The Crystal Taiga is a cold and inhospitable landscape, dense with perennial pines and permafrost. Located South of the Nieran Mountains, its harsh frigid climate yields some of the fiercest warriors known to Cier, hardened by the scarcity of food and cruel environment from which they come. This land is not for the faint hearted, being an unending trial of survival; it’s kill or be killed, feast or starve. As a result, the few people who manage to survive here are slow to trust, but share a strong unspoken comradery to those who earn it. As can be expected, they generally do not take well to outsiders, doing so with a noted distrust.
Due to the perennial frost that constantly blankets the area, it is speculated that generous amounts of rice lie hidden below the icy snow cover, much of which has caused the wildlife to grow monstrous in size, in addition to causing the snow’s sound canceling properties. As such, those that step beneath these ancient pines must keep their wits about them should they wish to leave and still draw breath.
Make no mistake traveler, this is a home for hunters and wolves; weaker hearts will freeze in the cold.
Geography
The Crystal Taiga is a rugged icy landscape, best known for its perpetual snowfall and wild expanse of evergreen trees. Due to its geographic placement and heavy forestation, the region’s atmosphere is eerily still; the trees and basin-like topography acting to stifle what little wind may persist. In addition, the cold climate and precipitation caused by the Nieran Mountains creates large pockets of deep, powdery snow; making traversal and navigation a difficult and laborious task.
One peculiar feature of this environment is that of the formation of ice-like, crystalline structures. Theorised to be a result of the sub-zero temperatures and dilute concentrations of RICE, these glacial pockets have been found to be unusually durable and less likely to melt; a practical substitute in place of other conventional materials.
Architecture
The few sparse villages and settlements that manage to endure the harsh winters are generally constructed from stone, frost and the abundant native pines; the structure and composition of which will vary depending on the building’s quality and purpose. Survival shelters and short term campsites are constructed from a basic branch framework, packed with snow for warmth. Crude cabins and hunter’s lodges utilise larger pieces of lumber and hybrid pine-frost insulation. Finally, higher quality structures common to the more established settlements make use of rudimentary cement and shaped stone. Such luxurious masonry is typically reserved for blacksmiths, and persons of high esteem and rapport.
Despite what one might expect upon the general demeanor of the locals, the builders and architects foster an unexpected artistic flair. One may notice the interior halls and walls are oft decorated with intricate and masterfully carved patterns and tapestries. A most common theme of which sees depictions of fabled beasts and ethereal spirits, taken from local myths and legends.
Technology / Wealth / RICE
A material both valued and well sought after, the Crystal Taiga hosts a unique genus of lumber that is both flexible, elastic and particularly resilient. Likely a result of the local coniferous trees absorbing low concentration of RICE, the material has found abundant application in several crafts, especially lending itself to the art of bowcraft. So much so that items composed of it are highly appraised, often becoming a point of pride for both marksmen and nobility. However, because of the material’s rarity and difficult extraction process, such items, by extension, are extremely carefully crafted using techniques both ancient and sacred; making them exceptionally hard to come by.
Magic and arcane mastery, though not shunned, is typically not developed beyond practical applications; most generally opting for the reliability of steel. What little magic that is practised, is mostly used to augment their combative ability; mainly focusing on simple or low material spells, cast with speed and precision. Though not as powerful or complex as other arcane styles, this technique affords the user maneuverability and flexibility, allowing them to adapt to a wide variety of situations.
People and Culture
As the cold environment strangles the life from any crop sown in the ground, the inhabitants that live here are forced to hunt and forage to survive; subsisting on what game they can catch, and the scarce amounts of nuts and tubers they can dig from the ground.
Because of the survivalist based nature of their lifestyle, boys and girls are taught from an early age how to hunt and survive in the wilderness; typically becoming self-sufficient, expert hunters before reaching full maturity. Such skills include bowmanship, bushcraft, foraging, fishing, and hunting. When they mature into adolescence (or are deemed strong enough), they begin to specialise into their chosen craft, be it smithing, sailing, building or fighting; finally completing their maturation into adulthood after achieving a set milestone (ie, crafting their first sword without aid, constructing and sailing their first boat, slaying a notoriously deadly predator). Copious amounts of mead usually follows afterward.
This with the notable exception of frost root; a tuber which, though poisonous to eat raw, can be fermented into a powerful mead.
Government/Religion
By virtue of the region’s unnavigable terrain and weary inhabitants, the power structure that governs the area is fractured and decentralized, the local communities preferring to elect village chiefs and elders to enact order on a local scale. Though the election process varies in its rites and rituals from village to village, the general format sees the election of nominees by the community. After which the most venerable, and respected elders of the village thoroughly test, inspect and judge each candidate before making the final decision.
Though each community is generally isolated and independent of each other, there have been rare instances in which “a call of the pack” is invoked. Whereupon, the chiefs and elders from each village are summoned to discuss and decide on matters on a regional scale.
There isn’t much in the way of a major religion around these parts, nothing centralized nor agreed upon. Interestingly however, what myths and legends that persist seem to be born from tales of encounters in the taiga; such fables always referring to peculiar chance encounters with mystical spirits and fantastical beasts. Over time, these mythical creatures have become symbols for the traits they embody; such to the point where many ask for their blessings and pray for their favour.
History
The history of the Crystal Taiga is defined by very few events, and is mostly a collection of stories passed on by oral tradition among the small, hardy tribes that live within. Originally a section of frigid boreal forest that followed a basic seasonal cycle, the Great Downfall spread RICE’s influence to the region, locking it into perpetual snowfall. The change in environment resulted in the death of several tribes in the area, eventually resulting in the expansion of those few tribes that survived, and providing a sense of empowerment and independence in its people. As such, when the Kaihon Empire moved to expand its reach to the north, the Crystal Taiga allied with the rest of Neira to repel their invasion and retain their self-governance. The loss of the Taigan warriors in battle with the Kionese is still sung about in their story-songs today, as a sacrifice they refuse to allow to pass into the mists of time.
Misc./Trivia
- There have been several anecdotal accounts of a small white dog leading wolf packs and helping stranded hunters and travelers in the area. As of now, however, none of these stories have been confirmed.
Cier Lands:
• The Era of Conflict • The New Alliance • The New Dojo • Present Day •
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