The volcanic islands are a young and unique nation. Made up of five distinct clans, entirely comprised of crustacean species, each of these mysterious islands inhabitants descended from a variety of coastal shore crabs whose habitats ranged from tropical reefs, to deep sea volcanoes who overtime settled on a chain of islands rich with ore and minerals. Thus this unique adaptation of fire proof shells was passed down and inherited by the vast majority of the islanders through polygamy and intermingling of species.
Once part of the ocean monarchy, these early crustaren settlers were granted land on mass on the volcanic isles inhospitable to all but them, in exchange for yearly tributes of mined valuable ores and construction of the monarchy prized dreadnaughts. When the livelihood and autotomy of the the clans was at risk, one after another the islands revoted seeking independence and the right to rule themselves as in the old days. Not willing to lose their most profitable colony, the monarchy sent the entire western armada to quell the uprising. A long an arduous war of independence followed between the armies of fire and water, but in the end, Crustaren ingenuity, perseverance, and a great deal of luck won the day, driving out their old comrades from the motherland and establishing a strict isolationist policy which is still in effect 200 years later.
Not much is known about the crustaren in how they have changed since then, as contact with outsiders is a rare gift not given to many. From what rare documents can record, the Crustaren are a secretive, yet uniquely spirited people. Celebrating ancient customs and rights of passage long since abandoned by other modernized united cultures.
Unparalleled in war yet cautious to pursue it knowing the hardships that come with it, they remain neutral in all conflicts that are of no concern to them to this day.
Arch historian of anthropology Khel kem vorus.
Orevan University. Transcribed Year 1066