Elpizo

When people are sent to The Fjords to die, some don't. Over the years, survivors have built homes into the earth itself, residing in rudimentary "cliff houses." This region is called Elpizo, the inhabitants Elpidofora. Having been stripped of any magical abilities, Elpidofora are strong and good with their hands. Due to their inability to make contact with the rest of Mon Cadeau, they make all their tools themselves, including drinking cups and fishing spears. Elpidofora clothing is ash-colored, like the land itself, and they wear cloths over their noses and mouths to protect their lungs. They don't really have jobs, with most people aiming merely for survival, though some enjoy climbing, dancing, singing, or telling stories. Many of them get along with each other, though a few live as hermits in their cliff houses. Some have lost hope entirely and throw themselves into the canyons; they are referred to as Chameno. Few people survive longer than three years after their banishment due to harmful substances in the earth, water, and air. Elpidofora have simple funeral ceremonies for the dead that involve symbolic burial and song. Some Elpidofora are followers of Inanis, citing their belief in supernatural forces; others retain the devotion of their previous lives. Many are not religious at all. To the north of Elpizo lies Helgasker, the ruins of a once great city, the cultural center of Mon Cadeau. Nestled at the base of the deadly Mount Raseri, Helgasker was completely destroyed in the 1469 eruption. Elpidofora have reported encounters with ghosts when venturing near the city; some have literally died of fright. Thus, few people have actually visited the ruined city, which is preserved much like Pompeii. The only ways in or out of The Fjords are the port at Helgasker in the north and the Shilkut Pass in the south. The Celticar Mountains are treacherous and kill many of the banished shortly after their arrival. If they do try to escape via the Pass, a small army led by knights awaits them. Knights are stationed largely in this place and in Karlsfell to protect the island's entrance and the country's leaders. Often masters of both sword and sorcery, knights are killing machines no one should aspire to cross paths with.

Type

Underground / Vault