The Safelands
In the valley of the swift flowing River Tothean are strung together a series of six medium-sized towns. Saleid, Taseth, Itisbe, Aleah, Darilean and Duvaen are the homes of the sleepy, peace-loving people that make up the realm of the Safelands. Each town is noted abroad for a particular skill, trade, or export the quality of which can be found only with difficulty elsewhere. Ringed by dense forests, marshy lands, and slowly rolling hills, Safelanders have become relatively isolated in their corner of the world, and are seldomly seen without, just as strangers are seldom seen within. Those with adventure in their souls find them dull and boring; restless folks have been leaving the valley in search of excitement as long as it's been inhabited.
Geography
The Safelands are a series of six medium-sized towns strung together along the river Tothean.
The only sure route to reach the valley that harbors the towns of the Safelands is by river. Other than that waterway, the paths to the valley are often less than obvious. Were a traveller to leave the borders of Iridine travelling north, he would first encounter the fields and mayhem of Cinera. But beyond the Cineran border to the north, he would be forced to the sea to the port of Remath or to circle around east to enter the Cantasir hills. Further east still rise the Cantasir Mountains, a virtually impassable barrier of rock and ice. Very courageous, or very foolish, are the ones who brave those massive spires without the help of an experienced guide. Some occasionally attempt to enter the Safelands through its southern forest border, but those who do so are few. The jungle forest is very old, with wildlife varied, numerous, and aggressive, and paths unclear when not entirely absent. The northern border of the valley, toward Tuchea, is marshy and treacherous to the unwary.
The river is the Tothean, a strong westward-flowing waterway which throws itself from the peaks of the mountains to twist and turn among the feet of the hills. Its final stretch, the mouth of the Tothean, is practically impassible by rivercraft without the guidance of a Safeland pilot. The Cantasir hills often being too far a detour to the east, the Safelands are isolated amid these simple natural barriers.
Saleid
On the north bank of the Tothean right on the shores of Saleid Lake, a place where the Tothean widens. It is the best known and biggest of the six cities. Of the strangers who come to the Safelands, very few make it past the active town of Saleid. The large warehouses aligned alonged the banks of the river have made this the commercial center of the Safelands. Travellers come here, do their business and leave. Shipwrights of this city are among the best in the world, although they tend to specialize in river boats than larger vessels. Saleid is also home of the important pilot guild without
whose guidance the valley would truly be closed to the world.
Taseth
North bank of the Tothean, Taseth is a very small village situated atop a large hill. Almost entirely in the forest it is dedicated to teaching. Here, the masters of the Safelands come once a year to choose new disciples, here the accumulated knowledge of the people is kept, and here the more mysterious arts are taught. Healers, herbalists, and woodsmen profit enormously from the dense forest that seems to have birthed a village. The only shrine of the Safelands is situated here also, one hilltop removed from Taseth proper. Equally hidden in the woods, a quiet community of priests live about its walls and share their daily lives with their neighbors.
Aleah
Also on the north bank. Aleah houses a very skilled community of carpenters. The abundance of wood surrounding them is their wealth. Exquisitely carved chests, tables, beds and a variety more of useful and less useful objects are produced with much care by these Safelanders. Carpenters of Aleah are often commissioned by the wealthy of other nations to produce unique pieces to decorate their homes. The Safelands being so removed, it often takes a carpenter many years before making a name for himself. Possessing works from this town is a mark of prestige.
Itisbe
The flattest of the six cities. Situated on the south bank of the Tothean on a hill that seems to have had its top sheared off. It is the most removed of the cities and one must actually walk a ways through the dark forest before encountering this the meadows that surround this quiet settlement. Itisbe is famous throughout the known world for its honey. What space the village occupies is devoted entirely to their bees. Incidently, this is also the only city in the Safelands built more then two stories high. Of the Safelanders who leave the confines of the valley, more often often than
not they are from Itisbe. Fellow countrymen say, half-mockingly, that it is because they get stung once too often by their little beasties.
Duvaen
Eastern-most city on the north bank. It has taken advantage of the omnipresent hills and lower mountains to herd goats. Each family of Duvaen own a herd and the whole town is responsible for another herd which is the property of all. The job of keeping the goats and what little hunting there is in the foothills is the only adventure not frowned upon. Goat's milk, meat, and hides are sent out of Duvaen monthly. While most of the valley is generally warm and sunny, this town is situated higher along the slopes of theCantasir Hills, and feels the bite of cooler weather in the winter.
Darilean
Situated up and across the river from Aleah, at a point where the Tothean narrows. The survival and prosperity of Darilean is directly linked with Duvaen. The wool of the goats is sent here and put in the hands of the competent weavers. Safeland garments tend to be colorful and long lasting. They are very sensible and sturdy, some say that for traveling they are the best. Mountaineers are often very thankful to be Safeland clothed.
Culture
The towns have proven fairly self-sufficient along the years. It is said in the Safelands that the founding elders divided the people according to ability and established each town with a mission. This early foresight (outsiders view it as a compulsion) has paid off and now it seems there could never be another system. Every spring, all youths who have come of age are assembled in Taseth to be apprenticed. From there they are chosen by their skills and temperament for the craft best suited to them. Safelanders honor hard work and dedication in all their crafts. They have little tolerance for impatience, flights of fancy or daydreaming. The atmosphere in the valley is one of industry and contentment. Adventures are frowned upon and those Safelanders who are taken by such instincts are first sent to Saleid and her sea port. If the commotion of the town does not prove exciting enough, they are often recruited among the pilots needed to guide boats along the Tothean. If they are still restless and don't settle down, many leave with a load of exported goods to seek their fortunes in the world. Generally, departing youths have the knowledge of some skill they had started apprenticing. It is expected that this will see them through in the world.
Rumours & Word of Mouth
- "The verdant forests surrounding the Safelands are said to be the most beautiful and peaceful forests ever settled."
- "The Safelands are governed by a council of seven elders. They are called the Six and the One. The One is the oldest priest of Ereal in the whole of the Safelands."
- "The people of the Safelands tend to be a bit boring."
- "A small nation of peaceful people."
Religion
There are few priests in the Safelands and what number there are fall under the leadership of the Eldest. He is a priest of Ereal and is expected to teach aspiring youths the basics in the worship of the God. While the young of the Safelands are encouraged to learn trades, those few in whom a true religious spark is found, are taken under tutelage by the Eldest. Of these, the most gifted are sent to Iridine to complete their studies and better serve Ereal. The Eldest is usually a gifted student who has returned to the Safelands.
Politics
The Safelands are governed by a group of six Elders and the Eldest called The Six and the One. The six Elders are elected, one for each town, and they are expected to sit for three years. An Elder can decide to step down at any time he wishes, provided he gives adequate reasons for doing so. The One, or the Eldest, is the oldest priest among the followers of Ereal in the valley. He is expected to be wise and intelligent and to lead the valley when leadership is called for. Nomination to this position is for life. The group meets four times a year for discussions on trade and commerce with the outside world. They are also expected to convene at celebrations, marriages, and deaths of important citizens. Emergencies are handled by these seven individuals who will make their will known and guide the people to a solution. A slightly offended scholar (he was kindly asked to leave the valley) compared this small ruling council to that found in Republic town halls. In many respects he was right, the whole valley, with its six towns, permeates a sense of humbleness, modesty and peace. Very unlike the bigger cities elsewhere in the world.