Devkarth

Devkarth is the largest country in the world. Despite that, every bit of its landmass is renown for the sweltering and inhospitable environments, along with dangerous inhabitants -- both in the natives and wildlife. With a culture heavily centered around slavery, most that arrive upon the shores of Devkarth are fortunately spared of this grim fate, but one unlucky misstep can easily lead to a messy end, or becoming one of the many tokens used in the slave trade. Pirates take advantage of Devkarth by sailing there when exiled or on the run from other kingdoms; in exchange for being friendly with the Devkarti kingdoms, they're often given protection, and are even given the opportunity to make a small fortune from trading in exotic goods, be they man or item. The pirates of Devkarth even have their own settlement established, a proclaimed 'city of thieves' that's ruled by an elected crime lord.

Geography

Deserts and wastelands stretch for miles across the country's mainland, while the coasts are lined with dense swamps and jungles teeming with poisonous flora and gigantic megafauna. Nearby the 'bulk' or the north of the country is nothing more than desert or dry land. The few rivers cutting through these lands are known to be inhabited by carnivorous fish. The northeast is livable with its vast savanna, while just south of this is cut off by a chain of mountains, separating another massive desert. The southern ends of Devkarth are covered in forests and swamps. The Golgelen woods, also called the 'Shaded Woods', are famous for including enormous trees that are said to reach thousands of feet high; no tree grows higher than a Golgelen tree, and their branches and leaves form an enormous canopy that keeps the entire forest shrouded in an almost permanent state of twilight or darkness.

Fauna & Flora

Devkarti wildlife varies based upon what biome it is from. In most of the deserts, the wildlife consists primarily of carnivorous creatures. Many beasts in Devkarth have adapted through armour as a natural defense against predators, while some have developed puncturing fangs designed to pierce, with venomous glands that allow for them to make the smallest of wounds fatal. The desert is thus very dangerous; human settlements are only ever built nearby rivers or coasts. Within the forests there lies dangerous plants and bizarre mega-fauna that has long adapted to the enormous trees that make up the Golgelen woods. More in-depth descriptions will be given upon articles for specific locations inside Devkarth. In the meantime, here are the common things found throughout Devkarth.

Fauna

Almara: The Almara are enormous quadruped creatures that are clad in thick, heavy scales. They resemble large pangolins, and have a flattened, broad tail covered in plate-like scales. Their paws are covered in thick, leathery pads with long, sharp claws. They are mostly found throughout the deserts or wastelands, where cacti are most prominent. They use their enormous claws to rip through the cactu, raking aside any needles and flesh, while they use long, narrow tongues to drink and devour anything within. Almara are intelligent creatures, and are frequently tamed as reliable mounts by the Devkarti. Manticore: The most well known creature of Devkarth, Manticores prowl through the Gulbani flats, and sometimes within the mountain ranges nearby. They're deadly beasts, standing nearly four feet at the shoulder with pronounced, tusk-like canines designed to puncture and stab and a lynx-like face. Their hindquarters terminate to a scaly carapace, with a scorpion-like tail at the end.

Flora

Weeping Cacti: A large cactus found growing within wastelands, weeping Cacti are known for the tell-tale red, vein-like protrusions that flow through its flesh. This bizarre substance is waxy and sticks to anything that touches it. It is also highly toxic to humans. Those that drink of it are quick to grow delusional, hallucinating until they weep red tears and inevitably pass. Mandragora: Mandragora, or 'Mandrakes' are a rare root-plant found within the deserts. They have exceptionally long roots that tangle far beneath the deserts, and are known to be difficult to uproot despite the loose sand. Mandrakes are known for the edge of nearby oasis's, and typically plant themselves where water can be found. Mandrakes are known for actually being living creatures that fold their roots into walkable stumps, allowing them to move about at will. When uprooted, they give a horrible scream of pain due to their long roots being stretched and torn.

Natural Resources

Devkarth is chiefly known for the relics and artifacts found buried and hidden beneath the sands. Gemstones are also a common export from Devkarth, along with high quality silks and rare alchemical ingredients found native only to Devkarth. As with the Flora & Fauna, you may find more details on Devkarti resources in the smaller articles.