Centralia island exists in the center of a large grouping of islands called the Rine Archipelago. *MAP* The Archipelago is large and has mostly been explored at one time or another. The people of Centralia, however, were not great makers of maps and anything not immediately of value or entertainment was unfortunately overlooked and forgotten.
The predominant language of Rhine seems to be Ferric. In most cities Ferric may be the only language spoken. On Centralia island it is becoming increasingly likely to run into someone who speaks Paroli. The commonness of Paroli is caused by the power of the southern trading companies and by the influx of refugees from seige of Karfelon.
The Rhine archipelego is situated quite far north. Two months of every year, Napen and Obem (months 8 and 9), the islands are completely ice-locked (the Freeze sometimes starts during Murh and occasionally lasts into Pim). It is during the Freeze that the islands of North Point and South Haven come into their own. The two islands provide clear docking area for sea going vessals to load and unload their cargos. This cargo is transported to the ice-skimmers that provide tha main means of inter-island transport during the Freeze. Despite the bitter cold of Rhine winters, many travellers visit during this time of year to participate in Centralian holidays and watch the skimmer races.
It is only on a couple of the smaller island much further north than Northpoint that life becomes impossible during the coldest weeks.
The rest of the year follows the normal progression of time. The oceans Thaw and life returns to its more normal state. Because of the frequency of reefs in the archipelago, the number of Nesting Pods is also greater. Watching some of the colorful birds that are native to Rhine first fly from their floating nests in the spring is a beautiful sight.