The Hidden Wealth of Masnga Niai

The Hidden Wealth of Masnga Niai is a book discovered within the jungles of Mkitos' Garden.

## Description

The wealth hidden within and beneath the Tvitiani Jungle is well-documented, but that found within Masnga Niai is rarely accounted for in the histories outside of Tulis itself. The Hidden Wealth of Masnga Niai serves as a compendium to the potential of the region.

## Reading

### Completed by Andrius

Masnga Niai is a land little considered by many. Most see the region as nothing more than an extension of the Tviatini Jungle, separated by the waters of Tvia Bay from the jungle proper, and then of consideration as nothing more than the same. That is not to say that the lands are truly that different from the rainforests that have come to be known for their hardwoods and gemstones, alongside deposits of precious metals beneath the soil and stone, and rich agricultural yields of sugarcane, fruits, beans and medicinal herbs above, but there is a distinction to be had nonetheless. First and foremost, while outwardly similar, the composition of the forests are different in many ways, that appears to be intrinsically linked with its inhabitants. As seen at least somewhat within the Faeflame Forest, the presence of the Fey is felt extensively within the borders of Masnga Niai, more specifically the forest of Mkitos' Garden, which makes up near all the land coverage of the Realm. It is assumed therefore, by many, that Mkitos is a name taken by one such fey, although there is no such Archfey that claims the name, nor any record of an explorer by such a name that may have been the first to discover the lands or encountered an individual that may have declared it so. There are times throughout history where this has occurred, of course, in both senses, Wylth's Wood in Gawylthlan was named for the wife of Byron Tawnbert, the Realm's first King, for instance, while the rivers known as the Fingers around the Astedian capital of Esterving were so-named when adventurers asked after them to the locals on the shores of Ester Bay, who referred to them as the "fingers of the sea reaching inland".

The Tulisians have long found themselves deeply interested in the Realm, fuelled by their cultural predilection towards ambition and innovation, seeing neither Lienia and Stranere as strong enough to oppose their interests, in contrast to that of the Empire of Raq and the Duchies of Tynd when considering the Tviatini Jungle. As such, the Tulisian Guilds have repeatedly funded expeditions to recover the hidden wealth contained within, though many of said expeditions have ended prematurely and/or poorly, owing once more to the inhabitants. Notwithstanding the fey, of whom entities ranging from minor tricksters to the direct servants of Archfey have been seen and, in more unfortunate cases, encountered, the forest is also home to numerous secular tribes of monstrous folk - lizardfolk, bullywugs, gatorfolk, grungs, kobolds, firenewts, dracotaurs. Fiercely territorial, each in turn surely delight in the butchering of lumberers, quarriers and miners, striking wherever prospectors plant their flag and work with axe, shovel and pick. The dangers would surely turn less steadfast and determined folk away, but the Tulisian drive for adventure, discovery and success serves as a definitive counter for these threats, although have substantially forestalled them - the people of the Land of the Bold may be bold to the point of brashness from time to time, but they equally acknowledge that they can achieve much more in a long and fruitful life, rather than one cut short by a kobold's pebble sling or bullywug's poisoned spear.

And yet, as alluded to, their interest is not without reason. Masnga Niai holds a wealth within its borders, hidden from view to many by obscuring or perceived insignificance. Many of the riches of Tvitiani Jungle can be found within Mkitos' Garden, though for some, the presence of fey auras stir new properties anew. Azure Cocobolos, already highly sought after for furnishings, may instead be found in differing hues, or grow leaves of similar colouration to the pearlescent blue-green bark. Spices and food stuffs may be found with psychogenic properties, although it should be noted these quickly fade when removed from the vine, and thus have been exploited more so by the natives - some of which have been, on rare occasion, persuaded to engage in trade, offering up gemstones, corals and hallucinogenic broths in return for metal-worked tools and weaponry. Several productive mines have yielded gold, silver, platinum and other metals worthy of refinement and alloying, while exotic furs are acquired from the resident wildlife too, fearsome predators and grazing creatures alike. There is also a growing market for captured creatures across the continent too, both to serve in menageries and for study within centres of learning and erudition. Some Tulisians have started to engage in the pastime of taxidermy, posing their catches into fanciful scenes set to painted backdrops at the order of patrons from Halima to Evonlock. Ultimately, Masnga Niai is testimony to a definitive fact - the Principal Races will, despite dangers faced by travel or contents, seek out the unknown, the uncertain, and endeavour to use it to make their mark and seek their fortune.