Estudo the Dilator

### Description:

Rather than being an actual island, Estudo is a giant turtle that wander the seas of Veritas with an entire ecosystem growing on his back. No one is sure exactly when Estudo moved into the region but it was likely sometime shortly after the Maelstrom began rescinding. During the conquest period of Veritas Prime, there were a number of skirmishes between Estudo and the imperial navy. In the end, the small communities that relied on the large turtle agreed to fall under their rule, wishing to avoid further conflict which would injure their guardian and home.

### What is this place like:

There are no major cities or landmarks upon the turtle's back. The few inhabitants on the island consist of a few small communities of mostly those races which are associated with the Plane of Water.  Since falling under rule of Veritas Prime, a much larger community of these inhabitants has thrived upon a large, mobile, submersible harbor that was built with the assistance of Veritas Prime tech that has come to be called Golden Reef Harbor.  This large vessel constantly follows a short distance behind Estudo and is used to receive all trading vessels as Estudo will either flee from or attack Veritas Prime ships that venture too close.

Their economy is a trade/barter system with any external trade consisting of trading the natural resources which grow on Estudo away to Veritas Prime in exchange for some commodities found on the Capitol Island.  Veritas Prime controls external trade via a large circular naval blockade that they maintain around Estudo at all times.  Foreign trading vessels are usually subjected to a hefty tariff in order to be allowed past the blockade and conduct trade though adventurers travelling to Estudo on business are usually exempt from this.

### **What are the people like?**

The majority of the inhabitants, particularly those who dwell within Golden Reef Harbor, are traditional followers of the ocean siren Gelocra.  As such, they have a rich cultural history of art and song that they have incorporated into their increasingly mercantile society in order to better sell their goods.  The bards of Ad Centrum Artium have been known to venture to Estudo on trips of artistic study and exchange though they have mixed opinions on the usage of art to promote goods and services.

Though many inhabitants have more or less embraced the influence of Veritas Prime and the advantages it’s brought, there remain a number of hardliners that resent the empire.  Most of these hardliners refuse to reside in Golden Reef Harbor, considering it a perversion of their culture and way of life, and remain on the back of Estudo.  Some, however, do reside in Golden Reef Harbor and agitate for casting off the subjugation of the empire.  These militants have taken to making pacts with Phassia in the hopes that her power will bring them the liberation and vengeance that they seek.

### **Any flora and fauna present here?**

The fauna on Estudo’s back consists mainly of amphibious creatures that can survive both on land and underwater in the event that Estudo dives underwater for large periods of time.  The flora similarly has evolved to be able to survive for extended periods in the open air as well as under the sea.  As a result, the salt content of these plants are abnormally high and though edible vegetables and fruit grows on the back of Estudo, their flavor is largely found to be unpleasantly salty by non-natives.  Though the vegetation is not prized for its culinary value, however, there are many plants with useful applications in the fields of alchemy and herbalism.

### **Important topological features**

The back of Estudo is rich with many natural resources including rare minerals and metals that can be found almost nowhere else.

### **Any commonly known rules / customs followed at this locale if there are any**

Gold Reef Harbor has a tall buoy attached to it via a thick chain that is enchanted to glow with an intense bright light in the dark of night.  This is so that the Veritas Prime naval blockade can always follow Estudo easily as he moves even when he and Golden Reef Harbor dive beneath the waves.  There is a strict rule that this buoy must always remain attached and be meticulously maintained as failure to do this would be seen as an act of defiance against Veritas Prime.

Related to the above, the naval blockade and Veritas Prime’s authority over any external trade is to be respected without question.

In addition, though it is not openly acknowledged, there is a long-standing magically-enforced gag order on speaking about or recording in writing certain elements of Estudo’s past, particularly with regards to past conflicts with the empire.  Those with a discerning eye, however, might catch hints within the physical performances that the art-loving inhabitants are known to put on.  It is believed that

For those that live on Estudo’s back, caring for the giant turtle that they call home is of the utmost priority.  A common duty involves cleaning Estudo’s unprotected areas (particularly his limbs) of large lampreys and other parasitic creatures.

### **Areas of note**

Apart from Estudo’s back, there is the submersible Golden Reef Harbor.  This miraculous vessel functions as harbor, market, village and submarine all in one.