Lantan

I. INTRODUCTION

 

Lantan is a southern nation some thousand miles south of the Moonshae Isles, known for its' merchant traders, which are found up and down the Sword Coast.

 

Lantan is also widely known for its' maroon-sailed, lateen-rigged ships, which ply the crystal and deep-green waters of the southern seas of the Realms. The Lantannas maroon sails are distinctive, and tell mariners that expert merchants are in their waters.

 

Lantan itself is a land of lush jungle and rock pinnacles, atop which perch the turreted aerial homes of the Lantanna. These homes are often joined to neighboring abodes by spidery, railless bridgespans. The islands are peopled by contented folk who worship Gond Wonderbringer, god of artificers. The Lantanna carry on energetic independant sea trading in order to make enough money to enrich their homes with splendid ornamentation and new ideas or inventions, which they are always encouraging the experimentation with and implementation of.

 


 

II. GEOGRAPHY and CLIMATE

 

Lantan is a grouping of three mountainous islands rising from the waters of the Trackless Sea north of Chult. Lantan, the largest and most heavily-populated of the islands, is ringed by a rugged ridge of mountains whose steep slopes are carpeted with rain forests. These verdant hills slope towards the sea, giving way to coconut plantations and sparkling white beaches on the coasts. The central part of the island is extremely low-lying, containing marshes and swampy forest criss-crossed with canals. To aid merchant traffic across the interior, the Lantanna have invented a substance remarkably similar to asphalt, which they have used to construct roads, raised safely above the marsh surface.

 

Suj, the southern island, is the more mountainous of the two, and is slightly more arid. A third island, Orlil, is heavily forested with baobab trees, and is almost uninhabited, save for thousands of wombats, a species found nowhere else in the known Realms.

 

Lantan's climate is maritime tropical, with daytime temperatures hovering around 80 degrees in the winter season, and rising into the 90's/100's in the summer. The warmer weather also brings more rainfall, which usually takes the form of passing tropical showers. It has never snowed in Lantan, although the rainy season sometimes brings in typhoons, which roar in from the Trackless Sea and dash themselves against the mountains of Lantan and western Chult.

 


 

III. LANDS SURROUNDING LANTAN

 

Although it sits surrounded by the waters of the sea, Lantan is located close to several powerful and influential nations. To the east lies mighty Calimshan, which has been, at different times in history, Lantan's biggest enemy and its' best trading partner.

 

To the south of Lantan, across the Baelrah Channel, is the Peninsula of Chult. Lantanese merchants have long profited from the hardwoods and exotic plants of the Chultan Jungles, which they export to the nations of the Shining Sea and farther north. Lantan sports a larger Tabaxi population than any other nation north of the Jungle Coast (the region between Chult and Halruaa), although persons of Tabaxi descent in Lantan are often looked down upon, and relegated to menial positions.

 


 

IV. LANGUAGES

 

The Lantanna know the common tongue of Western Faerun, and use it whenever they encounter foreigners or travel the mainland. However, they speak it in a rapid, melodic fashion, using an accent that some have jokingly called "human elvish." Whether this is a result of geographical isolation or an indication of other-planar origins is unknown. The common tongue of Lantan is also filled with odd slang words and aphorisms, similar to those found in Amn. These slang terms come from the mercantile and technological bent of the nation, and may be confusing to foreigners.

 

When among their own people, the Lantanna sometimes use their native tongue, a dialect found nowhere else in Faerun. Although in decline, this language is still in evidence in the personal and place names of the island, such as the various titles of the Ayrorch.

 


 

V. MONEY and COMMERCE

 

Lantanna often barter, but among themselves mint and use coins, particularly electrum and platinum, as currency, although these are unusual in that they rarely ever leave the island. When they travel abroad, Lantan merchants typically carry trade bars of electrum and platinum, usually in the standard 25 gold-piece denominations, and marked with the symbol of Gond. This money is considered universal tender, but it has caused a number of fights when presented beneath the noses of individuals from Zhentil Keep, who have a long-standing grudge against the Lantanese.

 

As noted, Lantanna dislike traveling far inland, but they do have widely-roving agents who keep tabs on inland events and on caravan companies, mainly based in Amn and Waterdeep, authorized to trade for, and with the goods of, Lantan. (As an aside, these agents are believed responsible for the slaying of the merchant Arghul, who had a rather unscrupulous reputation for self-serving treachery. Arghul was a prominent merchant of Amn and Westgate, and thought to be a member of the Zhentarim. As a result, Lantanna are heartily disliked by that organization.)

 

Finally, the people of Lantan have a mania for invention and devices. An Artificer, alchemist, or inventor who comes up with a new device will soon have a very persuasive Lantanna (or his agents) on his doorstep, making inquiries. It is known that Lantan gained knowledge of the printing press from the magical southern nation of Halruaa, and it is hinted that this acquisition was neither legal nor proper.

 


 

VI. CITIES of LANTAN

 

1. Sambar. The capital city of Lantan, Sambar is a bustling city of some 24,000 people. Located on an excellent natural harbor, the city is divided roughly in half by the Sambar River. A showplace for civic inventions, Sambar is a clean, peaceful city. Even in the poorer sections the homes have running water, and the buildings and streets fairly gleam a blinding white, a result of the limestone that covers nearly every surface. Some of the more famous landmarks of the city are:


2. Illul. Long a center of the Lantan fishing industry and the "poor sister" of nearby Sambar, Illul is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Since the Avatar Crisis, the city has become the center of worship for the Wonderbringer, making it a mecca for Gond's faithful. In the past twelve years, the population has doubled, to nearly 17,000. With the immigrants came an influx of money, making Illulites both newly rich and some of the snobbiest people on Lantan.


3. Anchoril. A fishing and shipping town on the eastern side of Suj, Anchoril is a shadow of its' former self. Once the hub of Lantanese maritime affairs, the city lost prominence some 200 years ago, when the Council moved the naval shipyards to Sambar. Today, the 8,000 or so citizens of Anchoril survive mainly by fishing, although several prominent merchant families (the Zunds, Medaiths, and Enthstars) still remain. Anchoril has the highest percentage of Tabaxi natives anywhere on the islands, and the town is now highly influenced by their customs and culture. The Triceratops Society of Chult is active among the Tabaxi here, as are agents of Ras Nsi.


4. Baelrah. The city of Baelrah is divided into two sections, the Port and Northtown (also commonly referred to as Hightown). The port area is a frantic, lively affair, where raw timber and other goods from Chult are constantly unloaded, and miners, prospectors, and adventurers wait to take passage on ships bound for the Jungles. Here, one can watch exotic goods being unloaded and traded, from heaps of gemstones, to rare flowers and fragrant spices, to exotic beasts like leopards, zebra, and even mighty elephants. Many foreign mages and alchemists travel here or send proxies to buy rare spell components or specimens for experiments.

 

By contrast, Northtown is a picturesque, relaxed community. Perched high on the hills that run down to the bay, this area is home to many of the merchants who make their living off of the Chult trade, and to many seacaptains who have ended their careers here. The two sections of town are neatly divided by Amalthea's Belt (see below). The population of Baelrah hovers around 6,000 people (although that number is often almost doubled or tripled by the numerous merchants, mercinaries, sailors, and traders who pass through during the height of the summer season).

 

VII. PLACES of INTEREST

 

1. The Irodo. An immense canyon running through the middle of the island. It is unknown exactly how the Irodo was formed, although the melted appearance of the canyon sides and a high concentration of the rare mineral known as starmetal leads most Lantanese sages to believe that a large meteorite crashed to Faerun here, eons ago. Several mining towns exist here, most of which are directly controlled by the Lantanese government.


2. Smokemount. A semi-active volcano lying on the northernmost tip of Lantan. High atop the Smokemount lies Morethlas, a small and highly-guarded monastary of Gond. For many years now, the priests here have been working in concert with the Lantan authorities to harness and control the power of the Smokemount, for a variety of purposes. Already, Morethlann experiments with elementals and steam engines have led to several inventions, such as the crude steam locomotives that haul goods from Sambar to Illul.


3. The Sarelar. East of the Gulf of Leth lies the Sarelar, an area of deep foliage and hidden canyons where huge serpents are rumored to lurk. Several varieties of flying snakes are also found here in great profusion. Perhaps the most dangerous area of Lantan, the Sarelar claims many victims each year, from hunters and trappers to botanists searching for the rare plants that grow in the forest depths.

  

 

VIII. GOVERNMENT and POLITICS

 

Both islands of the nation, Lantan and Suj, are ruled from the capital of Sambar by the Ayrorch, a Council of Twelve, whose members serve for life and themselves select replacements to their ranks. The head of the Aryrorch, the "Ayrar," speaks for the council in Lantan; another member of the council, the "Lantar," is its traveling envoy to other lands. Neither position is traditionally given by seniority or as a reward for service of merit; the Ayrorch seems to sort out its duties on a pragmatic basis, those with a talent or liking for certain tasks undertaking them.

 

The current known Ayrorch of Lantan is; Ayrar: Thagr Lantan: Bloenin Santar (an ancient Lantan word meaning "others"): Bhaemul, Thonn, Meskal, Ghundal, Ormthess, Kuthil, Ramatar, Lothna, Ulmreen, and Threshna. 


 

IX. PEOPLE and CUSTOMS

 

Lantan is peopled by contented folk who worship Gond Wondermaker, the Patron of Artificers. The Lantanna prefer to avoid conflict, viewing combat as wasteful and expensive. However, as is often sarcastically noted across Faerun, this has not prevented them from introducing weapons like the arquebus and bombards to the rest of the world.

 

Lantanna as a race have large green or black eyes, copper-colored hair, and skin the color of parchment or old ivory. They are a people of great grace and balance, although this does not prevent some of them from being rather muscular. In fact, they move with a fluidity that often times belies their musculature. This natural grace has enabled the Lantanna to safely maneuver across both the railless bridges of their homes, and the swaying rigging of their ships. Lantanna dislike travelling too far inland from the Sea of Swords. The sea is their source of life and commerce, and it is a constant comfort to them. They truly dislike being separated from it for too long. The warm climate of Lantan makes its people susceptible to cold temperatures, which is why Lantanna who trade with the North almost always use proxies and intermediaries.

 

The Lantanna wear loose robes and large sun hats when at home on their islands, and anything practical when on ship or trading ashore elsewhere. In general, they favor shades of yellow in their clothing (similar to their skin color), which has made more than one ignorant foreigner believe that they walk around unclothed. Warriors wear loose robes, eschewing armor as something too confining. Even helms are rejected, in favor of the traditional wide sun hats favored by all Lantannas. Lantanna as a whole tend to share a dislike for armor; not only is it uncomfortable, but they believe that armor puts off customers and lowers the price they receive for their merchandise.

 

Warriors of Lantan Warriors of Lantan have a "fight if we must" attitude, as they consider combat as a wasteful and expensive enterprise. They are more disposed towards resolving disputes with soothing words and rounds of drinks at a tavern. Failing at this option, they will not hesitate to fight. Warriors of Lantan relish the mercantile tradition of their people. They are always on the lookout for a good bargain or a new potential market for Lantanna traders to exploit.


 

X. LANTANNA RELIGION

 

under construction 

 

XI. NOTABLE NPC's

 

Bloenin: The Lantar of the Council, Bloenin delights in the interaction of systems, in particular human systems such as governments, politics, and economics. Those fortunate enough to encounter the man will find him reserved and almost alien in his dealings, as if wheels were physically turning behind his green eyes.


Zalarem Imristar: Zalarem is head of the Green Band, a terrorist group dedicated to ridding Lantan and Lantanese society of the "corrupting effects" of technology. He is missing his left arm, which was horribly mangled in a smokepowder explosion and had to be amputated. Formerly a cleric of the Wonderbringer, Zalarem was cast out for unknown transgressions, and shortly afterwards came up with his new mission in life.


Danactar: The High Artificer, and the highest-ranking mortal priest of the Wonderbringer. Danactar runs the High Holy Crafthouse in Illul. 

 

XII. SECRET SOCIETIES

 

The Rundeen. The Rundeen is a very old secret society of human merchants, most numerous in the Shining South, but with widespread adherents everywhere in Faerun, including Lantan. Thier recognition-sign is the clenched fist (more formally, two clenched fists crossed at the wrists, held up in front of one's chest). They stand for the common gain of merchants who must travel and face perils, and so include many merchants of Lantan among their ranks. The Rundeen are sometimes opposed by the Harpers and the Ytepka (see below), especially in cases of Rundeen-sponsored piracy against rival merchants (the suspected cause of Lantan's last war with Calimshan), or Rundeen slave trading.

 

The Ytepka (Triceratops) Society. The Ytepka (or Triceratops) Society is active among the Tabaxi population of Lantan. Similar to the Harpers, this Neutral-Good aligned secret society is made up mostly of warriors, and acts as a sort of vigilante police force, keeping unsavory individuals and groups from harrassing good members of society. They also act against slavers and, especially in Anchoril, work to combat the agents of Ras Nsi. When the society feels that a member of Tabaxi society is on the verge of committing a great social wrong, they will mark his or her home with the symbol of a triceratops. It is then up to the marked individual to figure out the error and correct it. If the crime is not prevented, the Society will act against the offender; they favor gathering compensation for the victim rather than exacting physical punishment, but in extreme cases, assassination is not unknown.

 

The Green Band. The Green Band is a terrorist group dedicated to ridding Lantan and Lantanese society of the "corrupting effects" of technology. They believe that such craft can only bring ruin to Lantan, and that the island should be returned to a pristine, primitive state. There has always been a small but vocal minority in Lantan who dislike the study of Artifice and favor a more traditional, magic-dominated society, but they have always been relatively harmless. However, in recent years, the Band, led by a former cleric of Gond named Zalarem Imristar, has arisen and found support among the Lantanna, from the poor to jaded young members of Lantan's upper class. Even more disturbing are whispers that the Band is being aided by Halruaan interests. Although many, including Lantan's few druids, the Ytepka and the Harpers, are sympathetic to their cause, the Band's use of violence and terror to achieve their objectives has made alliances with these groups difficult. Their favorite targets include rich merchants, gunsmiths, smokepowder refineries, and shrines and temples of the Wonderbringer.

 

XIII. CURRENT HAPPENINGS

 

Several explosions rocked the annual Wonderbringer Festival in Illul yesterday, killing three and wounding at least twenty. Members of the terrorist Green Band claimed responsibility for the attack, and vowed to continue their campaign against the "Souless Theocratic Automatons" of the Ayrorch. There have been increasing attacks on the Lantanna colony in Chult, and logging operations there have been severely hampered. Fort Chaelan, a Lantanese supply station on the River Sashenstar, was attacked and sacked in a midnight raid by unknown forces. The reason behind these sudden attacks is not yet known, although speculation runs from rival Calishite merchant concerns, to a new leader amongst the native Tabaxi, to an army of Sword Coast bandits looking to carve a realm of their own out of the jungle.

 

Strange lights and flashes have been reported in the skies above Orlil for the last fortnight. The disturbances seem to be centered around the Raven Ring, yet their cause is yet to be determined, as the phenomena only occurs when no humans are around. The Raven Ring is a circle of ancient stone plinths located deep in a vale on Orlil. The plinths, which consist of a strange type of granite found no where else in Faerun, are inscribed with mysterious pictograms and glyphs. The most prominent (and most-repeated) of these glyphs is that of a large, raven-like image, from which the ring takes its' name. The ground within the ring of stones is charred and blackened, and nothing ever grows there.

 

For many centuries, the Raven Ring has fascinated Lantanese archeologists and sages, who constantly search for clues to its' origin and purposes. The wombats, the isles' only permanent residents, have never been seen to go near the site, and remain silent on the subject even when magically questioned.