Hinda Forests

The Hinda forests (namesake for the kingdom of Hindaros) is a vast stretch of sub-tropical forest and swamp throughout Hindaros. Some of it reaches into the Teutani States and even all the way to the Olaran territory. It is full of tall trees, stretches of water, many unique plants, and a number of resources.
Excluding the jungles of Kinavi and Azin, the Hinda forests may be one of the lushest areas in the world. That is why, though the wetlands and strange ecosystem make it a difficult place to live, a long time ago the ancestors of the Hirundine race settled it. Over time they grew acclimated to the wetland environment with increased lung capacity and a heightened immune system.
These early inhabitants, though the race spread to most of the world, eventually formed Hindaros. Hindaros actively takes advantage of these fertile lands however they can. By designing tiered cities in the trees they can simultaneously avoid monsters and water (though they are vulnerable to any enemy with a torch) while planting farms literally underneath their cities among the natural irrigation canals. The soil is rich and allows for growing some of the best food in Avani. The region also has a lot of Seafire underground and the plentiful game can be hunted for food. However, it sucks to travel through the area unless one is willing to fly most of the time.

Geography

The Hinda forests, on the continent Alvana, are a vast area of flat wetlands. Freshwater rivers that flood seasonally intersect the entire area on their journey towards the East Lota sea, providing the area with a constant supply of water to maintain its dense vegetation. Pockets of dry land are scattered throughout the area. What isn't under a thin layer of water is often mud. It also receives a lot of rainfall.

Fauna & Flora

The Hinda forests are teeming with many living things, such as the uniquely large and sturdy Histaros trees that allow for Hindaros's extensive treetop cities or the Taris Plants that can be ground into a paste to stop infections. It also has numerous herbivorous and carnivorous insectoids that the locals hunt for food. Nephotoids, somewhat like a cross between a crocodile and a wingless dragon, prowl the waters alongside a variety of massive serpents that can grow to nearly 80 spans long (about 20 ft). Semi-intelligent Fogarti, roughly equivalent to bipedal frogs, and their primitive flint weapons can also be a problem in the most remote areas.
Of course, the biggest threat here and everywhere is always the Apogees. Here in the Hinda forests they can be particularly bad since there are so many creatures, many of them quite large, to corrupt and draw their ranks from. The Hinda forests in Teutani were the site of the former city destroyed by Fallen during the Cyanni War, to make matters worse. Almost numberless ranks of Fallen, Hidden, and Driven roam the forests, attacking travellers and attempting to get into the cities. It is also theorized that there may be hundreds of Apogee spawning pools throughout the area as well.

Natural Resources

The Hinda forests, though a difficult place to live, make it very rewarding for its inhabitants to live in. Millennia of lush plant life ensures that it is full of coal and Seafire in close-to-the-surface caches, allowing its inhabitants to easily supply fuel to their furnaces and ammo to their ships. There are also many ore deposits for vital bronze, iron, and lead (which is usually traded south to supply the Jasani's Firebolts. Mining can be dangerous, with flooding a constant concern inside the tunnets, but it is lucrative. The area also contains many plants and fruits, some of which can be used for medicines, while being excellent to farm. That is why in spite of the unique challenges that this swamp creates it is regarded by its inhabitants as one of the greatest places to live.

Alternative Name(s)

Hinda Swamps

Type

Wetland / Swamp

Location under

Alvana

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