Arthoum

Arthoum was the smallest of the islands west of the shores of the fortress library of Candlekeep.

Description
Arthoum, was similar to all seven islands west of Candlekeep. It was a rocky outcropping that sore above the Sea of Swords. It was a collection of fissured granite with temperate woodlands growing among the cracks. Pools of collected rainwater in rock basins and freshwater springs could be found on the island. Most of the island was barren and dotted with sea caves and geyser-like blowholes that released clouds of steam and water mist in fumes that darted up in the air from the crevices during storms. Its rocky southern shores were suitable for keelhauling large marine vessels.

Geography
Arthoum's northern shores were awash by Skoond's Run that separated the large island of Thelve with three of its southern sisters. Arthoum was the smallest and westernmost of the three, others being Nairn's Tomb and Askalet. Arthoum laid four miles south of Thelve and just a mile away from Nairn's Tomb.

Flora & Fauna
Arthoum's rocks house an impressive seabird population of thousands, and its rocks were marked by the birds' guano. Several species of predatory sea creatures could also be found on the island.

History
The origin of the island's name was lost to the ages. However, sages believed that Arthoum and its other six sibling islands were all named after sailors and settlers who claimed these lands in the long-forgotten past.