Capital: None
Population: 11,000 ( 92% Halfling, 8% Other )
Government: Clan based
Religions: Goddess of the River, Flora & Fauna, Shamanistic (Nature Spirits)
Imports: Metal, foodstuffs, cloth
Export: Saps and resins (used for perfume, medicine and spices), furs, rare woods
Alignment: Neutral
The lands of the Flendi are untamed to say the least. A few footpaths through the old growth forest and along the river are about all that even mark the lands as inhabited. Flendiland is small compared to many of the nations that comprise the Republic of Malisted, and its people are secretive and distrustful of outsiders. Flendiland does have representation on the Republic senate, though few of the world’s issues affect them directly and the representative often abstains from voting.
Life and Society
The population is predominantly made up of halflings belonging to a semi nomadic tribe known as the Flendi. To say they are barbaric might be a bit much, as they do have a culture all their own and do not try to force their will on their neighboring lands. They will however defend their territory with a ferocity that borders on animalistic. There are a handful of clans making up the tribe as a whole. Each has a warm village (spring, summer, and fall) and a cold village (winter) that they travel between as the season and climate dictate. The typical warm village is above ground and sometimes partially built into the ancient trees. They are rarely more than a few miles from the river. The cold villages typically have an underground component where shelter from the biting winds of winter is mitigated.
The Flendi are not xenophobic and it is common to see a number of adopted clan members from a variety of races living among them. For the first year, new additions are closely watched. After that year, a celebration is held and the adoptive members are seen as full members of the clan with almost no distinction made by the majority of the clan.
The Flendi respect Flora and Fauna, though they are viewed as being Halfling like deities. However, the Flendi also revere the river goddess. (The goddess is really an intelligent being from the elemental plane of water that has found some amusement in the worship of the smallfolk and in turn helps them on occasion.)
The Flendi are protective of their waterways and demand tribute from any foreign vessels they find traveling upon them. They place more import on the fact that a gift is given than the actual value of a gift, though a cheap tribute will raise their ire. Any boats that try to get by without making a gift to the Flendi are usually pelted with sling stones from the shadowy banks or even accosted by some unseen creature in the water. Usually these encounters are less than lethal, but the ships likely will need serious repairs when next they dock.
The Flendi are open to trade and a few small docks dot the riverside. A tribute is still expected, but those that follow the customs are well received and can make quite a profit in trading for the rare saps and resins that the Flendi collect from the forest. Many are used as spices, fragrances and even minor medicinal purposes throughout Alduras.
The Flendi also have taboos about letting their faces be seen. When outside their villages, they are rarely found without a mask made of wood or leather. They serve a practical purpose to those traveling the deep woods and jungles where the brambles become thick and can claw at the skin. Some of the greyhairs in the villages also state that wearing the mask in the forest stops the evil forest spirits from being able to follow a person home and bringing them bad luck. Traders very rarely see a member of the Flendi clans without their masks. Showing their face to an outsider is a mark of trust and respect that is hard earned by any person not of the Flendi people.
On the rare occasion, Flendi can be found outside their home territory. Their excellent woodcraft skills make them fine scouts. It does take them awhile to adapt to what they view as modern conveniences. A few dozen small time Flendi traders will also load their canoes or small barges and travel up and down the river from Flendiland selling their wares. As they quickly sell out of their products, these traders never get too far from their home territory.
Major Geographical Features
Wattoban River (Local Name) – This is the major river traveling through the lands of the Flendi and provides the main means of trade, news, and lengthy travel. The river is inhabited by a being from the plane of water that is semi-benevolent to the Flendi people.
The Nettle Wood – A section of jungle/forest that has extensive tracks of brambles and nettles covering the ground. Trees and animals not found anywhere else in Malisted reside here. Those wanting to be recognized as warriors among the Flendi travel to the Nettle Wood to prove themselves. Many spend weeks if not months living in the unfriendly environment. Those that survive the ordeal come back to the villages bearing trophies of their victory over the wild and a new found inner resolve.
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