Alta

See also: Isla Arbojan • Veridia • Las Islas Perdidas

In terms of size, the middle of the Triada of Altierra but considered the most important as it housed the Tierrapuerta, the portal through which the English and Spanish settlers passed through from Patagonia.

Etymology

The name Alta is Spanish for "high". It is unclear whether this refers to the high mountain terrain or the fact that it is the location of the principle Cregan and the Arcipresta Suprema.

When the English settlers first arrived, they named it "Albion". The Spanish settlers initially named the island "Nueva Castilla" but renamed it "Alta" in the year 42, once they had conquered the whole of Altierra.

Geography

Alta is a mountainous island, about 685 miles north-to-south, and 750 miles west-to-east (excluding islands).

The highlands are much higher than Veridia and Isla Arbojan, and is is much wetter because of the altitude and position with open sea to the west.

It sits between 28° and 40° north, and 9° west and 11° east (excluding islands). The zero meridian runs through the Cregan.

Climate

Climate

• Dry Mediterranean or warm semi-arid climate.
• Hot, dry summers, especially near 35–40°N.
• Mild, wet winters with rainstorms.
• Strong seasonality in rainfall.
• Potential for fog and coastal winds from cold offshore currents.

Typical weather

• Summer: 30–35°C, sunny, dry.
• Winter: 10–15°C, occasional rain and storms.

Influences

• Cold ocean currents.
• Maritime tempering: less extreme heat or cold than inland areas.

Illarion establishments

The Cregan

Position: 37° north, 0°

The Cregan on Alta is Casando (from casa meaning "home"), centred around the location of the Tierrapuerta, the original portal. The first structure was a church built around the crack in the cliff that was the portal. When Divara replaced Christianity, the building became a temple. Then the cregan was constructed around the temple, beginning the tradition of all cregans facing west.

Over the years, Casando has grown unnecessarily large, primarily as a result of when other Cregans threatened to surpass it in size or beauty.

The Bestia school

The Bestia school on Alta sits within the Cregan itself for three reason:

• Casando is so large that it easily accommodates the school.
• There are relatively few Bestia on Alta.
• The limited suitable land on the island.

Towns

There are few towns on Alta because of the size of Casando, the small population and the limited suitable land for settlements. Casando has its own port so there is no need for another harbour.

Images

Inland landscape