Igirsti

Igirsti is a fictional archipelago and cultural region in the northern Valdarian Sea. It consists of ten main islands and several islets arranged along a volcanic arc. In this imagined geography, Igirsti lies off the coast of Valda, with waters that support fishing and geothermal activity.

Geography and environment: The islands have rugged shores and central calderas on Eldar. The climate is maritime temperate, with cool summers, mild winters, and frequent fog. Local ecosystems include kelp forests, seabird colonies, and endemic plants adapted to volcanic soils.

Population and society: The Igirsti people are the archipelago’s primary community, with settlements on Eldar, Mira, and Soth. The Igirsti language is considered a language isolate with a strong oral tradition. Local governance blends customary practice with a democratically elected regional assembly.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy relies on small-scale fishing, mariculture, and ecotourism. Geothermal energy provides part of the electricity supply. Inter-island transport uses ferries and coastal launches, while a research station on Eldar supports marine and geological studies.

History and politics: Long inhabited by seafaring communities, Igirsti contacted outside traders in the early modern era. In the late 20th century it joined the Federation of Valda as an autonomous region, retaining local governance within a federal framework.

Notable features: Igirsti Ridge, a volcanic submarine trench; Fogsong Bay, known for frequent morning fog; and the Blue Kelp Reserve, a protected marine area.