The Barony of Skara Brae

An island nation-state, Skara Brae is a land unto itself. It works cooperatively with the rulers of Caledonia, but if the people don't agree with the political atmosphere, then they clam up and they refuse to belong. Braens are either your staunchest supporters, or your most indifferent enemies.

As a small, volcanic isle, Skara Brae isn't home to a very large population... or is it? No proper census can be taken as most of the Braens live in homes built into the hillsides, sand dunes, and cliffs. Or even on the sea, itself, many in houseboats. The dwellings of each village are all connected by underground passageways, as well as by paths worn into the land outside. Stonehaven is the largest of these underground villages, followed closely by Argyll.

The island is small and therefore the people are mostly involved in cottage industries; many are craftsmen, potters, weavers, boat builders, and crafters of instruments, particularly harps, bagpipes, and horns. Boats and related products are the primary export. Many also take advantage of the abundant natural resources, as farmers and fishermen. The land is quite fertile due to its volcanic nature, and it makes for great grazing land for sheep and some cattle. Most houses grow their kitchen gardens on their roofs.

There is one above ground "city" on Skara Brae. The City of Rothesay, home to many of the island's shipbuilders, leaders, naval forces, and its trading center. However, the Braens tend not to trade too much with the outside world, other than their nearest mainland neighbors in Corbenic. The Braens, as they tend to be somewhat secretive, tend not to trust outsiders right away. However, once they've warmed to an outsider, they tend to accept and treat their new friends as family.

Part of the mystique of the island is due to a large fae population, particularly selkies and their ilk. They've used the presence of the volcano (though currently dormant) to spread tales of previous Pompeii-style eruptions to keep people away. They wish for most people to stay away and not learn what a gem their island home is. Between the natural resources, and the large percentage of the population that has magical ability, the Braens have banded together to protect themselves from the abuse of the wider, more industrialized and power-hungry world.