Graves Island
| Graves Island | |
|---|---|
| Location | Republic of Randwell |
| Type | Island |
| Exports | Fishing and Agriculture |
| Population | ~300,000 |
Graves Island is an island off the northeast coast of the Republic of Randwell. The island contains a small city, a nature preserve, research facilities, and it's nominal graveyard. There's a ferry that travels between the city, Stycks, and the mainland four times a day.
History
During the Formation Era, Graves Island was used as a sacred graveyard, the journey to bury a body a pilgrimage. Pilgrims would carve their own canoes and paddle 70 miles to the island. These canoes would have etchings that symbolized the deceased's life. Some canoes have been kept and preserved, but most were turned into coffins for the deceased.
Many decided to settle at Graves Island permanently, either because they couldn't journey back or to assist those that come with transportation or burial rites. From there, a port and town was build and has since expanded.
In 2030, Graves Island was peacefully incorporated into Randwell with the consent of the acting mayor, under the condition that the graveyard was not to be touched.
Geography
The southern half of Graves Island is cliffy and mountainous, most of the residents live on the northern tip by the port or along the coastline. Approximately 20% of the island is forest and a heavily restricted nature preserve. A road along the perimeter connects settlements and is usually reserved for waste management or emergency services while citizens use the myriad of bicycle trails.
Trivia
The official food is the pavlova.
Some historic families and first settlers of the island have kept and maintained family canoes that they use as a record of family history.
It's a popular vacation spot for Randwellians. You can buy canoe keychains and swim with dolphins.