Manicae

The Realm of Manicae is a large area on the eastern shores of Attollendum. Manicae is a generally beautiful area with diverse flora and fauna ranging from grassy fields to dense forests and even towering mountains. The area is bordered by the dangerous Caebus sea to the east and is home to some 3 million sentient inhabitants, along with countless other creatures of varying shapes and sizes.

## Geography and Climate

Manicae has a very diverse geography from flat grasslands to mountainous regions marked with fissures and canyons. To the south the Realm is bordered by a dry, semi-arid prairie that transitions to the grassy Asphodel Fields to the north. This area remains mostly flat with some rolling hills and a few out-of-place geographic features. To the east lies the coastal region with white sand beaches and clear, calm water near the shore. This area is marked by some cliffs here and there as the ocean works away the rising and falling land going up the coast.

Moving north you will find the Fusus River system sprawling across the region. The area along the river is rich with forests and animal life and many minor tributaries flow into the large Fusus, the largest of which is the Acheron River which originates in the city of Garum. Further north transitions into denser forest areas until you reach the Crimson Mountains which cut across the realm from west to east.

The Crimson Mountains are rough and dangerous mountains with steep, ragged peaks that tower over 22,000 feet high at times. Between peaks there are countless cliffs and gorges that are endlessly changing due to rock slides and weathering. Because of the dangers posed by rock slides, cliffs, and unexplored crevasses the mountain range is virtually impassable. The only safe passages known through the Crimson Mountains (amid the Realm of Manicae) are the Pass of Abendur and the road through Garum. Due to the danger associated with the Pass of Abendur, however, many acknowledge Garum as the only safe pass through the mountains. The rich forests of the south continue to the north of the mountains.

Manicae has a temperate climate (in general) and its residents enjoy all four seasons. In the far south areas of Asphodel Fields you will find a slightly drier climate, however. High in the mountains the climate is much more unforgiving. Garum is constantly buffeted by cold winds from high in the mountains and, although temperate in the summer, is frigidly cold in the winter.

## Populated Areas

While small homes and businesses are dispersed throughout all of Manicae, the Realm is dominated by four major city-states. Just north of Asphodel Fields lies Palatine, a peaceful city filled with art, science, and culture on the border of the Fusus river. On the east coast lies Austeris, the largest city housing nearly half a million within its walls. Nestled high in the Crimson Mountains is the small city of Garum, birthed and contained completely in the ancient mountain fortress known as The Mantle. Finally, north of the Crimson Mountains lies Procerus.

## History

Very little is known about the early history of the Realm. The best hypotheses so far is that the area was first settled many thousands of years ago near the mountains. The first settlers were, theoretically, a very strong and proud people. They were the ones who built The Mantle high in the mountains (for unknown purposes) over two thousand years ago. It is estimated that the four cities were slowly settled by these aboriginal peoples over the centuries.

The cities slowly grew and evolved into those that exist today. The four cities have always remained peaceful with each other, although there have been disagreements between them.