It's actually a giant island forest filled with nothing but fungi, mostly mushrooms though, and is actually not entirely inhabitable unless if given properly charmed/enchanted equipment. After pirates try to raid the island, they begin to die because of an overdose of natural toxins in the air, this is why the charmed/enchanted equipment is there. When people begin to figure this out, which is a secret of the island, you really aren't supposed to speak anything about the island. Because whoever visits is never supposed to tell anyone the enchantment spells, fungal species or anything whatsoever. After centuries of being around the species of fungi have come to cross breed spores and it has led to different types of fungi on the island. That's why only certain people are allowed on the island. There are also strict restrictions as to who can come on to the island. No researchers, prospectors, armies, bandits, thieves, or mages of any kind unless allowed by Mycel himself. Most of the good on the island is inedible except to the mushroom people, as it is poisonous to other people besides them. Cannot forget, no animals for the trip either, they could turn into a fungal creature of sorts, and don't eat any food given unless if it's food they found outside of the island, otherwise you might as well not head there at all except for the soup, as that's the only edible thing there for other nonplant like people. There's a short summary, now I'm going to lie down and sleep, as I am tired.