Mastodon Isles

Generally harmless and tranquil, the **Mastodons** are excellent barterers and tradesmen who exploit the islands' main natural resource - their hot springs - for massive profits. Mastodons are generally isolationist so it can be hard finding one outside of their islands.

## History

As far as anyone can remember, this island chain has been inhabited by an elephant-like species, known as Mastodons, for millenia. Around two thousand years ago, when the first humans from Gvilderstaaten arrived to these islands, they initially thought they were uninhabited, and thus established many settlements on the islands' numerous rocky shores.

They were met with surprise when they saw humongous creatures emerges from caves (they later found out they built their cities inside those cave systems) and come near their settlements. Knowing they would never be able to defeat such foes in battles, the settlers left in a hurry, only to return decades later, this time with arms.

Many millitary expeditions with aim to subject the Mastodons were launched, and even though this species is not one for war or conflict, their sheer size, physical strength and national unity meant that they had no trouble repelling the invaders. Decades and then centuries passed, and humans from Gvilderstaaten, Zapalovach and the Isle of Wizards saw that trying to conquer the Mastodons was a fruitless effort. Thus, a new era of diplomacy and trade blossomed, and many merchants and diplomats sought to establish friendly relations with these gentle giants.

Trade posts were built in many of the islands, and many Mastodons learned the trade tongue of northwestern Giantstep. Seeing as many humans and hobbits were awestruck at the beauty of their archipelago, and particularly the numerous hot springs that were dotted around the land, the Mastodons took advantage of this and built many bathhouses and resorts, bringing in massive wealth to their realm, as even to this day many aristocrats from all over the world will spend a fortune to enjoy the many amenities of the island and quietly retire blissfully while living in one of the many resorts dedicated to wealthy foreigners.

## Government

In ancient times, the Mastodon Isles were divided amongst many different seneschals, usually with each one governing their own island. According to many historians that have studied the historical archives of the Mastodons, the "Seneschal Era" - as it's known - came to an end shortly after the first human invasions. What came afterwards is known as the "Lönchenpo" period, which extends even to this day.

The Lönchenpo, which roughly translates to "Religious King", is the leader of the Mastodon Isles, and fashions himself as an Emperor. He is advised by nine ministers, known as the Nine Gezins, and is both a religious leader as well as a political one, authorized with both passing laws, as well as foreign diplomacy. The seat of the Lönchenpo can be found on the largest island of the archipelago, Amdo Khaman.

## Economy

Apart from tourism, which is the largest industry in the isiles, due to the various hot springs and bathhouses, Mastodons are widely known as excellent blacksmiths, forgers, builders and even architects. Even though Mastodons are not fond of travelling outside their home islands, whenever they do is when they are paid huge sums in Gvilderstaaten, Scimitaria or Azan to do contractual work for kings, emperors and other patrons of the arts.

Mastodons are also sought out for in the west for their fighting prowess. However, due to their generally peaceful nature, Mastodons are very rarely willing to fight as mercenaries, so the few that do are highly valued. Even more so are Mastodons that are taken by slaves. No slavers that have landed on the shores of the Mastodon Isles have ever returned, so the only times Mastodons have been caught as slaves are during sea raids of merchant vessels that are transporting Mastodons, usually belonging to Gvilderstaaten.

## Geography

The Mastodon Isles have come to be known by foreigners as "The Islands of Black and White", due to the black sand beaches and white limestone cliffs that are found in this archipelago. These volcanic islands are filled to the brim with volcanoes, gigantic cliffs, geysers, calders, crater lakes and sulfur pools.

## Culture and Society

Mastodon society is based around clans, or extended families, that each inhabit a specific area in their underground cities. These families are usually led by the eldest female, and are considered sacred by Mastodons; one individual is expected to be loyal and serve his kin above anyone else.

Mastodons place a great importance on writing poems, stories and hymns, usually carved on large stone tablets, that are larger than even the Mastodons themselves.

Even though Mastodons are wise, intelligent, peaceful and patient creatures, they are known for holding grudges, which might be attributed to their incredibly good memories. It is said that a Mastodon might remember a misdeed done to him even two centuries have passed from that event, often with almost perfect graphic detail. This could explain why historiography has such deep roots in the Isles.

## Religion

The religion of the Mastodons is simply known as "The One Faith". Mastodons follow strict doctrines, imposed by their religious leaders (Tajra Genjins, or "Chief Monks"). The belief of the One Faith is that through prayer and meditation one can achieve harmony with nature and themselves, and ascend to the point where they escape the cycle of reincarnation.

The Mastodons that follow the "Enlightened Path" meditate using hypnotic, low frequency huming music, with the combination of psychedelic incenses, with the aim of reaching spiritual clarity.

This religion was developed in the Mastodons' Isles and many merchants from all over the world have brought religious icons and statues back home, spreading this faith to many ports in the West.

## Foreign Relations

The Mastodon Empire maintains a principle of strict neutrality, pledging to never interfere in foreign wars. This neutrality pact extends to diplomatic and mercantile matters, which means that at all times, merchants and diplomats from all over the west can be found at the Isles' shores.

## Demographics

### Mastodons

Mastodons are intelligent creatures, that resemble bipedal elephants, with long snouts and two sets of heavy tusks. Their skin can vary from dark grey to white, and they stand at three times the height of the average human or elf. Mastodons make their homes inside large, underground caverns and grottoes.

These subterranean dwellings are the cause of admiration and amazement of architects and engineers all over the world. They feature gargantuan, daedalic structures of scarily accurate geometric proportions, carved out of stone, and often include many complex and strange contraptions that are useful for both security, as well as decoration. Not only that, but Mastodons apparently have devised a way to secure these underground cities against the many earthquakes that plague their islands.

The Mastodons, due to their long snouts and strangely shaped vocal chords, speak in a manner that's extremely difficult for any other race to understand. They use a series of prolonged vowels, hums and consonant clicks made by flapping their large tongues and other nasal sounds. To this day, few foreigners have ever learned the Mastodon language, and even fewer have come to speak it.

Even though Mastodons have the longest lifespan out of any known race, with some living beyond five hundred years, their numbers are very low, due to their slow reproduction. Mastodon females can only give birth once or twice in their lives, and Mastodons typically reach sexual maturity at 150 years of age. The Mastodons, despite their large size, depend little on food, as their extremely slow metabolism means that they eat large meals only once per week, which usually constitute of large broad leaves or fish.

Although Mastodons make up the majority of these islands, they can be rarily found outside their underground cities, with maybe one or two of them living in a coastal settlement, inside a giant sized residence designated for Mastodons.

### Other

Apart from Mastodons, Humans from Zapalovach, Gvilderstaaten, Waldemaria, the Isle of Wizards, Scimitaria and even Mossovoy can be found in small, coastal settlements or bathhouse resorts where merchants, nobles and diplomats come and go as they please. Additionaly, hobbits, gnomes, elves, dwarves and orcs can sometimes be found alongside them.