Geography of Durann

The coastal area of Durann is filled with an overwhelmingly oppressive and humid jungle called [The Weeping Jungle], perfect for those who would like to disappear, perhaps even permanently. This dense expanse of trees holds some very dangerous and beautiful creatures, including Psylopods, Lure Snakes, Shift Birds, and many more fascinating creatures. A large amount of the animals there are very slimy and mucousy, and can absorb the plentiful water in the air through their skin. The plants tend to grow with thick, rubbery leaves in order to protect themselves from hungry passers-by. Not only that, but the trees are very dense, and can grow up to 300 ft tall, which helps them fight for ever-important sunlight. Many of these trees produce a variety of delicious fruits, some of which have become staple foods in Alvanian cuisine.

To the west of this maze of foliage is Tuasivi Mountains, a violent range of mountains that neatly contains the jungle. The Tuasivi Mountains are is a harsh, barren stretch of mountains that separates The Weeping Jungle from the grasslands to the west. The mountains are almost entirely uninhabited, save for a few small species of scavenging birds, lizards, and a handful of hooved herbivores that feed on resilient grasses and shrubs.

To the east of The Weeping Jungle is the Rocky Coast, which offers a slight reprieve from the dangers of The Weeping Jungle. This beach is filled with fist-sized rocks, which hardly makes for a picturesque vacation spot, but makes up for that by being difficult terrain for creatures of the jungle. Off the coast is a mysterious island that the locals of Alvania call Cannibal Isle (Atagata Isle). Alvanians tell a tale of a stranded son who killed his father and ate him. No one ever heard from the son again, but since then, there was a curse placed upon the island, and the curse brought forth plants and animals of unexplainable horror. Some adventurers sail to [Cannibal Isle] to prove their mettle, but none have returned in recent history.

A Broad Scope of the People

The Alvanian people live mostly in [The Weeping Jungle] with only a small amount of the nation poking out of the north of the jungle. This constant natural adversity has made for an extremely resilient nation. In fact, much of the population of Alvania is essentially a standing army, seeing as they constantly need to protect themselves from the monsters in [The Weeping Jungle].

Another result of the geography of the Durann region is that Alvania is relatively cut off from the rest of the world. The most effective way in or out of Alvania is either through the Bangle River valley, or through the grasslands in the north. There is a mountain pass to the south of the Bangle River, but they call it the Shatterback Pass for a reason. The terrain is extremely difficult due to a catastrophic mountain slide that took many lives. There are rumors of some extremely territorial monsters taking up residence in the aftermath. In fact, the relationship between Alvania and Karg is one of mutual indifference. Diplomats from Karg very rarely make the long trek to Alvania, while the Alvanians see Karg as an innocuous group of misfits that they do not need to keep tabs on. There is occasionally trade between the two nations (mostly Karg importing food from Alvania during food shortages), but their relationship rarely evolves past pleasantries.

The society of Durann varies from the rest of the continent in that it is a matriarchy. The society is ruled by a queen and most positions of leadership, both in government and business, are held by women. Men are not subservient by any means and their skills as warriors and laborers are wildly lauded throughout the region. However, men are considered too headstrong and stubborn to be effective leaders. Women are viewed as level headed and calm under pressure. Additionally their skills in diplomacy make them ideal governors.

The nation of Alvania that dominates the region only came to prominence in the last few hundred years. As such, national identity is much milder than in the other nations. People tend to think of themselves as belonging to their small town rather than to Alvania. People recognize that the Queen is the source of the navy and therefore Alvania’s wealth and so remain content to be ruled by her. It doesn’t hurt that direct government taxation of its people is almost non-existent. The government makes almost all of its revenue on export tariffs, which pay for the navy.

Due to its physical location and powerful navy the people of Durann have little need at present for large fortresses. The building of the region follows a more tribal and traditional nature. Light buildings made from woven reeds and palm leaves are common. Some of the larger cities have begun to build larger buildings of timber and stone, but these are less popular due to the oppressive heat and humidity of the region.

The thick jungles in the south of Durann are almost entirely unexplored. Most Alvania’s prefer the freedom of the waves to the confinement of the forests. There are legends of fantastic beasts that inhabit these jungles. There is one tale of a gorilla-like creature twice the size of a man that will sneak into villages to devour children whole. It's widely accepted that these are just children’s stories but it's not unheard of for adventurers to go missing while exploring the southern part of the region.