Vintos' Scattering

**Vintos' Scattering** is an archipelago located in Isocéra, situated between the islands of Isocéra and Exaltos. Prior to Isocéra's unification, the archipelago served as a focal point for trading conflicts between the Exaltosian Domain and Asoxo. Despite its small population, consisting primarily of impoverished fishing villages, the Scattering occupies a strategically significant position along crucial shipping lanes. These lanes facilitate the transportation of goods from the fertile lands in eastern Isocéra, through Vinia and Gashing Bay, to the rest of the nation, as well as for foreign merchant ships. The archipelago's straits are a necessary passage for voyages due to the treacherous waters south of the Twisted Isles extending to Crabswarm Island on Rugerda's coast, known for sudden storms and lost ships.

The origin of the archipelago's name remains a topic of debate, with two main theories proposed. The first theory suggests that the name stems from an ancient pirate king who purportedly conquered the islands. However, no evidence supporting the existence of such an individual has been discovered, and it is likely a local legend shared by most villages in the region. The second theory relates to a myth surrounding a giant commonly referred to as "Binta," who was allegedly dismembered and cast into the sea somewhere in Isocéra. Nevertheless, a different archipelago known as Binta's Remains, located off the northern coast in the Northeast Isocéra Region, aligns more closely with this myth. It is possible that both sets of islands share a common origin for their nomenclature, although the truth behind their names remains a mystery.

## Geography and Environment

### Geography

Vintos' Scattering consists of eight larger islands, accompanied by numerous smaller uninhabited islands and rocky islets. The five larger islands in the north are administered by North Vintos Proxy, while the three in the south are of South Vintos Proxy.

#### North Islands

The northern islands include Elidis Island, Vinox Island, Lamppost Island, Gix Island, and Oloxos Island situated further south. Among the main shipping lanes, one passes between the coastal islands and the southern coast of Isocéra Island, traversing the port at Asoxo. Vessels passing through the archipelago can utilize the central lane between the northern and southern islands, navigating between Lamppost Island and Oloxos Island.

#### South Islands

The southern islands consist of Anox Island, Solodo Island, and Irixis Island, arranged from west to east. The primary southern shipping route passes through the port at Yaxo, travels between Solodo Island and the northern coast of Exaltos, and around Irixis Island.

### Climate

Vintos' Scattering exhibits a generally warm climate characterized by mild seasons and significant rainfall throughout the year. The weather patterns resemble those of Gashing Bay and the southern coast of Isocéra, with frequent cloud cover.

### Flora and Fauna

The islands, including the larger ones, offer limited arable soil, resulting in sparse vegetation primarily consisting of shrubs and beachgrass. The absence of large land animals is notable, with seabirds being the most commonly observed creatures, including the Sheenéan tern, red-footed booby, Gashing gull, and occasionally the elusive lonely cross-star. Local inhabitants primarily rely on fish for sustenance, with the green herring and southern perch being the most prevalent species.

## Culture

Due to its historical subjugation under larger powers from Isocéra Island and Exaltos, Vintos' Scattering has experienced minimal development of distinct regional culture. Communities on the islands primarily consist of individual villages that rely on fishing for their livelihoods. The area receives considerably less tourism compared to the surrounding coasts, although the lighthouses located on Elidis Island, Gix Island, and Irixis Island attract some visitors.