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I’Gremsul
Evon’Gel the Orange was the sculptor of I’Gremsul.
One
of the proudest of the Protodragons, her powerful handiwork
is loudly declared by the scenery here. Local biases aside, the
honest will often admit that I’Gremsul is the most physically
amazing of the Seven Realms. It boasts the largest variety and
volume of plant and animal life on the continent, made possible
by immense, nutrient-rich rivers flowing down from the Tucker
Mountains. These nutrients cover the realm in dense jungles and
rainforests. In some areas, the jungle basins have given rise to
the “swamp trees” - enormous, centuries-old plants towering 500 feet
over the jungle floor. The uncivilized portions of the shadowlands
beneath these megaforests are rivaled only by Chthon and Ohman's Runoff
in the terrifying variety of nocturnal animal life they harbor.
In the Alacrian Golden Age, the agricultural city of Arator
used adamant and coral technology to seed I’Gremsul with
modified plant life. Over time, these plants were bred into the
elixirs, which continue to
provide an easily accessible source
of healing and health for all of Lur-Asko. Sadly, tranquil Arator
was quickly defeated in the Third Alacrian Era; this is a sort of
twisted blessing for I’Gremsul, as the lack of extended war means
only a small amount of haywire technologicals harass the realm
today. This is not to say that I’Gremsul has no challenges worthy
of adventurers - outside the shadowlands, the primary form of wildlife
is enormous dinosaurs, and they provide more than enough risk and
danger to
justify continuous adventuring.
When the anthrosaur and dryad tribes were founded circa 300 AFA, they turned
to I’Gremsul as a natural home. Uninhabited by any other major species
after the Fall, the tribes found themselves uniquely suited to the peculiar
challenges of the jungle. In the massive swamp trees, above the reach of the
great reptiles and the shadow-terrors, the two species have both carved their storied history and built
their homes.
After the end of the Imperial Wars and the
disgraceful enslavement of the dryads, I'Gremsul cities are now
typically led by the joint efforts of two monarchs - an anthrosaur tlatoani and a dryadic ajaw. Having
both participated in the Imperial Wars and adopted the
Declaration of Methods, many tlatoani are now committed to a rejection
of outside influences and a return to anthrosaur traditions. Most ajaw,
meanwhile, find themselves courting trade throughout Lur-Asko in
service to their people's industrial ambitions. Draconic
philosophy continues to profoundly influence both species, leading even
progress-minded dryads to keep their relations with other realms strictly a
matter of business. Hospitality and
commerce are a constant throughout the realm, but anyone attempting to
change tradition or preach new ways of living will find very few
followers,
and those mostly among the young.
Major Cities
Teuhti
Estimated population: 270,000
Though not the first I'Gremsul city, Teuhti is definitely the largest.
It is also one of the hardest to reach; outsiders must either travel by air
or risk boat travel up the most dangerous stretch of River Nah’Toss.
Those who do make the trip will be rewarded with astounding
art, as it is here that most of the historical swamp tree carvings are found.
Though invariably hospitable to visitors, the locals enjoy their seclusion and
unchanging lifestyle. Despite the ever-present challenges of jungle life, the
city remains a place of tranquility and tradition.
Milchimalli
Estimated population: 240,000
Located along the largest river delta in I’Gremsul, Milchimalli was the
first
settlement established by the anthrosaurs and dryads. It remains the
most militarily
powerful city-state in the realm, though it has lost cultural supremacy
to Teuhti in recent centuries. Naturally protected by dense swamp trees
but
surrounded by powerful wildlife, it is a haven of martial and naval
training for all locals and many outsiders.
Tlapatlaloyan
Estimated population: 140,000
The easiest I'Gremsul city to access due to its road
connection and excellent docks, Tlapatlaloyan is the second oldest
settlement and the first to engage in significant trade with other
realms.
This legacy continues today, and the city remains a center of commerce
and
an outsider’s gateway to the bustling I’Gremsul adventuring scene. Some
other cities look down on Tlapatlaloyan for so readily embracing
outsiders and
their ways, but it nevertheless remains eager to share its culture and
resources in exchange for outside business.
Zoconan
Estimated population: 95,000
Though not the first species to produce hedgedoctors, anthrosaurs and dryads take
naturally to the profession. The economy of Zoconan is almost completely
centered around elixirs and hedgedoctors, being the largest source of both
in all Lur-Asko.
Tlamatiliztli
Estimated population: 60,000
The last anthrosaur/dryad city to be settled, Tlamatiliztli’s founding was an effort
to draw closer to the Ancient Ones during the Adventuring Age. Today, Tlamatiliztli is the home base of many
adventurers who specialize in exploring the city-fortress and outposts of
Arator. As the Alacrian city that created the elixirs, Arator never ceases to be
a source of intrigue for those seeking the next level of biological knowledge.