Forest Tribes of Matsuhisa
Overview
The Besidar's homeland, the Great Matsuhisa Forest, is a place of awe and wonder. Although not a large territory, it is rich in resources and alive with the pulse of nature. The forest is dense and filled with ancient trees, the most prominent of which is a seed of Yggdrasil planted deep within the heart of Mikoshi. Around this sacred tree stands the Besidar's lone city, Treetop, a breathtaking settlement built in the massive branches of the trees. Treetop is not simply a city, but a symbol of the Besidar’s deep connection to the natural world.
Despite its small size, the forest is an impenetrable fortress, defended not by walls, but by the Rangers and the forest itself. Every leaf and twig is observed by the Besidar, and any threat to their land is swiftly dealt with, often with help from the very creatures that inhabit the forest. Besidar territory is also dotted with outposts and watchtowers high in the trees, where their people live in close-knit communities, ever vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
The Besidar have long held onto a simple yet effective form of governance. At the heart of their society is the Urdin, the High Lord of Nature, who acts as both a spiritual leader and a ruler. This monarch is chosen through divine guidance, the will of the gods. The Urdin is not a figure of absolute power but rather a guiding voice for the Besidar people. Their low population, numbering only in the thousands, makes this singular leadership structure work smoothly, without the complexities of larger empires or kingdoms.
The Besidar are not an aggressive people but will fiercely defend their homeland. Their primary military force is the Rangers, elite warriors and scouts who protect the forest and its people. The Rangers are highly respected and serve for extended periods, with their years of service marked by bands on their ears. The Besidar Rangers are skilled in tracking, combat, and using the forest’s resources to their advantage. They are known for their ability to guide creatures of the forest into battle and to strike swiftly and decisively when intruders threaten their land.
The People and Their Territory
At the center of the Besidar's territory lies the city of Treetop, a marvel of both architecture and nature. Built around the sacred tree that they planted from Yggdrasil, Treetop is a city of white and gold, perched high among the branches of ancient trees. The tree itself, with its scarlet leaves, is said to possess healing powers, both physical and emotional. Its presence is a symbol of the Besidar’s connection to the divine and to the earth. Visitors to Treetop are rare, and those who do manage to enter the city often must swear oaths of secrecy about its location and its inner workings, for the Besidar are a secretive people, deeply protective of their way of life.
The Rangers are not only the primary military force of the Besidar but also their enforcers of law and order. Their duties range from defending the forest from invaders to managing internal disputes within the community. These highly skilled individuals are trained in the arts of tracking, archery, and combat, and they serve as both soldiers and peacekeepers. Their ranks are signified by the bands they wear on their ears, which indicate the number of years they have served. These dedicated warriors are revered for their deep knowledge of the land and their unwavering commitment to the Besidar people.
Though the Besidar’s territory is small, they have become exceedingly wealthy through their trade of alchemical compounds. They are renowned for their production of Elixirs, Decoctions, and Oils, which are highly prized across the lands of Lendil and beyond. Their mastery of alchemy is unrivaled, and they have a strong reputation for creating potent medicines, poisons, and other magical compounds. The Besidar maintain open trade with neighboring nations, including Humans, Orcs, and Almidar, though they are careful to avoid exploitation. Their alchemical expertise has allowed them to form prosperous relationships with many different races, making them influential players in the economic landscape of the region.
