Scara

The island of Scara is the northernmost island in the Athvrean Archipelago. The island is characterized by its extensive alluvial plain and floodplains. The largest city on the island is Serrador, other settlements include Elvossis, Myvara, Scarador, Tarnoren, Varasyn, and Velcaron. Outside of the major urban centers of Serrador and Scarador, much of the island is engaged in agriculture. Fishing villages dot the western coastline of the island.

Scara is home to around 5 million people.

Scara is considered the melting pot of Athvrea as its proximity to the northern islands of the inner sea make it the first island earlier sailors would've encountered. As such, Scaran culture bears aspects of previous Horvakar incursions and Lepittanian traders. Despite these influences, Scaran is often used as shorthand for someone particularly devout to Cyridia.

In addition to the four traditional festivals of Cyridia, festivals related to the sea, seafood, and fishing are common in coastal settings. This, along with sea creatures being a consistent them in folk art likely represent Horvakar influence.

Scaran culture is more direct and blunt than other islands. This has led to a perception of Scara as a rude backwater, although those who have been to the island will know this honesty is tempered with an unusual hospitality.

Individual villages tend to treat their priest as a first among equals and often expect clergy to be cooperative participants in communal problem solving. This is often jarring for clergy who are transplants to the island and expect deferrence. Still, the power of the Clergy of Cyridia and the Golden Hand are omnipresent.

Scaran fashion tends to be austere with the exception of the major urban centers. Clothing is usually undyed linen in the form of tunics, pants, and dresses. Tans and greens are common as well. Finer clothing for festivals uses dyed thread of with glass beads to create intricate patterns. Common patterns include blissroot leaves, ocean waves, and fire. Well off Scarans may substitute these beads with semi-precious stones. These festival pieces may also be dyed in any color, although light colors are popular given the climate. Serrador and Scarador tend to feature more mainstream Athvrean fashion.

Scaran cuisine features fresh seafood along the coastline and the use of smoked and salted fish and meat further inland. Poultry dishes and goat milk and cheese are other common constituents. Rice is more popular than millet, but the two are often used interchangeably. Papaya, persimmons, and the citrus fruits of the island are served both dried and fresh. Fruit leathers using local lemon juice for preservation are considered a favorite treat; festival stalls often have tens of varieties and Scaran parents often use it to bribe their children. Spices and dishes tend to be eclectic, reflecting the various cultures that have influenced the island.

Whereas most of Athvrea features flat roofs, Scaran roofs tend to have a slight pitch. Stilted homes are common in areas near floodplains and marshes. Basements are rare to nonexistent. Woods featuring an orange hue are popular for building. Cypress is avoided as a building material as it is said to invoke the creatures that live in the marshes. Affluent Scaran homes often feature an inner courtyard with a shaded porched. Homes are treated with preservative stains but painting them is rare. If a home is painted, it is usually white.

One of the foremost stories in Scaran folklore is that of Koriter Shattersteel. At a time when the nomadic peoples were still enslaved by the native Athvreans, a great invasion landed on the island of Scara. Koriter's master was slain in the fighting. Koriter, not one to let his people be conquered once more, rode into the mountains of Scara in search of Rimerend. Rimerend is said to be a longsword that formed from the Shivering King's blasts in his battle with Cyridia. It is said one beam fell to the mountains and left the sword behind. Following many trials and tribulations, Koritar recovered the sword and rode into Tarnoren. Here it is said that he left off his horse in the buff and slew 500 men alone before routing the enemy forces. Many Scarans of nomadic descent believe this was a major reason the Clergy of Cyridia banning slavery after seizing power in their counterrevolution.