Markovia (mar-KO-vi-a) is a tropical island in the northern Sea of Sorrows, a land of inexplicable lushness amid the cold, eternal fog. Dense forests blanket the island, echoing with the cackle of tropical birds. The verdant vegetation is awash in vibrant flowers and fantastic insect life. The canopy blots out all light, so that the forest floor, tangled with vines and tree roots, is perpetually swathed in shadow. Markovia's interior is mountainous; the black peaks, draped in green forest and white wisps of cloud, rise up to touch the sky. Spectacular waterfalls roar down the sheer mountain cliff faces, plummeting into misty, crystalline ponds. The island's beaches are narrow but idyllic strips of soft white sand surrounding placid lagoons. The shore is dotted with ancient basalt statues, peculiar human figures with their heads and arms upraised to the sky.

Major Settlements

Unknown.

The People

Population: Unknown.

Languages: Unknown.

Religions: Unknown.

Despite its pristine beauty, Markovia is far from uninhabited. Sailors on the Sea of Sorrows have spotted structures on the island, including a monastery of ashen stone on the southern cliffs. There are regular sightings of "beast-men", creatures that appear to be animals yet walk on two legs and wield primitive tools and weapons. These disturbing encounters aside, many domains are eager to exploit Markovia's exotic and valuable resources. Unfortunately, colonists who have attempted to settle on the island have vanished without a trace.

The Law

Markovia has no formal government. It's ruler, if any, is unknown, The lack of an obvious civilization would seem to indicate that the island's master is either a recluse or a barbarian king of the legendary beast-men.

Trade and Diplomacy

Resources (not exploited): Sugarcane, bananas, yams, cassava, pineapples, coconuts, tuna, pearls, oysters, timber, gold, silver.

Coinage: None.

As stated, efforts to establish permanent settlements on Markovia have met with failure. Even vessels that ply the waters just off the island's coast - usually seeking pearls amid the vast oyster beds - have a disturbing tendency to run aground suddenly on hidden shoals.

Magic

Despite its fearsome reputation, and lack of civilized settlements, no ones knows how prevalent magic is in Markovia.

Characters

None.