The first canal was dug at the tip of the Split, which was until then the narrowest stretch of land between the ocean and the Inside Sea. The tidal circulation around the Cluster Islands created a natural current through the canal twice a day, saving boats a few days by passing through Scaetra itself instead of having to navigate the complicated passages around the island maze at the northeast tip. Another canal followed near the midpoint, and for most of the Volcanic Era those were the primary trade crossings.

By the early 1800s Vol, exploratory crews had rediscovered the Vastland and met the Valdians living along the Swiftwater River. Their river traffic moved upstream using a "raft ladder" that allowed boats to make incremental advances against the current. Scaetrans adapted this idea to create tracks that could haul boats up a gentle incline on land, making it possible to cross the mountains at a few low points, eventually increasing the number of viable island passages to seven. These tracks in turn were the basis for Walemin's design of the conduit system that carries most boat traffic around the Inside Sea today.

Tourism

Visitors to Scaetra have described it as breathtakingly beautiful, especially in the northeast. The islands so difficult to navigate for trade passage are perfectly suited to smaller boats leisurely exploring the rock and coral formations.

Bird fanciers can go for the opportunity to see brilliantly plumaged species living in the wild rather than on feather farms. Scaetrans are careful to keep their domestic birds separate from wild populations. As a result, their blue-caped crownbirds are a rare but spectacular sight.

For social experience, the port of Haerosc is given as the favorite destination. It's within the Pinch, a bay with a narrow opening to the ocean, and serves the two busiest boat crossings. Many boats pay their fee in a cargo cut, and tetherless traders often try their luck in selling speculative cargo, making Haerosc the single market with the greatest diversity of goods.

Type

Island

Location under

Middle Isles