Province of Vratus

Vratus, The Jungle Province

Vratus, the Green Labyrinth, is a land of primal mysteries and ancient power, a province where the forces of Light and Dark exist in their rawest, most untamed forms. The jungle seems to stretch endlessly, its dense canopy casting shadows where only the bravest, or most desperate, dare to tread. Massive, gnarled trees rise like towers, their roots weaving into the earth like a living web. Between these towering giants lie the forgotten ruins of the Eaepeldar Empire, half-swallowed by moss and vines, their stones humming with the lingering magic of the ancients. Here, hidden in plain sight, are places of great power, temples where forgotten gods once stood, and tombs that have not felt the light of day for millennia.

The people of Vratus are few but fierce. Most live in tribal enclaves, close to the jungle's edge or in the small deforested area of the province, where the beasts are numerous and the plants are strange and powerful. Their villages are camouflaged, built from the very wood and leaf of the jungle they call home. These hardy people are known for their deep connection to the jungle, both its dangers and its beauty. They are skilled hunters, gatherers, and herbalists, but more than that, they are guardians. The jungles of Vratus hold secrets, and it is their sacred duty to protect these ancient sites from those who would seek to exploit them.

In the heart of Vratus, a dark energy festers. Ancient cults and forbidden sects whisper in the shadow of the great ruins, believing that Light and Dark must be tested in the rawest of forms. Here, the forces of both good and evil are not easily defined but instead constantly teeter on the brink of harmony and destruction. It is said that to enter Vratus is to challenge both oneself and the gods, for within its green depths lie truths that could destroy or save the world.

History

The history of Vratus is as tangled as the vines that cover its ruins.

Long ago, during the Eaepeldar Empire, Vratus was a province of great importance. Its jungles were carefully cultivated and maintained, home to both sacred shrines and agricultural hubs that supplied the empire's coastal cities. The empire revered the jungle for its magical flora and fauna, and the priests of Vratus tended to the great temples of the Pantheon of Light and Dark, where sacrifices were made to keep the balance between the two divine forces.

When the Sundering struck, the very land itself seemed to buckle and split. The once-pristine jungle of Vratus was left wild and untamed, much like the forces that had once been controlled. The fall of the empire left Vratus to its own devices, and the jungle began to reclaim the land. Over time, those who remained in the jungle adapted to its harshness, developing a unique culture that reveres the land's dark powers as much as its fertile beauty.

For centuries, Vratus lived in isolation, its ruins lost to time. However, over the last few hundred years, foreign expeditions and mercantile forces have sought to claim the province for its resources. Many of these attempts have ended in failure, as the jungle itself seems to resist tampering. Adventurers, treasure hunters, and explorers often return with tales of strange beasts, ancient traps, and the distant sound of forgotten rituals being performed in the jungle's depths.

In recent decades, the Peldarian Enclave has begun to reassert control over Vratus. While the outer regions are partially governed, the heart of the jungle remains as untamable as ever, with both the Church of Light and Dark and local tribal leaders vying for influence over the land's mystical properties. Some believe that Vratus is a divine test, where only the worthy can enter and leave unharmed.

Religion

The religious landscape of Vratus is defined by its connection to the ancient gods, both Light and Dark, and by the mysterious forces that thrive in its jungles.

While the Church of Light and Dark has a presence in Vratus, it is not the central authority. Instead, local tribes and ancient cults often perform their own rites, many of which are as old as the jungle itself. These rituals often blur the line between Light and Dark, incorporating both forces into their practices in ways that other provinces of the Enclave would deem heretical.

Ra and Set are worshipped by the jungle's protectors, though their roles are not defined in the usual terms of Light and Dark. In Vratus, Ra is seen as a force of renewal, the sun breaking through the canopy to feed the earth, while Set represents the storms, decay, and the cycles of life and death that allow the jungle to grow and evolve.

Isis and Anubis are revered in the ruins of ancient temples, their statues often overgrown with moss and vines. Rituals of life, death, and rebirth are performed in their honor, often at dusk, when the jungle is at its most dangerous and alive.

Apepi and Ammit have a more sinister following in Vratus. Hidden cults that revere chaos and corruption worship them as the bringers of change, believing that only through destruction can the cycle of life be renewed. These sects are often opposed by the tribal leaders, who view them as a threat to the balance.

Vratus is a land where divine testing grounds are central to its belief system. It is said that the jungle itself tests the purity of one's heart, rewarding those who seek truth and punishing those who seek only power.

Military

The military of Vratus is a mixture of tribal guardians and divine warriors, all trained to survive the jungle's dangers.

The Jungle Wardens, a force of both humans and Halflings, serve as the primary defenders of the outer regions of Vratus. They are highly skilled in guerilla tactics, using the jungle to hide, ambush, and strike swiftly. These warriors are intimately connected with the land, living off its resources and respecting its wildness. They are often called upon to escort travelers through the jungle, as they know its secrets better than any outsider.

There is also a military presence from the Enclave, though it is limited due to the difficulty of controlling the province. Peldarian forces are stationed in the more civilized areas, primarily to maintain trade routes and protect the outskirts from bandits. However, there are occasional skirmishes with the more rogue elements, including cultists, mercenaries, and jungle beasts.

Economy

Vratus is a land of riches and risk.

The jungle is filled with resources, rare herbs, spices, and magical flora that are highly sought after by apothecaries, alchemists, and mystics. The ancient ruins are rumored to contain untold treasures, artifacts from the Eaepeldar Empire that hold powers beyond mortal comprehension. These artifacts are highly coveted, and adventurers come from across the Enclave to try their luck in Vratus's heart.

Spices and rare flora are the most prized exports, as they are essential in creating potions, salves, and magical enhancements.

Timber and exotic woods are harvested along the outskirts, though only in small quantities, as the deeper jungles are left undisturbed.

Artifacts and relics from the ruins are occasionally sold, though they often come with great risk, both from the jungle itself and the various competing factions who seek to claim them.

However, the land's wealth is not easily won. Those who attempt to exploit Vratus's riches must contend with dangerous wildlife, hostile factions, and the ever-present challenge of the jungle's isolation.

Population of Vratus

Total Population: 500,000
- Humans (Dark-skinned Peldarans): 82%, (410,000)
- Halflings: 18%, (90,000)

Cities of Vratus

Asafo, Capital of Vratus: Asafo stands at the heart of Vratus's northern plains, acting as both the administrative and strategic center of the province. The city is a sprawling market hub where ancient magic and modern trade meet. It's a place where adventurers seek to unearth the secrets hidden deep in the jungle's ruins, and where the jungle's untamed magic weaves through everyday life.
Arjal: Located near the western edge of the plains, Arjal serves as a vital port for explorers and traders seeking access to Vratus's untamed lands. The city is a mix of coastal trade routes and jungle expeditions, with its harbors bustling with ships that brave the wild jungles. Its dockside taverns are filled with tales of forgotten gods and hidden treasure deep in the ruins.
Dufa: Situated to the south of Asafo, Dufa is a trade center known for its wide farmlands and sprawling marketplaces. The city stands at the crossroads between the jungle's dense heart and the open plains, making it an essential supply point for the capital and beyond. The people of Dufa live a mix of agricultural life and trade, with strong ties to both the land and the seas.
Ghoda: Nestled near the northern jungle, Ghoda is a fortified city that serves as Vratus's northern sentinel. With its high walls and watchtowers, the city is a military bastion guarding against incursions from the wild jungles. Ghoda is home to many of Vratus's finest soldiers, who train in jungle warfare to protect the realm from the jungle's many dangers.
Felfel: Felfel is an island city known for its fishing, pearl diving, and connection to the mystical forces of the jungle. Its docks are filled with ships bearing goods from both the sea and the jungles, and the city's culture is a blend of maritime and jungle traditions. The people of Felfel live close to the ocean, but they also honor the spirits of the jungle that provide the rare flora and fauna essential to their trade.
Ciubbe: Ciubbe, located deep within the jungle, is a city of mystics and shamans. The city serves as a spiritual center where the forces of Light and Dark are deeply intertwined. Priests and shamans come from across Vratus to perform sacred rites in the ancient temples that dot the jungle, hidden from the eyes of outsiders. It is said that Ciubbe holds the knowledge to access the ancient powers hidden within the jungle's depths.
Uarca: A strategic military post located on the northeastern edge of Vratus, Uarca is a fortified city that controls the passes leading into the jungle's heart. The city serves as a defense against foreign invaders and a staging point for expeditions into the wilds. Its people are tough and resilient, trained in both the arts of war and survival within the dense, hostile jungle.
Ualache: Located on coast to the north, Ualache is a trade and cultural hub where merchants from across Vratus and beyond converge. The city thrives on the jungle's abundant resources, particularly the rare herbs and spices that are highly sought after. Its streets are filled with a mix of cultures, and it's known for its trade fairs and magical markets, where one can find both wondrous artifacts and dangerous relics.
Weldayo: Weldayo lies near the north western coast and is known for its lively port and bustling markets. It is a place where traders from the jungle and the deforested plains exchange goods, and ships frequently come and go. The city also serves as a critical base for exploring the wild depths of the jungle, with several factions maintaining their headquarters here as they seek to claim Vratus's resources and unravel its mysteries.
Burda: Burda is a city of contradictions, with a bustling market square full of goods traded from both the jungle and the neighboring plains. Known for its vibrant culture, it hosts one of the Enclave's oldest libraries, a repository of the Eaepeldar Empire's forgotten knowledge. Adventurers, scholars, and treasure hunters often meet here to plan expeditions into the deeper, more dangerous parts of Vratus.
Aliiltu: Situated deep in the jungle, in a mist-laden region of Vratus, Aliiltu is known for its logging trade. The city's economy is dependent on the massive trees and its magical creatures. Aliiltu is a quiet, mystical place that draws those who seek to commune with the ancient spirits of Earth.
Ciarucco: Ciarucco, nestled at the eastern border of Vratus, is a military fortress. It stands as a vigilant defense post on the frontier, protecting the heart of the kingdom from external threats. The city is built with fortified gates, high walls, and watchtowers, giving it a strategic advantage. Ciarucco is also a hub for the training of soldiers in jungle warfare tactics.
Imiye: Situated near a series of waterfalls, Imiye is a serene yet dangerous city where divine rituals are performed. Many come to Imiye to become attuned to the divine forces of the jungle, seeking enlightenment in the sacred groves and temple shrines. The city's residents live in harmony with the surrounding jungle, conducting important rituals to keep balance between Light and Dark.
Gobensa: Gobensa is a powerful city built along an ancient trade route, with traders from all over Vratus and beyond gathering here. The city is a significant cultural melting pot, home to both ancient Eaepeldar artisans and modern traders. Gobensa is known for its wealth, craftsmanship, and art. The city is a haven for those seeking rare magical artifacts from the jungle's depths.
Cuollu: Cuollu is a fortress city built on the edge of the jungle's southern reaches. Its massive gates and towering walls protect the southern trade routes and control access to the jungle's depths. Cuollu's people are hardy soldiers and skilled craftsmen, providing the Enclave's military forces with weapons, armor, and fortified structures to withstand the forces of both the jungle and external invaders.