Nordred Island

Nordred Island is the most northern land mass in Fynn. It is a frigid and inhospitable region where only the heartiest of people and best adapted animals live. Despite the extreme environment, it is considered the origin of the human race before they moved to the mainland. Today, most humans live in the Lunar Reaches to the south of the island. Many human clans integrate the island into their rite of passage and every year, hundreds of human youths make a pilgrimage to the island to honor those traditions.

History
Nordred Island have long been regarded as the birthplace of the human race. In fact, Port Nordred is seen as the first human settlement. Since then, however, humans have mostly moved off of the island, with most humans in the world living in the Lunar Reaches, just south of Nordred Island. Humans undergo a pilgrimage to Nordred Island as a Rite of Passage when a human turns 16 years old. Nordred Island is home to a seemingly immortal human named Serph the Elder. Speaking with Serph is the final stage of the human Rite of Passage.

Another race, the Maw Gazers, also makes its home within Nordred Island, and have become something of a mythical creature to the humans who inhabit the island. The Maw Gazers have established a small civilization within the heart of the mountain and island, living in colonies between the surface and the boundry to the Underdark. Maw Gazers are also responsible for killing (and consuming) some of the less savory creatures that crawl out of the Underdark, such as darkfolk and smaller worm species.

Geography and Environment
Nordred Island has one of the harshest climates in all of Fynn. Any body of fresh water is frozen over for most the year. Each summer day only experience about 8 hours of sunlight and as low as 4 hour in the bitter winter. Storms frequent the island, bringing strong, cold winds and ice rain or hail. Snow is suprisingly uncommon except on the island's mountainous center. The mountain is home to a handful of tribes of Ogres but is mostly dominated by Ice and Mountain giants. Elk is a common food source for man and beast alike, one of the few herbivores able to survive the extreme conditions.

The center of the island is made up of several very tall mountains. These mountains are covered in snow year round and experience heavy precipitation and high winds. Only the most hardy creatures live atop the mountains and their populations are scarce (ogres and giants mostly). Within the mountains, however, houses a complex and enormous tunnel system that eventually leads into the Underdark. The interior of the island maintains a more controlled temperature and is home to a colorful collection of different species of cave dwelling creatures.

Notable Locations
Port Nordred - Largest town on the island mostly populated by hearty humans and a few half-giants.