Melifera

Location of Melifera

Melifera is a vast territory located on the Meliferan Peninsula . It is dominated by the Emeraldwood - a notoriously dangerous jungle. There are a handful of small settlements on the coasts, but most serve as 'launch points' for veteran adventurers and treasure seekers that dare brave the horrors of this rainforest. Of those that enter, it is believed only about 15% return with their lives, and even less return with trinkets from the long lost elven empire that once existed here.

 Geography & Climate

### **Locations & Borders**

The Territory of Melifera makes up the entirety of the Meliferan Peninsula. It is bordered to the north on the Isthmus of Siladrael by Beorh. To the east is the Narrow Sea and to the south and west is the Trade Sea.

There is no "capital" of this territory but there are six large cities (mostly ports) which are the main areas that people enter this territory from. Port Venture, just a small boat trip from Port Inisbol in Fenara, is the largest. Mad Harbor and Blackmast are well-known pirate cities. The only large city that is in the interior of this territory is Elf Heart.

### **Climate & Geography**

The climate in Melifera is completely tropical. It is hot, humid, and rains near constantly (though the storms pass quickly).

The Emeraldwood, one of the largest rainforests in Arn, dominates nearly this entire peninsula. To the south are some mountainous areas called the Feycrest Mountains. A massive river, known as the Ennu Kat River, finds its source here, and cuts through the mountains which forms Lalora Valley and the Ennu Kat Ravine. At the southern tip is a large mountain called Avarel's Summit.

### **Flora & Fauna**

The foliage of Melifera is unlike anywhere in the world. Many species of tree and plant here are found nowhere else- not even in Kardath or Fenara. This area is known for it's magical properties, and many of the plants here have become infused with these energies. Some of these plants can even skulk around with a mind of their own.

The creatures from this area are extremely dangerous. The rainforest is fully of extremely venemous snakes, spiders, frogs, and lizards. Dangerous camouflaged predators stalk in the shadows, including displacer beasts. Some small areas are known to have feywild connections, so though rare, it is possibly to find fey in this rainforest (though it tends to be dark fey). Many elven ruins can also be found and they are often haunted by ancient undead creatures and forgotten magic guardians. There are also rumors of Green Dragons and Marids.

## History

### **Prehistory**

According to very old elvish archives, it is believed that this area once was a part of the Meliferan Empire- the proposed origin of all elf-kind. It is believed that all elves, including those of Solistria and Astrithyr as well as the Shadow Elves and Drow, originated from this lost civilization. It is also believed that the Eladrin of the Feywild were originally Meliferan Elves who crossed over and got lost in the Fey, where they were slowly transformed.

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 Culture & Society

### **Culture**

#### **Views on Magic**

The Meliferan Peninsula is like a beacon of wild magic, and many wizards, warlocks, and sorcerers are drawn here to study these strange energies and the unpredictable nature of the weave. The culture in this area towards magic is very welcoming.

#### **Religion**

Religion is not central to the culture in this area and is *mostly* related to mariner worship of various weather or water-based deities like Koa Da and Tirias. There are worshipers of gods of luck and fortune, of course, in regards to successful treasure hunting and protection from jungle threats. This includes Torav, Shemar, Sylanna, Nerys, Dagmera and Arlo. Some folks who were brought to this place in search of magical or historical discovery worship gods like Darseros, Avarel, Mhrgala, Emris, and Elan.

Due to the nature of this place, it is not surprising that many cults that pop up here are to gods of a darker persuasion- especially those who value greed or theft. The biggest ones are probably Khalil and Rana followed by Alathan, Vanar, Lalora, Hisila, Hrevakh, and Nolzrudd. This is not to mention the dark deities worshiped by the local Lizardfolk, Yuan ti, and Sahuagin.

#### **The Arts & Architecture**

The arts aren't really of import in this area, though one might find travelling bards in port taverns looking for inspiration. Architecture tends to be rather crude, utilitarian, and made of local materials- mainly rainforest wood and limestone. Most buildings are built on poles to survive flood waters during constant monsoons. Weatherproofing is *extremely* important.

### **Society**

#### **Racial Tolerance**

No one in these areas are likely to care that much about one's race, unless they originally came from an area of extreme bias. You can find people of all shapes and sizes here. This place, like Fenara, is an area that many outcasts end up in, so people tend not to judge on anything other than character.

#### **Sex, Gender & Orientation**

Due to the insane level of racial and cultural diversity in this area, there is no dominate mindset on the complexities of sex, gender, or orientation. Most folks know better than to assume anything about anyone around here- they are more focused on whether they are reaching for their weapon or trying to swipe something.

#### **Demographics**

Though humans are still the dominant race in Melifera, it only makes up about 30% of the population. There are huge populations of elves, gnomes, and halflings. Dwarves are slightly more rare, but just as common as dragonborn (mostly green and bronze), tieflings, half elves, half orcs, and genasi (mostly water and air). You can find many individuals of so-called barbaric races here- especially Lizardfolk, Sahuagin, Merrow, Goblinoids, and Merfolk. This place is also home to many Silver Dragons in disguise as humans.

## Politics

### **Government**

Hahaha. Government. This place is ruled by individual city-states, most of which are controlled by pirate kings and criminal organizations.

### **Laws & Alliances**

"Take What You Can; Give Nothin' Back" is the only law around here.

## Economy

### **Agriculture**

You would be hard-pressed to find any major farming settlements in this place. However, along the coast there are some to feed the local populations. They typically grow Corn, Beans, Squash, Tomatoes, and Cassava.

### **Major Industries**

The only major Industries in this territory is trade of dangerous or magical or historical artifacts and fishing. Treasure Hunting and Piracy is the main game.

### **Trade**

Trade dominates in this area- typically things that have been found in the jungles/ruins nearby or smuggled from other places. Things easily found here or in one of the many black markets include rare magical artifacts, historical elvish relics and tomes, and rare plants, poisons, and animals.

## Crime & Major Threats

### **Crime & Criminal Organizations**

Lots of fucking pirates man. Black Markets.

#### **Drugs & Smuggling Operations**

Opium, Koka, Hashish, Lopho, and Dangerous Artifacts and Books are smuggled through here.

### **Outside Threats & Raiders**

The biggest humanoid threats are Lizardfolk and Bullywugs. Yuan ti are found to the south but tend to stay within their own territories. Sahuagin and Merrow raid along the coasts. Gnolls and Goblinoids roam to the far north near the entrance on the isthmus. Kuo Toa can be found in the darkest regions of the forest.