Maltou

Maltou is the second-largest and second-most populous continent on the Prime Material Plane.

## Geography

The northern part of Maltou is icy tundra, that turns into relatively arid hills as it progresses southwards. The Barrier Mountains separate the eastern Ni Fal Peninsula from the Porugel Hills, while the grasslands and the forests of the western Queran Peninsula extend much farther northwards. Between the two peninsulas lies the Wu Nu Bay, a major center of commerce for the region.

There are two major lakes on Maltou; Lake Ying, to the North, and Lake Keeli, to the south. From them flow two of Maltou's major rivers: the Kai River, from Lake Ying, and the Shou River, from Lake Keeli. The meet at the Vaishai Delta in the bay.

The other two major Maltouvian rivers both flow from the Barrier Mountains. The Mountainrest River flows southwardly into the Myfin Sea, while the Frostspun River flows northwards to the Dierun Sea.

## Inhabitants

The majority of Maltou's population comes from two human groups: the Maltouvians, native to the Queran Peninsula, and the Ni Faleen, native to the Na Fal Peninsula. Currently, the Ni Faleen humans govern their peninsula with the Ni Fal Shogunate. While there is no current political organization in control over the Queran Peninsula, it was at one time unified into the Ivertian Empire, which ruled during the Fourth and Fifth Eras.

The eastern coast of Maltou houses a sizeable dwarf population, primarily in the Redblood Citadel and Hammerfist Hold.

Maltou is also the only continent known to have kalashtar communities. The cities of Talar, Geroi, and Dauth on the Queran Peninsula are all occupied primarily by this group of people.

A large amount of halfling communities like Shet'ak, Belroux, Levacourt, and Briarpatch are found in the Porugel Hills. The hobgoblin clans organized into the Roving Horde occupy this region at times as well.

Some High Elf cities are found on the western edge of the Ni Fal Peninsula, specifically, Bao Tinh, Ismevir, Wonnan, and the Fortress City of Nagerou.

The gnome city of Thimbleweed can be found the western coast of Maltou, originally founded by settlers from the Windrest Island, and an aarakocra city, Sallek, can also be found nearby.

## Notable Locations

### Champilogne

A popular trading center, Champilogne has incredibly lax trade regulations, making it a popular destination for traders in the Wu Nu Bay. It's loose laws have also allowed illegal and black-market activities to thrive, and as a result, the city is notorious for having corrupt leadership.

### Eldergate

Dating back to the Ivertian Empire, Eldergate is an old, storied city that has survived destruction several times, including during the Fifth Era, the Seventh Era, and then again in the Tenth Era. Miraculously, the Eldergate Library, a repository of historical texts, and the largest library in Maltou, has remained relatively intact over the years.

### Hammerfist Hold

Hammerfist Hold is a dwarven stronghold located aboveground in the Queran Peninsula. Founded by the legendary dwarf hero Hrothan Hammerfist, it's known for its incredible blacksmiths, who are said to make some of the strongest weapons and armor in the world.

### Kingfield

Kingfield is a major crossroad city that connects the two halves of the Queran Peninsula. It has gained a reputation as a commerce city by being the main link between several port cities and the interior of the peninsula.

### Mythhold

Another city from the time of the Ivertians, Mythhold is a mazelike port city that was designed to repel assault. Its cramped, winding streets make it easy for newcomers to get lost.

### Nagerou

The Fortress City of Nagerou is an elven city that is part of the Ni Fal Shogunate. It is famous for being arguably the best-defended city in the world; its gates have never been breached by an enemy army.

### Nanshui

Nanshui is a spiritual and magical retreat. A small town nestled at the foot of the Barrier Mountains and in the back of the Wu Nu bay, it often sees pilgrimages and visits from scholars, mystics, and magicians all the like.

### Lyobelle

Lyobelle is the northernmost city in all of Maltou. It is known for its proud people, particularly their hospitality, hardiness, and warrior tradition.

### Redblood Citadel

The Redblood Citadel is the largest dwarven city in all of Maltou. Built in the edges of a massive sinkhole, it is a major exporter of gold and precious gems.

### Riftcairn

Riftcairn is actually primarily inhabited by Anduvian humans from the Ekalih Isle. It's a fairly large trade hub on the western seaboard that deals primarily with traders from the Anduvian Remnant who do not wish to sail around the Queran Peninsula.

### Sallek

The city of Sallek is home to the Ikki aarakocra, who are known as patrons of the arts, and very friendly and hospitable.

### Seohae

Seohae, the City of Jade, is Maltou's largest city, and the seat of the Shogun's power in the Ni Fal Shogunate.

### Tailin

Tailin is a major shipbuilding hub in the Shogunate. While not producing a high volume of ships, it is said that Tailinese ships are among the most well-crafted in the entire world.

### Thimbleweed

Thimbleweed is a gnomish city on the western coast. Traders often make the trek up here for lucrative deals on manufactured goods, as the gnomes are known to be incredible craftsmen.

### The Tower of Worun

The Tower of Worun is the headquarters of the Circle of Worun and the home of the largest magical academy in Somara. The tower itself floats several miles above the surface, the result of some magical experiments gone awry in eras past. This has the unintended consequence of making the tower nearly impossible to reach for non-mages.

### Vongjae

Vongjae is a major hub of commerce in the Ni Fal Shogunate. It the second-largest city in the peninsula, and has been known as a center for the arts in the Shogunate.

### Yabiro

Yabiro is home to the Godai Academy, which trains the Shogunate's infamous Sōhei warrior monks, who hold mastery over the four elements.