At the foot of the Southern Rachis Range, on the northwest side of Specter Lake and the edge of the Petrified Wood, lies the community known as “The Briar.” This community is less of a settlement than a gathering of individuals - mostly Lizardfolk and Dragonborn - but all are welcome. It is not uncommon to encounter Goliath, Dwarves, and even the occasional brave Human attempting to strengthen themselves. The only stipulation is that one must be open to the lessons and practices of Atnachi, the Gylidder Inaethri of progress through pain.
Those who choose to live in this community practice the primary tenant “Through pain and suffering shall we gain strength.” Three standing pillars of petrified wood form the heart of the community, around which the many simple nests or bedrolls are constructed. Each structure is carved to represent an aspect of Atnachi’s path. The first depicts a forest being torn away by vicious winds, with only a few stout saplings remaining unmoved by the howling gale. The second depicts the same saplings - now young trees - growing while a battle rages around them. A few fall to the chaos of war, but the remainder are watered by the blood of the fallen. The final carving depicts Atnachi themselves - a bramble with humanoid form, woven tightly and unmoving - the Thornglove in all its terrible beauty.
Most often those inhabiting the conclave will use it as a staging ground for forays into the Petrified Wood, with minimal or no supplies to test themselves. Sometimes they travel to Specter Lake to see if they could handle its depths and cold, and - on occasion for only the extremely brave or foolish - a few would even attempt to venture into the mists of Vrokíva's Grasp.
The warriors of the Briar frequently train amongst themselves. Their exercises are unorthodox by most standards, because instead of avoiding pain and dodging strikes, the followers of Atnachi train to endure it. They allow hits from their opponents to land and mark them, scarring their bodies to show evidence of their fervent devotion. The wisest and most seasoned acolytes are measured by their quantity and quality of their scars.
Many followers of Atnachi perish in their trials, but even in death the followers serve to strengthen the Inaethri. The bodies of the fallen - whether from combat or exposure - are brought back to the edge of the grove surrounding the conclave. They feed and empower the forest; generation after generation providing a natural protection to the community from those who would seek their destruction.
