Galanda

Area

Galanda is one of the two countries of Selkes in Francalia .
The Selkes are a non-human species of Francalia.

They have a likeness to seals but are able through magic to change their form and appearance, pretty much at will.

They have always been an aquatic species, and live in the northern waters of The Ocean .
The Selkes have arrived in Francalia a millennia before humans did, and were well established in their realms by then.

At that time, there was only one realm of the Selkes. After the Sedition a millennia ago, Galanda was formed to the north and Molluco to the south.

Galanda is the smallest of the two countries.
The Galandans mainly live in the undersea mountains off the coast of Francalia.

They have been thriving in the cold clear waters around the high peaks of The Koolidan Mountains .
Their homes are to be found deep within the mountains carved out of the Koolidan Crystal Caves .

The Galandans are hunter-gatherers: males and females will go every day to collect food for the day.
As the food is abundant, this is not a difficult task: they will feed on a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and sea mammals.

They are also partial to varieties of seaweeds and algae.

The Galadans will always prefer to eat their food raw - 'cooking' food does not exist in their society.
However, the presentation of food is. They will take great care in food arrangements, especially during feasting days.

Habitat

- Crytal Caves

The crystal caves are where the Galadans' homes and palaces have been built.
The light coming through the surface is amplified by the crystals, which makes the caves very light and attractive to the Selkes.

The caves also provide shelter from the surface storms and swift currents around the peaks.
The crystal homes are filled with elaborate stone furniture, crafted from the mountain rocks.

- Sea Grass Valleys and Plains

The undersea mountain range - which the Selkes call Koolidan (homes)- has high valleys filled with seagrass.

This ecosystem is very important to the Selkes.
Many fish and crustacean species live among the aquatic grass plains and provide rich hunting grounds for the Galadans.

The valleys will sit high above the ocean floor and benefit from the light filtering through the surface.
The grass species themselves are excellent water purifiers, which explains the great clarity of the waters in these parts of the ocean.

The grass plains can also sustain many aquatic mammals.
One of the mammals that the Selkes call Bluefins , resembles a small whale.
Bluefins have been tamed by the Selkes. They are not only pets for the Galadans, but they also provide a swift means of undersea transportation.

- Dark Lower Slopes and Ocean Floor

Well below the crystal caves and the grass sea plains, there lies the dark ocean floor.
As one goes down the mountains, the light starts to become scarce, and soon total darkness prevails.

On the dark slopes of Koolidan, not much life can survive.
Some species have adapted to the harsh conditions at the bottom of the ocean, and strange wildlife lives there.

For the Galadans, the dark parts of their country are full of myths and mysteries.
It is also thought to be home to the gods.

Type

Geopolitical, Country