Chiroptera

Chiroptera is a duchy in the south of Hu, located east of Ursidia. It is comprised of over 800 islands of varying sizes. Over 100 islands are inhabited with some smaller islands occupied by a single castle, villa or estate or a village with less than 20 households. The area's island topography is characterized by very steep tall headlands or mesas.

The area is generally temperate but the islands have many microclimates such as hot, dry rainshadow deserts, areas with high rainfall and humidity and three highlands and peaks with an alpine climate.

History

Chiroptera was once divided between aggressive warlords who would engage in naval battles, sieges and invasions by sea. Thus a large part of the naval warfare tactics and technology utilized by the Kingdom of Hu and throughout the two kingdoms in general originate from Chiroptera. Chiroptera is also known for the curved swords preferred by its warriors and pirates.

The long period of warfare is also responsible for the many castles and fortresses which can be found in Chiroptera.

Economy

The settlements of many Chiropteran islands are dependent on seafaring trade for provisions. The trade network is controlled by the Merchants League which has three charter houses in Chiroptera each overseeing an area with many islands.

Chiroptera is also notorious for its pirates (perhaps this too stems from the era of inter-island wars). Pirates and rovers make this a high risk area for trade but the Ducal navee and the Merchants League work together to combat the pirate menace. Meanwhile, some Chiropteran pirates sail the high seas outside of the Duchy in larger vessels. They may be granted letters mart from the King of Hu or the Merchants League to target Long Kingdom or non-league ships.

Culture

Some warlord clans have evolved into a fireside armchair nobility. The people of Chiroptera speak a Hu language variant with 9 consonant phonemes.

Famous Chiropteran historical figures include sadistic and tyrannical barons, infamous pirates and a half-dozen noteworthy astronomers and philosophers.