Vux'talu

Nestled deep within the heart of the Verdalis Basin, Vux'talu is the secluded and harmonious settlement of the Grung and Plasmoids, flourishing amidst the lush tropical rainforest. This settlement reflects the Grung’s deep connection to nature and their commitment to protecting their pristine home from exploitation. The name "Vux'talu" comes from the Grung language, where "Vux" symbolizes mystery and seclusion, and "talu" represents harmony with nature. For centuries, Vux'talu has remained hidden from the world, a secretive yet thriving community that thrives within the vibrant ecosystem of the Basin. The Plasmoids, alien-like beings who can shapeshift and adapt to their surroundings, have integrated with the Grung society, adding to its uniqueness.
Xotl the Rainkeeper, a legendary Grung shaman who led their people to the Verdalis Basin in search of a sanctuary where they could live in peace and harmony with nature. Xotl is said to have had a spiritual connection to the rainforest, which helped him locate and protect this hidden paradise.
Vux'talu is a rare sanctuary for the Grung and Plasmoids, deeply connected to the lush, tropical world around them and committed to preserving their hidden paradise. It stands as a living testament to the harmony between nature and civilization, where the vibrant rainforest and its people thrive in secrecy.

Demographics

Population: Around 2,500 inhabitants. Grung: 80% (roughly 2,000) Plasmoids: 20% (roughly 500)
The Grung make up the majority of the population, with their amphibious nature perfectly suited to the humid, tropical environment. The Plasmoids are fewer in number, but their adaptability and fluid biology allow them to easily live alongside the Grung in harmony. The two races have forged a strong bond, blending their cultures into a unique and symbiotic society.

Government

Vux'talu is ruled by a Council of Elders, primarily composed of respected Grung shamans and Plasmoid philosophers. The leader of the council is referred to as the Rainkeeper, an honorific title passed down through the generations, which is currently held by Oshu'tli, a wise Grung known for his deep knowledge of the rainforest’s flora and fauna.

Defences

Vux'talu is naturally protected by the dense, almost impenetrable rainforest and the Grung’s toxic skin. The Grung have also trained native creatures like dart frogs and giant serpents to help defend their home. They use camouflaged traps, such as pitfall traps and hidden snares, to catch intruders unawares. The Plasmoids can change shape to act as scouts or to form temporary defensive barriers.

Industry & Trade

While the people of Vux'talu do not engage in large-scale trade, they occasionally trade rare herbs, medicinal plants, and natural toxins with trusted partners. They also trade crafted talismans and organic tools with nearby settlements. Their primary industry revolves around herbal medicine and the preservation of natural resources.

Infrastructure

Vux'talu’s infrastructure is as intertwined with the rainforest as its people. Most structures are canopy homes, suspended in the towering trees, made from woven vines, leaves, and organic materials found within the forest. Bridges made of lianas connect these homes, forming a web-like system above the forest floor.
Underground burrows are common for the Plasmoids, who prefer to dwell closer to the roots of trees, where the earth is cool and damp. They have created hidden, bio-luminescent chambers that glow faintly, illuminating their living spaces in an otherworldly light.

Districts

• The Canopy: Where most Grung live, with homes built into the trees, accessible by vine ladders and bridges.
• The Underroot: Home to the Plasmoids, who prefer the damp, cool ground beneath the towering trees.
• The Verdant Shrine: A sacred area where Grung shamans and Plasmoid seers conduct rituals, using the natural energy of the rainforest to maintain harmony between their people and the land.

Assets

The Vineweaver's Atelier: A unique shop where Grung artisans create woven armor and tools from vines and leaves, as well as clothing adapted for the tropical climate. Apothecary of Talu's Blessing: A small apothecary run by a Plasmoid alchemist, offering potions made from the exotic herbs and plants of the Verdalis Basin. The Tinker's Pool: A Grung and Plasmoid collaborative workshop where biological technologies are developed. The Plasmoids’ adaptability and the Grung’s connection to nature result in unique tools, potions, and alchemical creations.

Guilds and Factions

• The Rainkeepers: A guild of Grung shamans dedicated to preserving the balance of the rainforest and warding off invaders.
• The Verdalis Wardens: A mixed faction of Grung and Plasmoid warriors who patrol the basin, ensuring no outsiders threaten the harmony of Vux'talu.
• The Weavers of Life: A faction of artisans that specialize in weaving and crafting tools from organic materials, ensuring the sustainable use of the forest’s resources.

Points of interest

• The Verdant Shrines: Sacred places where the Grung conduct their rituals, located deep within the rainforest. These shrines are hidden from outsiders and said to be imbued with the spirit of the rainforest itself.
• The Moonwell: A mystical pool located within the heart of Vux'talu, where the Plasmoids gather for their spiritual practices. It is believed to connect the material plane with distant realms.
• The Whispering Canopy: A section of the forest where the Grung believe the spirits of the ancestors reside, communicating through the rustling of leaves and the calls of native creatures.

Tourism

Tourism is rare due to the secretive nature of Vux'talu, but on occasion, select individuals are invited to witness the Verdant Shrines and learn about the Grung’s natural rituals. These visitors are carefully monitored to prevent any disruption to the delicate ecosystem.
Verdalis Reverie - 8th Mortisfall
The Verdalis Reverie is a vibrant and deeply spiritual holiday celebrated in Vux'talu, honoring the sacred connection between the Grung, Plasmoids, and the lush rainforest of the Verdalis Basin. The holiday is an annual celebration that takes place during the peak of the rainy season, when the rainforest is at its most vibrant, with the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of life reverberating through the canopy. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and reverence for the natural world that sustains Vux'talu.
Founding of the Holiday The Verdalis Reverie was first celebrated in year 482, just over two decades after Vux'talu’s founding. Xotl the Rainkeeper, the founder of Vux'talu, initiated this festival to commemorate the first rains that blessed their hidden paradise and to honor the spirits of the forest that protect their people. The holiday serves to reinforce the bond between the settlement and its surroundings, reminding the Grung and Plasmoids of their responsibility to preserve their natural haven.
Rituals and Traditions

• The Rainkeeper’s Blessing: The Rainkeeper, the spiritual leader of Vux'talu, leads a ceremonial dance in the Verdant Shrine, where they perform an ancient rain ritual to ensure the continued protection of the settlement by the spirits of the rainforest. They offer hand-woven talismans, made from vines and bioluminescent moss, to participants as blessings for health and prosperity.

• Luminal Procession: As night falls, the people of Vux'talu gather for a grand procession through the rainforest, illuminating their path with bioluminescent lanterns and torches made from glowing plants. The procession winds through the Whispering Canopy, where the Grung believe the spirits of their ancestors reside. It is said that those who listen closely may hear the whispered guidance of these spirits in the rustling leaves.

• Harmony Feast: A communal meal shared by the entire settlement, the Harmony Feast features dishes made from the fruits, herbs, and plants of the Verdalis Basin. Both Grung and Plasmoids contribute to the feast, creating a symbiotic meal that reflects their harmonious coexistence. The feast is served atop woven vine platforms suspended in the trees, symbolizing their close connection to the rainforest’s canopy.

• Talu's Gifts: A tradition where the Grung artisans and Plasmoid tinkerers exchange handcrafted gifts made from natural materials found in the rainforest. These gifts often take the form of woven talismans, jewelry, or potions, symbolizing the gifts that nature bestows upon them.

Cultural Significance The Verdalis Reverie is not only a celebration of nature but also a reminder of the delicate balance that Vux'talu must maintain with the rainforest. The Grung and Plasmoids see themselves as guardians of this paradise, and this holiday reinforces their collective duty to protect it from harm. It is a time to renew pacts with the spirits of the land, ensuring that the settlement remains hidden from outside threats and that their resources are sustainably used.
Key Events

• The Verdant Games: A series of friendly competitions held in honor of the rainforest's resilience. These games include climbing races, vine-weaving contests, and swamp hunts, where participants show off their agility and survival skills.

• The Cleansing Rain: At the height of the festival, the skies are said to open with a ceremonial rainstorm. The people of Vux'talu believe this rain is sent by the spirits to cleanse their souls and purify the settlement. Everyone gathers in the center of Vux'talu to dance and bathe in the warm, healing rains.

• The Spirit’s Song: At the end of the Reverie, the festival concludes with a shared dream meditation led by the Plasmoid seers. In a trance-like state, participants meditate under the canopy, and it is believed that their collective dreams travel through the rainforest, connecting them to the spiritual essence of the Verdalis Basin.

Tourism and Participation Though Vux'talu is a secluded settlement, a few select outsiders are invited to experience the Verdalis Reverie each year. These outsiders, often trusted allies or scholars, are granted the rare opportunity to witness the Grung’s deep spiritual connection to the rainforest and participate in the rituals. They leave with a deeper respect for the natural world and the mystery that surrounds Vux'talu.
Symbolism The rain that defines the Verdalis Reverie represents life, renewal, and protection, while the glowing lanterns and bioluminescent plants symbolize illumination and guidance from the spirits. The woven talismans and gifts represent the interdependence between the Grung, Plasmoids, and the rainforest, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and symbiosis.
Conclusion The Verdalis Reverie is more than just a festival—it is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Grung and Plasmoid people in Vux'talu. It serves as a yearly reminder of their bond with the Verdalis Basin and their duty to protect the hidden paradise they call home. Through ancient rituals, communal feasts, and meditative practices, they honor their land and its spirits, ensuring that Vux'talu remains a thriving and secretive sanctuary for generations to come.

Architecture

Vux'talu’s architecture is biologically integrated with the rainforest. Homes and structures are constructed using live trees, vines, and organic materials that grow with the settlement over time. The Grung make use of bioluminescent moss to light pathways, while the Plasmoids have built subterranean tunnels that mimic the natural caves of the rainforest.

Geography

The Verdalis Basin is a lush, tropical rainforest filled with towering trees, dense underbrush, and interconnected waterways. The settlement is hidden deep within the forest, surrounded by natural defenses such as swampy marshes and mist-laden rivers that keep outsiders at bay.

Climate

The Verdalis Basin is perpetually warm and humid, with frequent rains that nourish the lush greenery of the rainforest. The thick canopy above provides natural shade, keeping the settlement cool despite the tropical climate.

Natural Resources

The rainforest offers a wealth of resources, including:

• Rare medicinal herbs
• Exotic fruits
• Toxins used for hunting and defense
• Bioluminescent plants that provide natural lighting
• Vine fibers used for crafting tools and armor

Founding Date

861AD

Founders

• Xotl the Rainkeeper

Type

Town

Population

~2500

Location under

Verdalis Basin

Characters in Location

• Warden of Roots Thamrynn Cindleroot