Raitera Forest

The forest croaks its weary groans, crackling and creaking as the ancient trees bow their branches. Sprites and spirits peep from their perches as emerald leaves rustle with anticipation. The great forest awakes. Located between the western sea and Magdurus mountains, the Raiterran rainforest is a vast, sprawling jungle spanning the better half of the western continent. Home to a diverse cast of both fauna and flora, the forest hosts a variety of unique ecosystems, ranging from flooded marshes to dense woodland. Though the forest has remained untouched for the majority of Cier’s history, recent centuries have seen Blackwatch logging operations take hold in the region, sating its hunger for industrialization. Despite these extensive efforts however, only minor progress has been made in clearing the land. It has been reported that vegetation in the area recovers at an accelerated rate, often overgrowing logging efforts and halting further advance.

Geography[]

The Raitera Forest contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, renowned for their towering canopies and complex ecosystems. An extensive network of rivers and streams, formed by the constant rainfall from the Raitera Valley, runs through the heart of Northern forest, creating a diverse array of biomes and environments. These environments range from flooded marshes and thick jungles in the north, with the more temperate southern regions being composed of rainforests and woodland.

The biodiversity in this region grows exponentially faster compared to other regions, seemingly accelerated by unknown magical means. Trees that were cut down are reported to regrow and restore themselves within months instead of years, with vines and shrubbery taking on a life of their own.

Architecture[]

The colossal foliage that shapes the region's terrain also composes the foundation the Raiterrans use to build their various homes and structures. These shelters vary wildly in their shape and size due to the diversity of races inhabiting the distinct climates within Raitera. Ranging from simple hollowed out cedars to elaborate networks of canopy houses, a typical home is usually hidden from sight or beyond the reach of common travellers. Though the inhabitants of the forest are mostly known to live a solitary life, it is not uncommon to find houses interlinked with bridges and platforms to form small colonies, indicating some level of cooperation between its occupants.

Technology / Wealth / RICE[]

Avoiding the more advanced technologies, native Raiterans utilize tools constructed of wood, stone, and bone - materials that can be easily obtained from the environment. Although simple in appearance, these items are surprisingly effective and are often enchanted with special druidic magic, adorning their visage with a variety of different runes and trinkets. Many Raiterans practice their own form of magic passed down from their ancestors with the exception of RICE, reserving it for offerings to The Keeper of the Forest.

People and Culture[]

The deepest reaches of Raitera Forest are said to be home to the fabled Beastfolk, creatures and beasts descended from the first races of Cier. Bound together by familial bonds, the Beastfolk are fiercely independent, only gathering on rare occasions. They make every effort to protect their home, caring for the land and environment around them, as if understanding their place in Raitera. Holding a strong link to nature, Beastfolk also have an uncannily high propensity toward Druidcraft magic. Once every year, the Keeper of the Forest will reach out to these Druids, who congregate with their families at the heart of the forest for a single night of festivities, a time known to the Beastfolk as “The Calling”.

The edge of the forest remains ideal for non beastfolk colonization as long as the growth is cleared and maintained. While the common people rarely interact with their animalistic brethren, they are aware of their presence, and on rare occasions can form loose partnerships or bonds.

Government/Religion[]

In terms of more commonly accepted definitions, the native beastfolk lack true government structure, instead choosing to rely upon their instincts, principles and the will of the forest for guidance. The settlements bordering the forest, however, are much more organized, consisting of a small council composed of representatives from each major city. When it comes to foraign affairs, this minor council is often the entity that other nations are concerned with when it comes to the representation of Raitera Forest.

When it comes to matters of belief, the Raiterans put their faith in the Keeper of the Forest. However, their interpretations and traditions related to the Keeper vary greatly from species to species, sometimes even from family to family, though all of them share one common rite: that of The Calling.

To an outside observer, these methods of governance and belief seem strange, absurd, maybe even backwards, but to those that live here, it remains to be an integral part of everyday life.

History (The Keeper of the Forest)[]

During the ancient times when the Seraphs reigned over Cier, there existed two guardian spirits, the Great Tree to the east and the Keeper of the Forest to the west within the Raiterran Rainforest. Created by the mighty Seraphs with magical energy, these two spirits known as maintained order and balance throughout Cier. After the sudden disappearance of the Seraphs, the guardians were left in a perpetual state of idleness, maintaining their dominions and the life within them. Although the corruption of the Great Tree led to the Dead Forest’s decay, the spirit in Raitera still watches over the land in silence. And every year the Keeper of the Forest reveals itself and initiates “The Calling” to absorb small amounts of magic and life force within the forest, only to fade away shortly after. The forest experiences decreased growth during this time.