S - Exiles Island

== Exiles' Island ==
Exiles' Island is a remote and foreboding place on Sethrophos where individuals afflicted with lycanthropy are quarantined to live out their days in isolation. With its blend of historical penal practices and modern therapeutic approaches, Exiles' Island stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle against lycanthropy. The sanatoriums, with their focus on healing and management, offer a beacon of hope to the afflicted, providing a controlled environment where they can seek stability and possibly redemption. While the island remains a place of exile, it is also a unique society where the inhabitants strive to coexist with their condition and build a life amidst the shadows of their transformations.Governed by a unique arrangement between various kingdoms, the island receives regular supply drops and mail in exchange for the inhabitants' agreement to remain on the island, ensuring the safety of the broader population from the dangers of lycanthropy. This agreement is meticulously upheld, as the consequences of a lycanthrope escaping during a full moon are dire. The island is a blend of two distinct yet intertwined environments: a harsh penal colony and a network of specialized sanatoriums. Originally, the concept of sending convicts to distant colonies evolved into a system of segregating those afflicted by lycanthropy. Instead of punishment for crimes, the island serves as a containment zone for those infected, whether naturally, through bites, or by curses. These lycanthropes, ranging from werewolves to wererats and even rarer forms, live under the constant threat of their transformations, which occur uncontrollably during full moons.
=== Sanatoriums of Exiles Island ===
The island features a number of sanatoriums, historic institutions adapted to care for the lycanthropic population. These facilities, scattered across the island, are designed to offer treatment and management for those suffering from lycanthropy, much like the early sanatoria that treated tuberculosis and other ailments. Each sanatorium is strategically placed in the healthier, more serene parts of the island, usually amidst dense forests or on isolated hills, providing a semblance of peace and rehabilitation to the inhabitants. Sanatoriums on Exiles' Island are characterized by their robust construction, aimed at withstanding the powerful transformations of their residents. High walls and reinforced doors are common features, ensuring safety during the full moon. The facilities are designed to promote healing and stabilization, offering a range of therapies that include herbal treatments, magical wards, and psychological support. The emphasis is on creating an environment where lycanthropes can find some solace and control over their condition. Daily life in the sanatoriums is structured around managing the lycanthropy and providing a routine to the residents. Patients are encouraged to engage in various activities, from gardening to crafting, which help in grounding their human side. During the full moon, strict protocols are in place, with patients confined to specially designed cells to prevent harm to themselves and others. Staff members, often comprising former healers and those with experience in handling magical ailments, are trained to deal with the unique challenges posed by lycanthropy.
=== The Penal Legacy ===
The island's history as a penal colony is still evident in its infrastructure. Many of the buildings originally intended for convicts have been repurposed into sanatoriums or living quarters for the lycanthropic population. This dual heritage creates a complex social structure where the stigmatized inhabitants strive to create a community amidst the remnants of their punitive past. The initial transportation of afflicted individuals to Exiles' Island echoes the Meridian penal system's use of distant colonies for convicts. Ships regularly arrive, bringing new inhabitants to the island and taking back correspondence and requests. Settlement on the island is often a mix of reluctant acceptance and the formation of tight-knit communities, as the residents share the common struggle against their condition. Despite the isolation, a unique culture has developed on Exiles' Island. The lycanthropes, while feared and shunned by the outside world, find a sense of belonging and mutual support among themselves. They celebrate their shared heritage during the safer phases of the moon cycle and work together to ensure the well-being of their community. The sanatoriums play a pivotal role in fostering this sense of unity, offering not just medical care but also a social hub where lycanthropes can connect and support each other.