Sarchbel-i-Fannath

Also known as Whalebone Isle, this northernmost strand of the archipelago that lies off the tip of Forochel is aptly named, for the skeletal remains of these great mammals litter its southern strands for mile upon endless mile. Here the wounded or infirm members of this race come to die—at times accompanied by one or many kinsmen—beaching themselves on the pebble-strewn shoreline. Helpless, their carcasses are stripped by birds and other carrion, until only their immense bones remain to mark their passing. While other Jäämiehet who visit the island gather these bones for practical uses, the Valaskalan Palvonta reveres them as spirit totems, and therefore believes that they should be left in peace, lest the whales' spirits become angry and visit retribution upon the Merimetsästäjät. For this reason the Jäämiehet seldom visit the island, not wishing to come to blows with their Merimetsästäjä brethren. The Valaskalan Palvonta regards no one to be above their taboo, exerting whatever force necessary to prevent the profanation of the graveyard.

The southern beaches of Whalebone Isle offer excellent harborage for the Merimetsästäjä whalers, and their camps can be found near the island's freshwater springs. While the northern and western shores are rockier and less accessible by boat, they are excellent playgrounds for seals. Female seals gather here in large harems from early to late spring, while the bulls fight and contest mating privileges with one another. The higher cliffs on the northeastern side are the domain of gulls and terns. Whalers in search of eggs sometimes make the dangerous climb on these crumbling rocks to the nests.

Occupied only during the warmer weather of spring and summer, the camps of the Merimetsästäjät—whalers on the southern shores, seal-hunters on the north—may contain as many as a hundred men at the height of the hunting season, or as few as ten after the peak. The camps are mainly crude collections of sealskin tents centered around a small communal firepit. They are located on the same beaches and harbors year after year, though once abandoned for the winter, there is virtually no trace of their ever having been there. The Merimetsästäjät are willing to accommodate travelers, but travelers should not expect a great deal of aid or eagerness on the part of the Merimetsästäjät to part with much needed supplies, weapons or boats.

The entire southwestern tip of Whalebone Isle is one long strip of beautiful, yellow-white sand. It is rumored that no Elf may stand here without being overcome by the longing for Aman. For this reason, most Elves avoid the island.