Tessel

Tessel is an island off the coast of the former Escharian Empire in the Osterium Sea which has been a conflict region on several occasions. Key events which have happened here include the Turtlonian Wars, the Pit Conflict, the founding of Pittsburgh, the founding of Iron-Spire, the Auroran Occupation of the Island, the Auroran Deportation of the Island, and the Imperial Reclamation of the Island.

Overview
The western most part of the island was home to the civilization of Turtlonia, while the eastern part held an Elven subspecies before they were driven from the Island by Escharians. The Eastern Island is also home of the Tess who unbeknownst to the Escharians were in magical hibernation on the island, and are relatives of the Elves who were driven out. Later the western part of the island sunk during the Soleannen Ascension ritual, the major world event which saw the Escharian Capital be destroyed and sunk beneath the waves as well, as a result of West Tessel sinking.

As of April 10th, 2023, The eastern island is controlled by Farania, while the Western Island is controlled by the Soleannen Empire.

Religions
Tessel is sacred to many religions, from worship of the Void by the Turtlonians, to the Cult of the King of Dirt birthed by the Tess, Via's Gate, and and the Church of the Holy Sparks all on the Eastern Isle, as well as Soleanism on the Western Island. This unique assortment of traditions makes Tessel unique in the world of Rathnir, a truly sacred island, and one in which the Gods walk amongst us.

Climate
The Climate of the Isles of Tessel vary widely. The cold highlands of western Soleannen Tessel transitioning to a warm forest on the east of that island. Contrast that with the warm, humid subtropical swamp on the western part of Faranian Tessel, known as the Cursed Mire, which transitions to a mild but wet oceanic climate on the rest of the island.

Etymology
Tessel is named for the Escharian word for turtle, in reference to its original inhabitants. The word itself is a joke name originating from "Kessel" due to the connotations of it being a hive of crime.

The Tess also have a name for what they consider one island, Tess Treteske Tgeter, or "Ancient Home Land." This conflicting etymology may cause tension, but due to the sparse ancient sourcing due to the Tess only recently discovering writing, this claim remains dubious, but intriguing.