Hy-Brasil (ruled by Michael and Galatea Lust)
Category: Uncategorized

Hy-Brasil (ruled by Michael and Galatea Lust)
Category: Uncategorized

Welcome to Hy-Brasil

Geography: Hy-Brasil is situated west of the Southern part of Ireland. Tales and legend has it that the island can be found sailing west from the Ring of Kerry or Galway. Old maps depict the island as a small circular island that is parted by a big river. Shallow-water shells have been found at Porcupine Bank, somewhat northwest of the most likely location of Hy-Brasil. Even further north, similar shells were discovered at Rockhall. So, there is evidence of land mass changes in that part of the Atlantic Ocean. The most distinctive geographical feature of Hy-Brasil is that it appears on maps as a perfect circle, with a semi-circular channel through the center.

The river parting the Western and Eastern part of Hy-Brasil is called the Black River due to the black and red sands that the rivers carry from flowing through certain areas of Hy-Brasil. It’s origin are a multitude of fresh water springs situated on the North Eastern and Western side of the island, where they flow down to the ocean, carrying fertile red sand with them. They mix with sea water and the water of many hot springs that form a flat, volcanic area towards the North. Here the black volcanic ashes and ground is eroded. The red and black sands are very fertile which might explain the lush and overwhelming amount of flowers, trees and crops on the island. That led to the name the Blessed Isle too.

Where the waters running from the Northern hills meet the volcanic area lots of geysers and hot springs add to the mythical mist that hides the island from unfriendly eyes and unwelcome visitors. Partially the hot springs are fed by fresh water and ocean water, due to the cavern beneath this part of the island. It is speculated that the volcanic activity of the island as well as the climate change over the eons caused the rise and fall of the island, but the constant shroud of mist hiding the island against the horizon more than likely is the main reason why Hy-Brasil has not been discovered more often by passing sailors from the main European continent.

The Western and Eastern coast alike are characterized by steep falling cliffs. The Western shore falls towards the Black River, which means that this area receives a lot of rain and holds the most fertile farmlands of the island.

The Eastern coast rises steep from the ocean and is unfriendly to approach. On its far Southern peak a watchtower guides the way into the calm and shallow waters of the mouth of the Black River and the largest harbor of Hy-Brasil. Despite the height of the Eastern plateau springs can be found here that feed a few lakes and smaller rivers that cascade down the Eastern cliffs at some places. Where these waterfalls and the rough ocean currents meet vapor rises also, which adds to the distinct fog shrouding the island.

Upon the Eastern shore of the Black River lies also the largest city of Hy-Brasil, Cimeria, just below the Watchtower and not far from the friendly beaches of the Southern coast of Hy-Brasil.

Climate/Ecology: The climate of Hy-Brasil lacks seasons for the most part even though it could well be described as oceanic. The Gulf Stream carries warm waters past the Eastern and Southern coast and the volcanic activity in the North ensures a steady mild climate.

The summers in Hy-Brasil are mild, rarely hot and it rains regularly. Spring and fall seem to lack completely. Winters can be cool, but usually lack frost and snow. Only the highest point and most Northern regions know snowfall, which doesn’t cover the ground for long though. Winters can be very rainy though.

Due to the mild climate, fertile grounds and consistent amount of rain the island the vegetation is evergreen and trees as well as flowers steadily bear blossoms and fruit at the same time. This caused many of the legendary tales that the trees of Hy-Brasil were ever in blossom and the flowers carried jewels.

Farmlands produce crops all year round and livestock grows fat and healthy on the evergreen pastures of the lands.

Upon the cliffs of the Eastern and Western coast many seabirds breed. The waters around Hy-Brasil strive from the constant flow of small organisms that live in the Gulf Stream, so the waters are full of fish. A curiosity is the high amount of cetae living in Hy-Brasil’s waters, which is likely due to the Lady of Hy-Brasil as well as the so called “Daughters of Hy-Brasil”.

Economy: The inhabitants of Hy-Brasil are mostly farmers and fishermen, although everyone in Hy-Brasil shows hospitality to the guests coming to the island. The larger settlements house lots of training facilities as well as accommodations for those coming to the island for rest, retreat and recovery.

Main source of income export in Hy-Brasil are the trade of seafood, crops and livestock, but also medical care, wellness and physical training. Guano and seabird feathers are another trade item of the island. A mild form of tourism adds to the income. Indeed some of the trees of Hy-Brasil produce gem like fruit that are sold for making jewelry and glassware. Silver and gold are found in the Black River and in the caverns below the islands formed by volcanic activity; both metals are traded too, but also source of the wealth of even common people.

Due to the wealth of goods and food the inhabitants of Hy-Brasil enjoy culture and education so that even the simple farmer has access and time to education. The school system consists of a primary school, which takes care of smaller children from age 5 to 12 and is followed by secondary education from 13 to 16. After that the most skilled students can join the Council of the Wise and become learners of lore there.

Overall the people of Hy-Brasil are relaxed and open minded to all visitors, no matter their origin and nature. Therefore population consists of all sorts of species from demonic realms to heavens, but mostly simply people whose decent is from Atlantis, Avalon and the European continent.

Government: Hy-Brasil is ruled by the Lord and Lady of Hy-Brasil, Michael and Galatea Lust. A small of group of advisors and elders from the settlements on Hy-Brasil give council to the family. As the island is rather small and has only few inhabitants there is no need for a larger council.

In Cimeria however sits the council of the wise, which takes care of the schools and tends to the libraries of the island as well as medical research. Their medical masters offer their aid to everyone in Hy-Brasil, receiving their pay from the gathered taxes.

The capitol also holds the largest training facility of the island, famed for the excellent training of warriors. The guards trained there are directly commanded by the Lord of Hy-Brasil or his son. The best fighters and warriors, that have proven their worth in the guard, are then called to the “Round Table of KOED”, making them knights of the realm.

The “Daughters of Hy-Brasil” take care of different aspects and regions of the island, depending on their skills and preferences. They all serve the Lord and Lady as councilors and bring word from their region to court, tending to the matters of each region as a guardian and councilor.

Religion: Due to the variety of inhabitants there are several temples that are taken care of by the “Daughters of Hy-Brasil”.  Just outside of Cimeria a temple can be found that serves the worship of water deities, including the Lady of Hy-Brasil.

History: The island has been visited by many people for centuries. Both Saint Barrind and Saint Brendan found the island on their respective voyages, and returned home with nearly identical descriptions of Hy-Brasil, which they dubbed the “Promised Land.” One of the most famous visits to Hy-Brasil was in 1674 by Captain John Nisbet of Killybegs, Co. Donegal, Ireland. He and his crew were in familiar waters west of Ireland, when a fog came up. As the fog lifted, the ship was dangerously close to rocks. While getting their bearings, the ship anchored in three fathoms of water, and four crew members rowed ashore to visit Hy-Brasil. They spent a day on the island, and returned with silver and gold given to them by an old man who lived there. Upon the return of the crew to Ireland, a second ship set out under the command of Alexander Johnson. They, too, found the hospitable island of Hy-Brasil and returned to Ireland to confirm the tales of Captain Nisbet and crew. The last documented sighting of Hy-Brasil was in 1872, when author T. J. Westropp and several companions saw the island appear and then vanish. This was Mr. Westropp’s third view of Hy-Brasil, but on this voyage he had brought his mother and some friends to verify the existence of Hy-Brasil. 

The island was said to rise from the ocean or be revealed from the fog shrouding it every seven years. It did indeed rise from the ocean before Michael and Galatea took rule over the island. Since then only the fog has shrouded the island from view, although it is lifted at need whenever expected visitors approach.

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