The Bamboo Ward is a mysterious and largely unexplored island located off the northern parts of the Iron Isles, near the Nagan Empire. Locally referred to as "Bamboo Island" by fishermen, the island is almost entirely covered in three vast and dense bamboo forests. Despite its serene and seemingly tranquil appearance, the island harbors an enigmatic presence that has repelled any attempts at settlement, leaving it largely untouched by human hands.
Geography and Terrain
The Bamboo Ward is a relatively small island, with its most striking feature being the three immense bamboo forests that dominate the landscape. These forests are thick and almost impenetrable, with towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the ocean breeze. The island's coastline is rugged and rocky, with sharp cliffs that drop steeply into the churning waters below. The beaches, though narrow, are dotted with smooth pebbles and occasional driftwood, adding to the island’s natural beauty.
The interior of the island is a labyrinth of bamboo, with narrow, winding paths that are easily lost within the sea of green. The bamboo itself is of an unusual size and thickness, reaching heights that seem almost unnatural. The undergrowth is sparse, allowing for eerie visibility through the forest, but the constant rustling of the bamboo creates a sense of perpetual movement and unease.
Mystery and Legends
For generations, local fishermen and sailors have told tales of the Bamboo Ward, warning of its strange and otherworldly nature. Despite the island’s tranquil appearance, there is a pervasive belief that something ancient and powerful resides within the bamboo forests. This presence is said to be responsible for the repulsion of would-be settlers, driving them away with an unseen force.
Some legends speak of a guardian spirit, an ancient entity that protects the island from intrusion. Others suggest that the bamboo itself is alive, imbued with a mystical power that defends the island from those who would seek to disturb it. There are even stories of travelers who ventured into the bamboo and were never seen again, their fates unknown but widely feared.
Attempts at Settlement
Over the years, several attempts have been made to establish settlements on the Bamboo Ward. Each time, however, the settlers have been driven away by unexplained phenomena. Reports of unsettling noises, disorienting visions, and a growing sense of dread are common among those who have tried to live on the island. Some describe the sensation of being watched, while others claim to have seen fleeting shadows among the bamboo stalks.
In every instance, the settlers have abandoned their efforts, leaving behind only the remnants of their camps. The island’s reputation as a place of mystery and danger has only grown with each failed attempt, solidifying its status as a place best left alone.
Flora and Fauna
Despite its eerie reputation, the Bamboo Ward is home to a variety of wildlife. Birds and small mammals have adapted to the unique environment, living among the bamboo stalks and feeding on the island’s limited resources. The bamboo itself is an unusual species, thicker and taller than any found on the mainland, leading some to speculate that it is infused with the same ancient power that protects the island.
The island’s ecosystem appears to be self-sustaining, with the bamboo playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of life. However, the exact nature of this relationship remains a mystery, as the island’s isolation and the reluctance of researchers to venture too deeply into the bamboo forest have left much about the island’s biology unexplored.