Food Supply in Encura

The feeding habits of Encura's inhabitants are deeply intertwined with the gifts of both land and sea. This balance reflects the resourcefulness of the merfolk and their symbiotic relationship with their environment.

Land's Bounty

Encura’s terrestrial resources, while secondary to its marine wealth, still play a vital role. A scattering of plantations and small farms can be found on the islands, primarily managed by non-aquatic refugees who have made Encura their home. These farms yield fruits, nuts, and berries, supplementing the merfolk’s diet and adding a touch of diversity to their meals.

Despite these efforts, most of Encura’s land remains untouched, cloaked in vibrant forests teeming with life. The merfolk, whose expertise lies beneath the waves, have not adopted extensive farming practices. Instead, they gather the natural offerings of the forests, harvesting what nature provides without disrupting the balance.

The Ocean's Abundance

Beneath the waves, Encura’s true sustenance thrives. Vast expanses of seaweed farms ripple gently with the currents, cultivated meticulously by the Shoal of Providers. These underwater gardens are the backbone of Encura’s food supply, producing nutrient-rich kelp and algae. The seaweed is not only a staple food but also a resource used in medicine, crafting, and trade.

The Shoal of Providers ensures the sustainability of these farms, tending to them with a reverence born of necessity and tradition. This practice underscores the merfolk’s understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain their underwater ecosystem.

Hunting and Fishing

Encura’s hunters and fishers are masters of their craft, combining natural agility with keen senses to navigate the ocean depths. Schools of fish, teeming with life and vibrant hues, are harvested with skill and precision. Larger aquatic creatures are also occasionally captured, though only with careful consideration of the ecosystem’s balance.

The bounty of the sea graces the tables of Encura, where fish and other marine delicacies are transformed into nourishing meals. The diversity of seafood ensures that the merfolk’s diet remains rich and varied, even during the leaner months when land-based resources are scarce.

Harmony with Nature

The feeding habits of Encura’s inhabitants exemplify their harmonious integration with the natural world. By combining the gifts of land and sea, they sustain their civilization while preserving the ecosystems that provide for them. This delicate balance is both a testament to their ingenuity and a cornerstone of their identity.

The merfolk of Encura teach us that to take from the world is a privilege, not a right, and that harmony is the most nourishing feast of all.

— Dorian Frostquill