West Jungle
The West Jungle
A beautiful shade of green, dense greenery grows among the jungle, trees rise far into the sky, and the rivers that spiral through the land are a crisp, soothing teal. An abandoned kingdom rests near the coast, many smaller tribal communities are found down its overgrown roads. The West Jungle used to be home to many prosperous creatures and trade, but now it stands as a testament to what becomes of hatred.
Steam-wrought Rainforest
On the far west edge of Ptitheros is a jutting peninsula covered in dense foliage that grows as a healthy pale green. The humidity here is unbearable, rainstorms are common and hardly anybody can be found inhabiting the sickly-humid jungle besides minituries and dangerous insects. Ruins of past Mankian temples can be found around the east edge of the steam jungle, likely built before the entire peninsula was impossible to navigate.
Mau'zun Mountains
Bordering the western jungle and the dark briar grove is a large mountain chain that reaches around 2k m above sea level. Although short compared to the mountain ranges, Mau'zun makes up for it by being a beautiful location full of thick forests and the rising hills covered in jungle greenery, along with an interesting steppe pattern sloping up its sides. Many old mines can be found at the southern base of the range, as it used to be a goldmine for rare jewels.
Karst Coastline
At the northern edge of the West Jungle towers a region of karst formations that broke away from the Mau'zun range long ago. These karst mountains thrive with tropical plants that grow up the rocky columns. The region is home to the Ironbramble settlement and some tourist spots. Thin, wooden bridges sway from point to point across the cloud-hazed peaks. Its windward angle to the Mau'zun Mountain range traps rainfall and powerful tectonic motion from before the Pre-history era formed the unique and dangerous landscape.
In northwest Sequ'Manko is an emancipation temple with a massive statue of an unknown worshiped creature. It does not completely resemble depictions of the West Cardinal so it is assumed to be something else, which confuses those who have spent time studying the monument. The monument is a circular temple, similar to the Dome in Tucruitora, but on a much smaller scale and made from andesite blocks, pillars, and crystallized glass that has a composition as if it were made of pure sugar. The purpose of the temple and who built it is unknown at the time, records of the temple and its surrounding area being searched for in the Ancient Archives. Sinking Souls Lake
The many caverns beneath the Sequ'Manko territories lend themselves to the theory that the West Cardinal originally had plans to make his kin also live underground, however that plan never came to fruition. In one of the many sprawling caverns that cross the Cyme Ruins is a large open area spotted with moderately large lakes with bright teal waters. Swarms of foes glowing a bright, rare blue scatter across the ceiling, casting light throughout the whole cavern. Those who fall into the saturated waters have been seen to be alright until they reach knee-deep waters, as they are then pulled underneath in a flash of light and foes gathering at the surface of the water, buzzing around in a little ceremony. It is advised to stay away from the waters. Cyme Ruins/Room of Parallax
There exists a room near the entrance halls of the Cyme Ruins that warps one's perception so much it causes insanity or enlightenment. It was originally blocked off and used as a judgement room for the West Cardinal to use on His kin. Those who came out with enlightenment tell of seeing into the world of Lindoss, feeling the thoughts of those in Sallenin, and knowing a higher meaning to their life and love. Those who exit with insanity were left to wander, often getting lost and dying in the underground temple after being abandoned by their god. Canyon Ridge Arena
Once as popular as the Desert Coliseum, the hanging Arena lost its touch a few decades before The Great Fire, as the battles became less enjoyable to the people of Sequ'Manko. It was carved of dense mountain stone and hangs among a cliff valley within the western edge of the Mankian mountains with nothing but strong vines holding it up. Stadium seats and a small ruined town of shops and inns surround it on all sides, but now all is overgrown with jungle. Temal Lake
Temal Lake is a warm-water lake fed from groundwater springs that resides in a bed of jungle trees and muddy slopes a few kilometers away from the ocean. Temal was once a popular place for tourists seeking the optimal jungle beach vacation, once run by joyful Sequns from Sequano and an Ironbramble, the vacation homes now lay abandoned ever since the Mankian kingdom fell quiet. Hive residents still debate whether the lake should be readvertised/opened to tourism. The Mosstones
The Mosstones are massive, slippery boulders that travel out into the sea, curving around a whirlpool past the drop-off of the ocean floor. Water-filled caverns lie unexplored all throughout the boulders' area. They are an excellent fishing spot.
Settlements
CAPITAL CITY | Sequelliyphs
Sequelliyphs is one of the oldest civilizations on Ptitheros. Crafted intricately by the West Cardinal, Cymer, and his kin, Sequelliyphs makes full use of the dense jungle around it, the massive trees, and the large Dorr’Ko Lake amidst the center of it. Before the Great Fire, it was a grand place full of life and activity, one of the largest cities of its time and second in line to being the most technologically inclined (the first being Nox Capital). It is/was the capital city of Sequ’Manko. It encompasses the Dorr’Ko Lake, a large body of water near the center of the West Jungle, where the Sequn River runs through, and expands many kilometers outwards from the water. Houses and buildings are made from the natural materials of the jungle, homes are stilted up and on docks closer to the lake, are built into ruins that line the southern edge, and tower upwards into the massive jungle trees farther away from the inner circle (the lake). Highways of tree branches and roots connect the endless green city, the inhabitants trusted these streets and their flight to travel around. It is hot and humid in Sequelliyphs. The jungle climate brings rain and thunderstorms, allowing wet agriculture to thrive and the river/lake to swell with fishing and hunting. Clean water comes from the natural grotto springs all around the lake, fountains line many plazas across the city and glow with enchanted fire pits at the top during the night. Sequelliyphs is a husk of what it once was. After the Great Fire that attacked the connection zone between it and Sequendalar, many citizens fled to other towns, other kingdoms, or the western edge of the city. Here, on the western edge, traditional life Sequns hang on to what once was. Many hope and elude to a resurgence, where many come to fill the city with life once more and bring back the ways of life now lost. There is too much history and land to give up on, Sequelliyphs will thrive once again someday.
RUINS | Sequendalar
Sequendalar is a small town to the east of Sequelliyphs. It was the very first settlement of Sequ’Manko and holds a lot of historical significance. Home to many traditional sites and small Sequn museums, it also has some sections where generational families live. These families are some of the longest lasting Sequn heritages, many have direct ties to assisting the West Cardinal in the distant past. The west side of Sequendalar was the target for the cults that caused the Great Fire, for their intention to to kill many traditional Sequns and the most important historical sites using fire and fighters. Sequendalar is empty, ash covers the dirt roads, blood paints wooden stakes placed across the ground.
TOWN | Sequano
Sequano is a large town in the depths of the West Jungle. It suffered greatly when the capital of Sequ’Manko went under, but recovered in the next decade or two. The architecture of Sequano is almost exclusively in the canopy and mid-layer of the massive jungle trees. Bridges and ziplines connect complexes of round wooden buildings, but flight is the easiest way to traverse. Farms are up in the trees, rainwater is collected for drinking water, and the only structure on the ground is a dock port along the river below it to allow for ships. Sequano is predominantly Sequn, but allows all kinds of Ptithians to live and thrive.
TOWN | Seree'yaa
Seree’yaa is a large town on the west coast side of the West Jungle. A port town, much of its architecture is structured to flow from the smaller jungle trees and out onto the docks that sit atop the teal ocean waters. Seree’yaa was independent before the fall of the inner city, so not much has changed in the town. Ships come in and leave day in and day out. The calming waves flow over the sand and palms trees sway. The small islands off the coast of the Artemine can be seen from the shore. Seree’yaa is a peaceful place to live and has opportunities and connections available for all sorts of occupations and cultures. Its major downside is its remote location, but some Ptithians prefer it because of that.
VILLAGE | Selin'bu
Selin’bu is a village in the southeast depths of the West Jungle. It has always been quaint and its major draw is how simple life tends to be there. Natural skillsets and a survivalist mentality is common, but the community is always there to assist. Selin’bu shows exactly what it means to be a proud Mankian. The people there are kind, helpful, but are very territorial over their traditions and will not take criticism about their culture or Cardinal.
VILLAGE | Ironbramble Hive