Borial
Separated from the rest of Ediacara by the rugged Walwin Mountains, is the tropical peninsula of Borial. Within the region’s dense jungles are the mysterious enclaves of the fae who call the peninsula home: their villages, towns, and cities are rumoured to be grown from the very forest itself. Mighty rivers race down the southern slopes of the Walwins, and then snake their way across the region, ending and beginning anew from the jungle’s many lakes. It is here among these magical woods that the nation of Falnora has thrived for millennia, hidden away from the lands to the north by the mighty Oridon Gate. Now that the great gates of Oridon are open, the Falnorans are welcoming the outside world to their lands, as well as venturing forth to explore the wider continent they had been apart from for far too long.
The jungles of the peninsula are home to a wide variety of animals and beasts, both mundane and magical, with the influence of the fae realm being ever evident. Dinosaurs mingle with strange and beautiful creatures not of this world, giving the whole place a sense of magical wonder and immediate danger. It is advised that anyone travelling through the jungles hire fae guides to help them not only navigate the peninsula but to avoid the otherworldly predators who stalk the lush darkness.
Settlements, Towns, and Cities
For information on the cities and towns within the nation of Falnora, see its section here.
As far as we know, all the settlements on the peninsula belong to the nation of Falnora. If there are any independent towns or other such settlements, the authors of this book have yet to hear of them. Like everything else in regards to Borial and Falnora, hopefully in time this section will be expanded upon.
Life in the Jungle
While a little bit is known about the day-to-day life of the fae within the cities of Borial, the life of those who choose to live in the jungles away from the cities are still a mystery. It cannot be an easy life out in the jungle, with the peninsula being home to very dangerous animals and creatures. Even though the fae are much more in tune with the natural world than others, the jungles are an intense place. It is only by invoking our imagination that we can attempt to understand what life would be like out here, and what assumptions can be made are just that, and are of little use to understanding.
As time goes on, and more people come to Borial, these questions will hopefully be answered. Yet for now, the jungle will keep her mysteries.
Landmarks & Points of Interest
While many interesting sites are rumoured to exist deep within the jungles of Borial, the following is a small collection of confirmed locations.
Loch Syndra
The largest lake on the Borial peninsula, not only in size but also in depth, Loch Syndra is a mighty sight to behold. Beneath the waves of the lake is the city of Rel Thalor, and it is from here the princess Noelle guides the fae of the water into this age of community with the wider world from the palace of Ruggosa.
The loch is full of colourful and shimmering tropical fish, as well as the countless creatures both natural and supernatural, giving the world beneath the surface an otherworldly and alien feeling.
The Emerald Glade
The Emerald Glade is the final resting place of the ancient dragon Zatchrevex, and one of the few holy sites of Falnora that is open to outsiders. Massive bones of solid emerald stretch across the glade, stretching visitor’s imaginations to the breaking point at the sheer size and scale of such a beast.
It is forbidden to take any of the precious stones from the glade, with the essence of the dragon haunting and hunting any who do.
Kakure Swamp
This large swamp is home to a sizable population of Spinosaurus who prey on the massive fish and other animals who call the mire home. The fae who live in and around the swamp have tamed these vicious predators, using them as beasts of burden and as stalwart companions.
It is highly recommended that anyone travelling through the swamp should avail themselves to the local fae to guide them through the mire’s treacherous waters.
The Eth’nolla River
Running from the foot of the Walwins and making its way across the peninsula towards the ocean, is the mighty Eth’nolla river. The Eth’nolla plunges to depths of hundreds of feet as it winds its way through the Borial jungle, raging through sections of intense rapids near the foot of the mountains and then slowly and calmly meandering and widening as it approaches the coast.
Ecology
Here is a small selection of the many creatures, both mythical and mundane, who call the peninsula home.
Owlbear
As the name implies, these monstrosities are a mix of owls and bears. They’re dangerous beasts who are as silent as an owl, but as vicious as any of the bears found throughout the rest of the world.
The fae of the peninsula raise owlbears as pets and guard animals, but the beasts must be raised by hand or else they’re as wild as any dinosaur.
Spinosaurus
Prowling the low-lying swamps of the Borial jungles are the massive Spinosaurus. These great beasts swim and skulk through the peninsula’s countless mires, hunting the huge fish that call the waterways home, as well as any creature who risks going to the water’s edge to drink.
Due to their massive size, and endless appetite, Spinosaurus are extremely territorial, and it is advised that anyone travelling through the swamps should hire a guide to get them through the territories of these massive predators.
Carnivorous Plants
It’s not only the animals and monsters that are a danger to travellers moving through the jungles of the Borial peninsula, but the plant life itself is just as hungry and vicious as any beast. Ranging in all shapes and sizes, these carnivorous plants feast on anything they can get their roots, branches, and tendrils around.
Once their prey is tangled up in their grasp, these vile plants dissolve their meals with their acids and other secretions, leading to slow and agonizing deaths for the poor creatures caught in their leafy clutches.
Couatl
Drifting through the forests and skies of the peninsula are the winged and colourful serpents known as couatl. These majestic creatures are known for their wisdom and kindness, and because of this many folks the continent over make pilgrimages to the lairs of these celestials; these pilgrims are seeking out the answers to their problems and for the divine advice only a celestial can give.
It is said that the winged serpents only appear to the good natured, and that the jungles they call home judge whether those who seek them are worthy of an audience.