Lectures on the Inhabitants of the Savage Creek

Lectures on the Inhabitants of the Savage Creek is a book recovered from the belongings of Makaria Urilius left at Black Scar Redoubt.

## Description

Discussing the Savage Creek Hills, a large arboreal region in northwestern Ahlus, this collection of notes seems to have once been used at the various schools of teaching at the Academy of Rydoon.

## Research

### Completed by Arnica

The Savage Creek Hills has long been considered by the Hollow Concord to be one of the boundaries of their territory, although this has not often stopped folk from Rydoon and its surrounding settlements from venturing within and beyond. In truth, the residents of Mightmoor frequently travel through the region by means of fishing skiffs upon the River Khi to bait the waters of the Bay of the Ghost Crab to the north, and the furs and game afforded by the more terrestrial inhabitants of the region, particularly that of moose, deer, bears and wolves. Likewise, colonies of dragonborn, goliaths and minotaurs are known to reside in diffuse familiar or tribal groups, typically maintaining a subdued, subsistence-style lifestyle away from more conventional civilisation. Nonetheless, there have been occurrences, both historical and more recent where tensions between neighbouring groups have reached a boiling point, spiralling into violence. Whether through ritualistic duels or challenges, or bloodthirsty raids and sieges, these conflicts are known to sometimes spill over onto the surrounding lands, with a number of fisherfolk reporting having to dodge arrows, spears, javelins and projectiles of more arcane nature when passing through the region. Most enthralling, and concerning, however are reports that some of these colonies have domesticated a number of monstrosities sometimes found nearby, namely chimeras and manticores, while others have enlisted trolls and ogres to aid them in their feuding.

Speculation is rampant as to why this uptick in hostility has occurred of late, with a number of reasons posited. Most simple is perhaps that of undeniable competition, whether for land, resources organic or otherwise, or maybe instead just in pursuit of dominion and glory. As populations grow, they demand additional sustenance, and with increased pressure on the region due to the arrivals brought with the advent of the Bristlebacks, food, lumber, ore and stone supplies are at threat of becoming further contested. Other proposals are more insidious, suggesting instead the conflicts are being guided by a sinister architect seeking to revel in the resulting carnage, with cults of Ophidian, Venari sects, draconic scheming, evil-aligned fey or demonic incursions being floated as possible causes. While these are surely improbable, it remains a worthy question of why such an entity, if it does indeed exist, would seek such a thing. Some beings revel simply in the chaos, for sure, but it may very well be that it is instead being used as a cover to prevent prying eyes from interrupting search efforts.

The Savage Creek Hills is rumoured to be home to a vast hoard of invaluable art created by the greatest artisans of the Giado Territories. The Giadoese, while perhaps more now known for their cultivation of peppers and similar spices, were acclaimed artists, particularly within the mediums of pottery, sculpture, ink painting and calligraphy. During times of war, it was said that the Giadoese would secure their treasures in hidden vaults so that should their efforts in combat fail, their foes would not be able to seize the prized objects, many of which had been maintained and treasured for generations. As such, it has been speculated that during the chaos of the Manifestation, a few amongst the population enacted these efforts to protect their Realm's culture, sealing vast quantities of priceless art away. Numerous searches have been made for this legendary cache, but all have been for naught - and as such is considered folly. Given the amount of Giadoese art recovered in ruined settlements since, including that of the Governor's Palace in the capital of Kiha, it seems unlikely that this cache has ever existed, particularly given the Eclectic Eclipse's historical investments in chasing after such tales. As such, it seems that the conflicts are instead just a symptom of fundamental needs of any living being, and their plots and ploys to sustain themselves and their companions.