Crab Archipelago

Although the climate here is mild, this arid region enjoys only a brief period of rain toward the end of the spring. The sierra that connects the northern peninsula to the mainland blocks much of this precipitation, encouraging a broad inland desert. Despite the terrain, the area supports varied wildlife, including wild dogs, mountain goats, dwarf deer, and a range of species of monitor lizard. The many islands of the archipelago sustain shorebirds, as well as a unique species of crab that feeds among the plentiful mangrove forests. The crab is sweet in taste, but unsuitable for digestion if not first left to acclimate in a barrel of fresh water, replenished each morning for three days.

There is no prevailing culture here. While many signs of habitation exist—including settlements with signs of advanced material culture that seem to have been abandoned only within the past generation—opportunities for sustainable development appear meager. A recent expedition claims the mangrove forest of the western peninsular coast are suitable for occupation, however, there is an influential faction of scholars who contend this would have the effect of disrupting the delicate balance of the resident living system—citing, indeed, the many ruins of the region as evidence.