Mankian Region

Territories

Society of Sequ’Manko

Sequ'Manko was a large kingdom that existed in the West Jungle of Ptitheros. A kingdom originally crafted by Cymer, it is the place of origin for many dragons and gryphons who belong to the Sequn heritage line. The kingdom was known for their tribalistic tradition, way of life and reliance on the environment. It was one of the most peaceful and educated cultures in Ptitheros during its peak.
The Western Kingdom was the only purely West Affiliated to exist, Pab'Zuann coming in second but unable to count since the majority was affiliated with the South. The kingdom was known for its beautiful wooden architecture that stretched across turquoise rivers and up towering jungle trees. The abandoned pyramids, ruins, and treehomes all stand proud and scorched within the kingdom grounds ever since the outskirts town of Sequendalar was attacked and set ablaze in the raids that took place roughly eight centuries ago. What was once a prosperous and independent kingdom alive with culture now lies empty and quiet, awaiting a resurgence of its true god to bring it back to what it used to be. The civilians who escaped the horrible raids are found sparsely across Ptitheros, and all they want is to have their old way of life back. Lots of Ptithians still live in Sequ'Manko settlements, but the kingdom structure is gone. Seree'yaa, Ironbramble, Sequano, and the west-edge of the capital is still brimming with activity.
Foundation and Time 
Late E.D to Early C.A
Sequ’Manko was created by the West Cardinal, Cymer, himself, as a place to be the capital of his kin.
Cardinal and Religion 
Cymer | West [Sequn]
Sequ'Manko was the only major kingdom to ever follow the West Cardinal religion, aside from minor groups. They obeyed the word of the West Cardinal, Cymer, and had very diverse customs and ideals that all linked back to the concept of a dreamworld. Sallanin, as they called it, was a connection to their God. It was real to the people of the jungle. Every ritual, each dreamcatcher crafted, and all the brilliant wisdom spoken by the shamans was their key to happiness and freedom. And, unlike a heaven, Sallanin was palpable to mortals. Their Cardinal was not out of reach back during the formation of Sequ'manko, he lived amongst them to help them thrive. But as years went by, the Cardinal disappeared, but what he created carried on. Through connection to Sallanin, his kin have protectors and a place to go when they leave the overworld.
Official Languages 
Common, Bir’trub
Market Share
Sequ’Manko is a highly sophisticated, nature-based "kingdom". Because of their set focus being happiness over all, the markets and jobs across the kingdom reflect such. Mankians did the jobs they wanted to, and if they wished to change their daily patterns they were more than welcome to. Markets were bartering based, with trading of goods and services being much more common than paying with Caq or other precious coins, this, however, was still present. Many shops still function using Caq so that exporting and importing for goods with foreign kingdoms was made easy. In the communities living in the Sequ’Manko territories, they keep up the bartering market as much as they can.
Government
Type and Focus
Social-crafted Theocracy | Happiness and Faith
Royalty
Sequ'Manko was governed by the people, with rules enacted by the community. It was a wholesome kingdom built upon the premise of trusting your neighbor, and when the community did not do their part then the Shaman of the settlement was contacted. The Shaman had the respect of their entire settlement, thus keeping tabs and things running smoothly was their side-job when things went wrong. On a kingdom-wide level, all the Shamans congregated under the Chieftain that resided in the capital city. Although being called the Chieftain/Cheiftess, they were merely another Shaman, often the oldest and wisest. A social-crafted theocracy, it was a very unique system amongst Ptitheros that only worked due to the Sequn's interdependent culture.
Chieftains were not always lineage-based, it was quite common for breaks to occur when an upcoming one was unfit for the position. However, keeping a lineage proved useful when it came to rallying support from other royalties and for recordkeeping. So if a child was deemed a suitable leader, they would become one.
Military
The Trackers
Sequ'Manko has no central government anymore, so their protection layout includes Civilian Guards and Civilian Patrollers who work more like police.
History
The western dragons that served Cymer, their history began in the jungles of the west where their great kingdom of Sequ'Manko was headed by the Cardinal Himself. Sequ'Manko was a vast land full of prosperity, and the western dragons dominated advancement throughout much of the early, early years of kin development.
Wyndgale was officially established as a territory in 1200 C.E. It followed the North Cardinal and was already renown as a place of peace and prosperity for all species and cultures. Great standings between Wyndgale and Sequ’Manko governments would soon form.
Not long after Swa Veduro’s disappearance, the West Cardinal, Cymer, would vanish too (5670 C.E.). It is said he returned to his pyramid temple in Sequelliyphs, Sequ’Manko a few years after he left with Swa to travel far across the sea. Swa may have not come back, but Cymer did. The Cardinal behaved much more distant than before, leaving His people to slowly rely only on themselves, until one day, he retreated through the gold-medallion entrance to the archives (known as Cyme Ruins when beneath Mankian settlements). This gold-medallion entrance would become known as the Room of Parallax because after Cymer went in he was never seen in the flesh again. Sequns believe and write that Cymer has not left, ‘for He would never leave behind His kin’ and that He awaits deep within the jungle Archives for a future day when His kin need Him again.
Mankian life became even more devoted to spiritualism after Cymer vanished. More temples were built and the tenets that Cymer upheld were further delved into to ensure that Sequns kept up his idealized world. Mankians knew that other kingdoms chose to create royalty when a Cardinal loosened its control, but they felt that this was disrespectful, much like the Vedluns thought. Despite this, the powerful western shamans came to an agreement with the populace that a head leader with diluted power should be chosen to help keep the kingdom prosperous. Thus, a Cheiftan role was created. The first Cheiftan was a dragon named Tochzho, she worked closely with the shamans and became well-remembered for her very soft voice when speaking to the public.
The shamans began to predict a calamity linked to the sea. They warned the public and sent messengers riding agile brirsters south to alert the Zuaanians. The shamans were not credited for the abilities, instead, when word reached the coast, the soothsayers of the kingdom stole the warning and respelled it. Now, the soothsayers foretold of a massive decimation of Chaarm Bay. A storm of the millennia was approaching, a hurricane driven wall of thunder, rain, hail, and damage. It spiraled onward from the depths of the southern sea, eventually encroaching on Pab'Zuaan and the edge of Wurunwa. Sequ’Manko would be spared.
A short war known as the Sequn Genocide or The Raining Fire occurred and Tucruitora was blamed. It brought the town of Sequendalar to ruins and scorched the eastern edge of the capital. It was organized by the Radical Tucruits who were aided by the Lace-Ups. The majority of the capital was evacuated and citizens went to Seree'yaa, Sequano, or migrated out to other kingdoms. For a few years after the Great Fire, the RTs and a small part of the Lace-ups stayed to loot the main city and drive out the remaining citizens that the flames did not reach. The pyramids, temples, and anything related to Cymer worship was battered. Once the capital was emptied of wealth the assailants left, since going deeper into the jungle to find the other towns would be too dangerous. The Mankians there were prepared to fight.
Both of the groups marketed Mankians, especially Sequn-affiliate ones, as uncivilized animals. It tainted their reputation for many years. This was achieved because many of the cult members were high-importance individuals. This made some cities dangerous to refugee Mankians, so many Mankian Sequns who dispersed outside of Sequ'Manko disguised or changed their Affiliation. Wyndgale, Pab'Zuaan and Kilaan received most of the refugees.

Cultures

Mankian

Architecture
Lofty, Self-sustaining, Biophilic, Exotic
The regional and cultural architecture found in Sequ’Manko and surrounding areas is known for being lofty and free-standing. Most residential buildings are built above ground in trees, either built upon custom platforms or hanging. Windows replace walls and sunlight flows freely through every angle. Buildings tend to be circular-esce to allow rainwater to wash off and help aura circulate easier. Using natural forms from trees and the hearth, architecture is formed around nature and never disturbs it, making a biomimicking and biophilic design.
Apparel
Accessories are almost a must in the Mankian region, but said decorations are usually minimal. The usual include ponchos, beaded ascots, shawls, twine jewelry, turquoise anything, and lots of lightweight bracelets.
Relationships
For ancient Sequns, the love between partners was incredibly important. These old views have trickled down into the modern day. The region values monogamy, but it is taboo to mark down such loyalty with anything other than words. To them, documents essentially say "I need written proof you respect me".
Religion
The central Affiliation of the region is Sequn, but Swavvel and Architectism is also common.
Taboo
Asking about someone's age.

Geography

West Jungle

A beautiful shade of green, dense greenery grows among the jungle, trees rise far into the sky, and the rivers that spiral through the land are a crisp, soothing teal. An abandoned kingdom rests near the coast, many smaller tribal communities are found down its overgrown roads. The West Jungle used to be home to many prosperous creatures and trade, but now it stands as a testament to what becomes of hatred.
Sequelliyphs [City]
Sequelliyphs is one of the oldest civilizations on Ptitheros. Crafted intricately by the West Cardinal, Cymer, and his kin, Sequelliyphs makes full use of the dense jungle around it, the massive trees, and the large Dorr’Ko Lake amidst the center of it. It is a grand place full of life and activity, one of the largest cities of its time and second in line to being the most technologically inclined (the first being Nox Capital). It is the capital city of Sequ’Manko. The jungle climate brings rain and thunderstorms, allowing wet agriculture to thrive and the river/lake to swell with fishing and hunting. Clean water comes from the natural grotto springs all around the lake, fountains line many plazas across the city and glow with enchanted fire pits at the top during the night.
Sequano [Town]
Sequano is a large town in the depths of the West Jungle. It suffered greatly when the capital of Sequ’Manko went under, but recovered in the next decade or two. The architecture of Sequano is almost exclusively in the canopy and mid-layer of the massive jungle trees. Bridges and ziplines connect complexes of round wooden buildings, but flight is the easiest way to traverse. Farms are up in the trees, rainwater is collected for drinking water, and the only structure on the ground is a dock port along the river below it to allow for ships. Sequano is predominantly Sequn, but allows all kinds of Ptithians to live and thrive.
Whisper Glade
In northwest Sequ'Manko is an emancipation temple with a massive statue of an unknown worshiped creature. It does not completely resemble depictions of the West Cardinal so it is assumed to be something else, which confuses those who have spent time studying the monument. The monument is a circular temple, similar to the Dome in Tucruitora, but on a much smaller scale and made from andesite blocks, pillars, and crystallized glass that has a composition as if it were made of pure sugar. The purpose of the temple and who built it is unknown at the time, records of the temple and its surrounding area being searched for in the Ancient Archives.
Cyme Ruins
There exists a room near the entrance halls of the Cyme Ruins that warps one's perception so much it causes insanity or enlightenment. It was originally blocked off and used as a judgment room for the West Cardinal to use on His kin. Those who came out with enlightenment tell of seeing into the world of Lindoss, feeling the thoughts of those in Sallenin, and knowing a higher meaning to their life and love. Those who exit with insanity were left to wander, often getting lost and dying in the underground temple after being abandoned by their god.
Ruins of Sequendalar
Sequendalar was a small town to the east of Sequelliyphs. It was the very first settlement of Sequ’Manko and holds a lot of historical significance. Home to many traditional sites and small Sequn museums, it also has some sections where generational families live. These families are some of the longest lasting Sequn heritages, many having direct ties to assisting the West Cardinal in the distant past. The west side of Sequendalar was the target for the cults that caused the Great Fire, for their intention to to kill many traditional Sequns and the most important historical sites using fire and fighters. Sequendalar is empty, ash covers the dirt roads, blood paints wooden stakes placed across the ground.
Cymer's Palace
Protected in the heart of the capital city, the god's grand palace is barred off except for the outer courtyards. Golden columns and silken tapestries blow in the wind. Intricate carvings cover the walls and plants curl around edges that have not moved or grown since Cymer left. A pool of crystal clear water rests in the courtyard entrance, its reflection like a perfect mirror. Not even researchers are allowed into the palace, Mankians are afraid it would make Cymer angry.
Ukiyo's Retreat
Cymer's children were never all too present in the region, nor were they interested in playing the role of a god. They created this oasis retreat as a place to talk among themselves, away from the busy city and loud voices. It is unknown what they talked about, likely things mortals would never understand. When they both vanished the retreat became accessible and is now open to the public as an enchanted, protected area.

Steam-wrought Rainforest

On the far west edge of Ptitheros is a jutting peninsula covered in dense foliage that grows as a healthy pale green. The humidity here is unbearable, rainstorms are common and hardly anybody can be found inhabiting the sickly-humid jungle besides minituries and dangerous insects. Ruins of past Mankian temples can be found around the east edge of the steam jungle, likely built before the entire peninsula was impossible to navigate.

Mau'zun Mountains

Bordering the western jungle and the dark briar grove is a large mountain chain that reaches around 2k m above sea level. Although short compared to the mountain ranges, Mau'zun makes up for it by being a beautiful location full of thick forests and the rising hills covered in jungle greenery, along with an interesting steppe pattern sloping up its sides. Many old mines can be found at the southern base of the range, as it used to be a goldmine for rare jewels.
Selin'bu [Village]
Selin’bu is a village in the humid mountains. It has always been quaint and its major draw is how simple life tends to be there. Natural skillsets and a survivalist mentality is common, but the community is always there to assist. Selin’bu shows exactly what it means to be a proud Mankian. The people there are kind, helpful, but are very territorial over their traditions and will not take criticism about their culture or Cardinal. They are not against technology, but choose not to make it part of their lives.
Sinking Souls Lake
The many caverns beneath the Sequ'Manko territories lend themselves to the theory that the West Cardinal originally had plans to make his kin also live underground, however that plan never came to fruition. In one of the many sprawling caverns that cross the Cyme Ruins is a large open area spotted with moderately large lakes with bright teal waters. Swarms of foes glowing a bright, rare blue scatter across the ceiling, casting light throughout the whole cavern. Those who fall into the saturated waters have been seen to be alright until they reach knee-deep waters, as they are then pulled underneath in a flash of light and foes gathering at the surface of the water, buzzing around in a little ceremony. It is advised to stay away from the waters.
Canyon Ridge Arena
The arena was once as popular as the desert coliseum, but the dip in tourism after the war tanked its income for a few decades. However, over the years it has recovered and once again hosts fantastic gladiator battles. It is carved of dense mountain stone and hangs among a cliff valley within the western edge of the mau'zun mountains with nothing but strong vines holding it up. Stadium seats and a small town of shops and inns surround it on all sides.
Tomb of Parallm
Deep in the mountains, part of the Cyme Ruins, is a gateway carved from pure turquoise, azurite, and an unknown pulsating teal substance similar to moss. Voidscript and carvings like those found in the darker Cardinal Temple rooms are found all over the rock. Sometimes, the gateway opens a smidge, a cold breeze blows from the endless darkness inside. Mankians have wondered what lies beyond it for centuries.

Karst Coastline

At the northern edge of the West Jungle towers a region of karst formations that broke away from the Mau'zun range long ago. These karst mountains thrive with tropical plants that grow up the rocky columns. The region is home to the Ironbramble settlement and some tourist spots. Thin, wooden bridges sway from point to point across the cloud-hazed peaks. It's windward angle to the Mau'zun Mountain range traps rainfall and powerful tectonic motion from before the Pre-history era formed the unique and dangerous landscape.
Ironbramble [Town]
Ironbramble is in the northwest corner of the jungle and close to the shoreline. Its outer walls built out of natural materials found in the jungle. Mostly plant fibers, mud, clay, some stripped bark to plate weaker areas, and vines or rope tying things together like ladders and bridges to other tree platforms. From a distance, if the greenery doesn't cover it up too much, it almost looks like a massive, messy wasp nest.
Temal Lake
Temal Lake is a warm-water lake fed from groundwater springs that resides in a bed of jungle trees and muddy slopes a few kilometers away from the ocean. Temal is a popular place for tourists seeking the optimal jungle beach vacation, run by joyful Sequns from Sequano and an Ironbramble.
The Mosstones
The Mosstones are massive, slippery boulders that travel out into the sea, curving around a whirlpool past the drop-off of the ocean floor. Water-filled caverns lie unexplored all throughout the boulders' area. They are an excellent fishing spot.

Blue Tropics

The farthest west coast of the jungle filled with small islands, limestone cliffs, beautiful teal waters and full-of-life barrier reefs. These islands stretch all the way to the archipelago and are home to many unidentified species. The coast and islands nearby are home to many resorts and fishing spots.
Seree'yaa [Town]
Seree’yaa is a large town on the west coast of the West Jungle. A port town, much of its architecture is structured to flow from the smaller jungle trees and out onto the docks that sit atop the teal ocean waters. Seree’yaa was independent before the war, so not much has changed in the town. Ships come in and leave day in and day out. The calming waves flow over the sand and palms trees sway. The small islands off the coast of the Artemine can be seen from the shore. Seree’yaa is a peaceful place to live and has opportunities and connections available for all sorts of occupations and cultures.