Vanderun Shards

Overview

The Vanderun Shards is a region in the southern part of the Enoshan peninsula, within Caer Esvander. It consists of broken land floating above a sea perpetually drowned in mist.

Geography

The terrain appears as if the ground has come apart. To the south, a slope gradually rises from the ground, and these heights are actually made of rocks and islands floating in the air above the Undersea.

Seismic Activity

Earthquakes frequently shake the ground when the floating islands collide with one another. A constant low rumble pervades the region, like a beast growling in the distance or distant thunder. The shifting of one block against another sometimes makes crossing between Shards impossible for days or weeks, when gaps grow too wide for rope bridges or folding wooden spans. Residents never venture out without grappling hooks.

Veins of Aerolith exposed by the endless grinding of rocks sometimes ignite, triggering explosions that cause collapses or landslides for miles around. Animals, particularly glyptoyaks, sense tremors minutes before they strike, providing early warning to shepherds and communities.

Water Phenomena

Sometimes, gigantic bubbles of water rise from the Undersea below and drown certain rocks among the floating islands.

Economy

The grassy expanses covering the islands are conducive to livestock farming. Caer Esvander’s trademark cheese comes from animals raised on these floating pastures. Glyptoyak herds undergo annual transhumance to high plateau pastures during summer months.

Water management is critical on the floating islands, as the landscape can change completely over years. Experts in hydrosystems travel between communities to redirect streams, manage reserves, and prepare for shortages.

Architecture

Buildings in the Vanderun Shards are constructed from flexible materials such as wood and straw, making them easier to repair or rebuild after seismic damage. Interiors are adapted for constant tremors—houses feature straps, ledges, and fastenings to secure belongings. Families eat on hollowed wooden tables with recessed slots for cups and plates to prevent spills during shocks.

Settlement Patterns

Farmsteads are scattered across the Shards, often miles apart. Children may walk an hour or more to reach hamlet schools. During long winter months, families have only each other for company. Communities maintain bell systems to warn neighbors of imminent earthquakes.

Transportation

Inhabitants resort to various contraptions to move from island to island, including gliders, aerostats, and airships.

Relationships

• Caer Esvander: Province containing the Vanderun Shards
• Enosha: Peninsula of which the region is part
• Undersea: Misty sea beneath the floating islands
• Dusk: City built beneath the floating rocks
• Aerolith: Mineral whose exposed veins cause explosions
• Glyptoyak: Livestock species raised on the floating pastures
• Kauri: Muna Exalt who grew up as shepherd in the region
• Arib: Resident of the Shards
• Fania: Former resident, displaced by earthquake
• Tadeu: Former resident, relocated to Svarograd