The Mandarlo Bloom

Ever 10 years in the Mandarlo Wastes, the most desolate and inhospitable region on the continent of Rodico, there is a strange phenomenon that occurs. In a small hidden valley, there is a large bowl like indention in the earth about 5 miles wide. Nine years out of ten there is nothing there. There are no plants and the only creatures to be found are the occasional insects that burrow into the inarable soil. On the 10th year of every decade for 3 months, the bowl is filled with new life. To look into the area from above, one would think a rainforest had sprung up overnight. Plants not seen on Rodico or anywhere else on Colarn grow in abundance here. Strange fruits and vegetables also grow in abundance here and the area can be described as lush with plant life. Dangerous creatures appear to avoid the area, so it is safe for most travelers, though nothing keeps people out.  When the Mandarlo Bloom occurs, people from all over the world come to see it. Leaders of the many city-states of Rodico will throw lavish week-long parties in this temporary oasis, feeding on the abundant food that appear to replenish what is taken from them almost overnight. The various city-states have prior agreements as too which week belongs to them to revel. When this happens, the oasis becomes temporary territory of the state hosting the festivities. This is important because the rare plants are vital for certain components in powerful spells. Every Bloom, the various Magical Universities and component dealers travel to the Wastes to gather these plants as this soil seems to be the only kind that the plants will grow in. Whenever one of the collectors comes, they have to deal with whichever city-state is in charge for that week and make deals to procure their product.

Type

Natural