User blog:Glflegolas/Biome of the Week -- Issue 15 -- February 19, 2017

Good day folks,

It's been a while, but I haven't given up on the Biome of the Week! However, multiple snowstorms over the past week got in the way, as did updating the wiki for the Easterling update. But now that that's all squared away, I can go back to featuring biomes. I was originally going to feature the Eryn Caran, but that biome is so new that there really isn't much information available about it (and secondly, I've never visited it). So, today, I will be featuring a biome located throughout Belagaer: the Island.

Where are they?
The Middle-Earth islands include three relatively large islands, named Himiling, Tol Fuin, and Tol Morwen. Of the three biomes, Tol Fuin is by far the largest, and includes both the main island itself and twelve smaller islands around it. Himling is just off the coast of Lindon, and is about the same size as Tol Morwen, the westernmost of the islands. These islands were once mountains in Beleriand, before that was destroyed at the end of the First Age.

In addition, there can occasionally be smaller, randomly generated island biomes in the ocean. These are generally relatively small.

Despite the fact that the islands really aren't far from Lindon, they're not inhabited, although the Noldor did spend a bit of time on the islands in the Second Age.

What do you like about this biome?
What I like best about this biome is that it makes a peaceful getaway from the wars and troubles that plague the rest of the continent. There are never any bandits to worry about, and invasions are virtually unheard of. There are plenty of animals for food, and I'm sure that you'll find plenty of grass and sugarcane, to make various alcoholic beverages. Offshore, there are Elven Ruins that contain very valuable loot. Be careful when looting them though, as it's very easy to drown accidentally.

The terrain on these islands is equally beautiful; rolling hills, lakes (often containing smaller islands within them), green grass, and the occasional dense forest.

Any advice for travellers?
Bring a boat or barrel. That's the most important piece of advice I have for you. It'll take you forever to swim to these islands. Also, be aware that living on these islands will kind of turn you into a hermit. If you want to be in on the action, and you've decided to make your fort there, you'll need to travel a considerable distance to help your friends. But this same fact makes these islands great for pacifists.