[WIP] Community Atlas: Kumarikandam - SE Tiantang Region
Ricko
🖼️ 116 images Mapmaker
This time, Master @Quenten sent me to map an "eastern" region. I chose the Empire of the Sun style to create the overland map and then I will use Mike Schley's new oriental images to create the smaller plans within this first map. The names have Chinese influence.
My little piece of land in its original image at 270x270 miles.
Comments
List of citys, monastery and interest points:
Hai He He Autonomous Region – Autonomous Region of the Sea and River
Jing Hua Cheng – City of Brilliant Flowers
Tian Long Du – Capital of the Heavenly Dragon
Yu Shi Gu – Jade Stone Valley
Qing Shui Zhen – Clear Water Village
Hei Shan Si Black – Mountain Monastery
Zhao Guang Si – Temple of Morning Glow
Shu Guang Xiang – Dawn Village
Han Yue Cun – Cold Moon Village
Chou Ye Xiang – Stinky Leaves Village
Mu Shui Cun – Wood and Water Village
Bai He Xiang – White Lily Village
Chuan Bei Si – Drunken Cup Monastery
Chen Yue Cun – Hidden Moon Village
Hei Feng – Dark Wind
Zhan Yan Cheng – Cliffside Town
Yuan Lin Zhen – Original Forest Village
Tian Nong Cheng– City of Farmers
Shi Ji Dao – Island of Extreme Loss
This time it was a bit of work.
I used only two groups of images for the trees: pine trees and scrub trees, multicolored, varying between colors 114 and 120, to try to achieve greater diversity, even with the same icons.
@Loopysue Thanks for the resize of the farm, it looks much nicer, at least to my taste.
The Southern Towns
On the southeastern edge of the capital Tiang Long Du, with cliffs protecting its mist-covered shores and crystal-clear rivers, lies a region known as The Southern Towns. Comprising three towns – Han Yue Cun (Cold Moon Village), Mu Shui Cun (Wood and Water Village) and Chou Ye Xiang (Stinking Leaves Village) – this area is both prosperous and dangerous, home to both natural riches and mysteries.
Han Yue Cun – The Village of the Cold Moon
A prosperous farming village located on a vast green plain bathed by the Bai Lin He River, whose crystal-clear waters fertilize its famous fields of Moon Rice – grains that shine with the silvery light of the moon, giving the village a mystical air. However, its tranquility is threatened by spectral creatures that roam the region. On the nearby cliffs, the enigmatic Yinying Temple attracts bold adventurers seeking its legendary blessings.
Mu Shui Cun – Village of Wood and Water
Sitting along the great Hei Lin He (Black Cedar River), Mu Shui Cun is the commercial heart of the region. Famous for its rare Yingmu (“Shadow Wood”) timber, which is highly durable and used in elite weapons and construction, the village also thrives on fishing and shipping. However, workers often disappear into the forest, where Yingmu herself is said to create monstrous forms to protect herself.
Chou Ye Xiang – Village of Stinking Leaves
Despite its unpleasant name, Chou Ye Xiang is crucial to the region. Situated in a wet, marshy area in the south, it produces rare medicinal herbs and a valuable fertilizer extracted from the leaves of a local shrub, Ye Chou. However, the toxic air of the marsh can sicken travelers, and the region is inhabited by dangerous creatures such as spirits that transform into familiar forms to lure their prey.
The Yinying Temple – A Test of Faith and Endurance
Standing high atop the cliffs, the Yinying Temple is a place of mystery and reverence. Those who reach its gate and survive the trials are said to receive blessings from the ancient guardians. The journey, however, is brutal:
1. The Path of the Dark Mist – A treacherous trail shrouded in magical mist, where illusions confuse travelers, leading them to fatal falls.
2. The Pass of the Cutting Winds – A gorge where razor-sharp winds constantly sweep through. Only the most agile or resilient can cross it without mortal injury.
3. The Riddle of Shadows – Spiritual guardians of the temple challenge those who arrive with riddles that test logic, memory, and perception. Wrong answers result in curses or attacks from the guardians themselves.
Dangers of the Region
In addition to the challenges of the temple, the region is plagued by terrifying creatures:
• Black Jiao Longs – Aquatic serpent-dragons that inhabit the sea, attacking fishermen and boats.
• Forests – Home to Yingmu trees that come to life to protect their roots, crushing intruders.
• Swamp Wraiths – Spirits that roam Chou Ye Xiang, whispering promises of gold or forgiveness in exchange for a worse fate.
I tried several ways to make this hostile island look different from the traditional landmass. And it was getting too complex and I didn't like the result. So I decided to go back to basics and work with the least amount of images and functions possible. The result is here, a piece of land forgotten by the Gods.
Shi Ji Dao – The Island of Extreme Losses
This island is a cursed piece of land surrounded by merciless seas. Its skies remain eternally cloudy, as if even the sun refused to illuminate this place. The incessant sound of wind and waves echoes between desolate cliffs, reinforcing the feeling of absolute isolation. A few twisted trees and low vegetation punished by salinity are all that grows there. The inhabitants – or prisoners – live in rotten wooden shacks, supporting themselves with miserable fishing or the precarious cultivation of almost tasteless tubers.
The Island as the Final Destination
On Shi Ji Dao, there is no future, only waiting. Infectious patients, political opponents and traitors to the regime of the capital Tiang Long Du are sent to the island in reinforced-hulled vessels, never to return. The journey there is known as the "Journey of the Last Breath", because no one who crosses the treacherous waves that surround the island returns.
The surrounding waters are a veritable graveyard: razor-sharp reefs pierce vessels, while whirlpools devour even the most skilled swimmers. Even if someone managed to survive the sea, the harsh currents would push them back to the island.
Life in Shi Ji Dao
The inhabitants survive on an unstable barter system, with fishing and gathering being the only viable activities. With no hope of escape, some give in to madness, wandering the island as shadows of their former selves. Others organize themselves into small groups, trying to maintain some form of order. Among the leaders of these improvised communities, storytellers emerge, keeping alive the legends of the island where dreams come to die, but also a stage of forgotten secrets and deadly dangers, which can attract fools or those desperate for redemption.
Legends of Despair
Though devoid of hope, the island is rich in tales of wonder and mystery:
. The Whirlpool of the Drowned Dragon
It is said that deep within a whirlpool north of the island lies the spirit of a dragon who was betrayed and murdered by the ancient emperors. His fury, transformed into ravenous currents, is insatiable. Some nights, the winds whisper promises of power to those willing to descend into the heart of the whirlpool and free the creature.
. Ships of the Dead
On the darkest nights, the hazy shapes of ships appear on the horizon, floating above the turbulent waters. Some believe they are the vessels of those who perished trying to escape, their spirits now doomed to wander the sea. Others say these ships carry artifacts of power, but to board them brings eternal damnation.
. The Cave of the Faceless Guardian
In the heart of the island lies a hidden cave that no one dares to explore. According to the ancients, the Faceless Guardian lives there, an entity that exchanges favors for memories. The few who have tried to bargain with him have returned without knowing their own names, with empty eyes and consumed hearts.
The mighty Tiang Long Du and its more than 500,000 inhabitants.
Tian Long Du - Capital of the Heavenly Dragon
Tiang Long Du, the capital of the River and Sea Autonomous Region, stands as a monument to resilience and ambition. Situated where the vast sea meets a mighty river, its foundation is a legend of blood, betrayal, and dark magic.
The Creation
Centuries ago, the region where Tiang Long Du stands was a disputed territory between rival clans and ancient creatures. The place was considered cursed, home to spirits and monsters. Despite this, the land was strategically valuable, offering access to both maritime trade and riverine riches.
It was the ambitious warrior Ji Wenzhao, leader of a fragmented faction, who decided to defy fate. He used forbidden magic to overcome the powerful dragon that inhabited the place, sealing its spirit in a statue. The ritual drained the soul of the powerful animal and also the vitality of its allies, giving rise to the fortress that would become the King's palace.
Battles for Supremacy
The founding of Tiang Long Du did not bring immediate peace. Situated on the fertile plains between the Great Mae—as its residents call it—and the Sea of Storms, the city attracted the greed of rival clans and warlords. Ji Wenzhao, the city’s founder and leader, faced a coalition of enemies determined to seize the region’s riches.
The Fields of Blood
For years, the plains surrounding the city became a battlefield. One of the largest and most decisive battles took place in what is now the city of Bai He Xiang, a prosperous agricultural settlement. The armies under Ji Wenzhao's command were constantly outnumbered. Despite his skill as a strategist, his enemies' allies threatened to surround Tiang Long Du and annihilate it before the city could establish itself as a regional power.
Faced with imminent defeat, Ji Wenzhao resorted to a desperate act: a dark pact with the imprisoned spirit of the Dragon Shenlong, the beast he had defeated and subdued during the founding of the city.
The Pact with the Imprisoned Dragon
During the founding of Tiang Long Du, Ji Wenzhao had faced the legendary Dragon Shenlong, guardian of the region's waters and fertile lands. After an epic battle, he destroyed the dragon's body, but could not extinguish its spiritual essence. Instead, he imprisoned the dragon's spirit in a stone statue, forcing it to bestow prosperity upon the city.
At the height of the conflict, Ji Wenzhao returned to the site of his imprisonment and proposed a dark pact. He offered his soul, the blood of his fallen soldiers, and the promise that each generation of his bloodline would suffer a curse. In exchange, the dragon ceded its destructive power, allowing Ji Wenzhao to call upon his fury to destroy his enemies.
The Battle of Bloody Twilight
The following night, during the Battle of Bloody Twilight, Ji Wenzhao led his troops in a final assault on the region that is now Bai He Xiang. Under the cover of a red moon, he summoned the black waters of the river, which rose up like gigantic serpents, swallowing the opposing armies. The waves, filled with the evil power of the dragon, swept men, horses, and weapons to the bottom of the river.
Annihilation and Bribery
While half of his enemies were being destroyed by supernatural forces, Ji Wenzhao used another trick: he bribed the leaders of the most influential clans, promising them lands and positions of power in Tiang Long Du. Those who accepted the deal were absorbed into the city's political structure, while those who refused disappeared.
The Mark of Victory and the Eternal Curse
With the complete destruction of his enemies and dominion over the surrounding lands, Ji Wenzhao established Tiang Long Du as the capital of the River and Sea Autonomous Region. However, the price of the pact soon became apparent. The spirit of the imprisoned dragon demanded its offering: relentless storms began to ravage the city, and the rising tides brought the wreckage and bodies of those who had perished in the river, now undead and thirsting for human beings.
The spirit of the Dragon Shenlong still whispers through the waters, his imprisoned fury shaping the treacherous tides and storms that ravage the entire region. Bai He Xiang and other coastal cities have prospered, but their inhabitants fear the stormy nights when the distant roars of the dragon seem to echo across the coast.
This victory secured Ji Wenzhao's monarchy, but it also sealed a legacy of shadows and curses that still lingers over the lineage of rulers, whose lives are cut short by the dragon's vengeance.
The Eternal Monarchy
After Ji Wenzhao’s death, his lineage was maintained through political alliances and ruthless control. The dynasty adopted the title of Sons of the Black Dragon, claiming a divine right granted by the spirit of the powerful entity. It is said that the statue only awakens to the true heirs, devouring the impostors.
To protect their power, the emperors created the Eyes of the Tide, an order of spies and assassins trained to eliminate dissent and stop revolts before they even begin.
The monarchy also maintains its position with dark rituals performed in the King’s Palace, the great castle whose towers control the waters of Lake Baibum. These rituals include the sacrifice of political prisoners and even members of the court itself, fueling an energy that keeps the city standing, even in times of crisis.
The City Today
Tiang Long Du is a city of stark contrasts, where opulence and poverty coexist in close proximity. Its ornate walls symbolize the power and glory of the ruling elite. Vibrant markets display exotic products, the fruits of a trade often rooted in exploitation and dark magic, in a relentless pursuit of wealth.
At the same time, the Canals of Lament, on the outskirts, reveal the price of this opulence. Labyrinths of narrow, dark passages shelter a marginalized class, trapped in poverty. There, desperate residents live alongside thieves and soul merchants, willing to do anything to survive another day.
We could sum it up as a microcosm of inequality. The elite monopolize power and resources, masking their exploitation with the glitter of the market and the grandeur of the walled city. Meanwhile, the masses live on the margins, sacrificing their humanity to sustain a system that oppresses them. Dark magic, both in the suburbs and in the palaces, is the perfect metaphor for a corrupt and predatory economy, where the success of the few is built on the ruin of the many.
Legends and Stories
. The Curse of the Guardian of Shenlong: The statue of the river, said to protect the city, sometimes glows with a ghostly light. Some believe it is a warning that the spirit is displeased, while others see an opportunity to reclaim its blessing.
. The Spirits of Shipwreck: On the great river and along the northern coast, locals and travelers report seeing ghostly sailors sailing on wreckage. These spirits are rumored to guard treasures, but attempting to plunder them can incur their wrath.
. The Spirit of the Miserable Old Man: In the Canals of Lament, locals tell of an old beggar who offers passage to those who wish to escape poverty. However, the price of passage is the memory of a loved one. Those who accept can never remember the person they have lost, but feel an eternal emptiness.
. The Breathing Wall: Some swear that the walls of Tiang Long Du breathe. Night watchmen report low, rhythmic sounds, like a sleeping creature. Legend has it that the city is alive, and that when the rulers fall, the walls will close forever, trapping everyone.
. The Wheel of Dark Fortune: On the gambling street, there is a gambling wheel controlled by a spirit named Huan Jing. Legend has it that by spinning it, gamblers can win immense riches or lose everything, including their identity. Many winners mysteriously disappear shortly after receiving their fortunes.
. The Wandering Monk: On the outskirts of the city, a faceless monk is seen wandering. He offers cryptic advice and disappears at sunrise. He is said to be a manifestation of karma, come to punish or bless.
Character Suggestion:
Gui Yan - Gui Yan cares for the bodies and souls of the dead. She runs the city's morgue and exorcism temple, maintaining a balance between life and death.
Boian - An alchemist who works in a secluded tower, surrounded by bizarre experiments. He has an eccentric personality and a smile that mixes genius and madness. His goal is to discover the key to immortality... or at least to prolong his own life.
Tan Mo - A street magician who has lost the memory of his own name and history. He creates fascinating illusions, but his personality is always changing, sometimes being a charlatan, other times a hero in search of a purpose.
Guo Zhi - A local nobleman who keeps a large harem of women and is constantly seen in questionable places. He thinks he is very charming and is known for telling silly jokes about his own escapism and "human weaknesses".
Ling Shuang - An expert archer with a dark history, known for never missing her target. Her eerie calm belies a life of sadness and regret, but she is amused by others' attempts to challenge her abilities.
Xue Lan - A mysterious woman with powers of illusion who offers simple wishes for sky-high prices. She laughs at people's hopes and is always amused by her clients' requests, often altering them in unexpected ways.
Damn dragon plague, clouds everywhere 🤣
Yuan Lin Zhen – The Original Forest Village
Situated on the edge of a cliff eternally shrouded in clouds, Yuan Lin Zhen, the Original Forest Village, is a haven and strategic point in the vast River and Sea Autonomous Region. This modest-looking village serves as the last stop for travelers and pilgrims who follow the perilous trail to the distant Hei Shan Si Monastery, hidden deep in the Black Mountains.
The village is surrounded by an ancient forest known as Lin Yuan, whose ancient trees reach colossal heights and whose roots penetrate deep into the cliff. The forest is a vital source of income for the villagers, who collect rare herbs and precious woods, such as Hei Mu, a red and hardy wood used in sacred buildings and ritual weapons, as well as having great commercial value. The villagers believe that each tree possesses a spirit, and cutting them down without the proper permission of the local spirits can bring terrible curses.
Importance to the Region
Yuan Lin Zhen is a spiritual and commercial center. The locals offer shelter, supplies, and knowledgeable guides to those who make their way to the monastery. The village’s markets are known for selling rare forest products such as Fei Ying oil and Hei Mu resin. Dark Lotus Powder, extracted from flowers that grow in hidden forest pools, is used in rituals and alchemical concoctions to induce prophetic dreams, and is a coveted item throughout the region.
Dangers and Legends
The forest surrounding the village is not only rich in resources, but also in dangers. Dark creatures such as the Fei Ying, giant crows with flaming eyes, patrol the skies at dusk, attacking the unwary. There are also the Gui Mu, trees that come to life at night, luring travelers with melodic sounds and devouring them as they approach.
One of the oldest legends is that of the Guardian of the Cliff, a misty entity that appears as a hooded warrior. It is said to protect the innocent and punish those who dare disregard the sacred rules of Lin Yuan. Some believe that he is the spirit of a monk who attempted to reach Hei Shan Si but succumbed to the trials of the path.
The Journey to the Monastery
For pilgrims, Yuan Lin Zhen represents the last chance to rest before tackling the treacherous trail to Hei Shan Si. The path is steep, passing over swaying rope bridges and cliffs that disappear into the mist. Despite the dangers, many consider the journey a spiritual test, believing that only the worthy can reach the monastery and receive its blessings.
Tien Nong Chen – The City of Farmers
Tien Nong Chen and the surroundings towns is the kingdom’s agricultural jewel. With vast fields irrigated by rivers flowing down from the mountains, the city is the kingdom’s hub for grain, medicinal herbs, and rice production. Surrounded by small settlements such as An He (Silence River), Qing Gu (Clear Valley), and Feng Gu (Wind Valley), each of which plays a specialized role in the cultivation and gathering of vital resources.
To the north of the valley lie the logging settlements of Mu Feng (Wind of Trees) and Lin Shui (Water of Forest). The precious timber of the Ancient Forest is a coveted resource, but overexploitation angers the forest spirits, who occasionally manifest themselves in the form of storms or monsters. It is said that the leaders of these settlements hire mercenaries to sabotage each other, increasing instability in the northern region.
With its rich agricultural production and strategic position, this is a place of vital importance to the kingdom, but also a powder keg of political and social strife. For adventurers, the valley offers unparalleled riches and glory—at the cost of navigating betrayal, monsters, and ancient curses.
Local Beliefs
• The Curse of the River: The villagers of An He believe that the river that irrigates their land is protected by a guardian spirit. A farmer who tried to divert the river's course mysteriously disappeared.
• The Golden Rats of Qing Gu: A local legend tells of golden rats that appear during harvest nights. Capturing one would bring infinite wealth, but killing one would bring bad luck for seven generations.
• The Well of Lamentation: Between Tien Nong Cheng and Feng Gu lies an abandoned well. A site of suicides during times of famine, the well echoes with voices on stormy nights.
Recent Events
• Crop Sabotage: Recently, rice fields in Qing Gu were burned overnight. Farmers are suspicious of Feng Gu and have hired willing individuals to investigate and, if possible, retaliate.
• The Fury of the Forest: Angry spirits have begun attacking lumberjacks near Lin Shui. Local leaders are offering a reward to anyone who can appease them—or destroy them.
• A Secret Alliance: Intelligence suggests that An He is negotiating a pact with the northern timber settlements to secure privileges. Uncovering and exposing this alliance could change the balance of power in the valley.
• The Ghost Route: Traders report that an ancient, forgotten road deep within the valley has reappeared, shrouded in mist. Anyone who follows it disappears.
Yu Shi Gu – The Jade Stone Valley
Situated east of the Great River, Yu Shi Gu is the main city of the eastern region and a place of contradictory beauty, where fertile fields and lush hills hide the scars of a bloody past. Its fertile soil produces abundant crops, and the city benefits from the famous Lianguang Jade Mine, located in the heart of the forest, a natural resource that sustains both the local economy and the greed of nobles and merchants.
A Bloodstained Past
During the conquest of the region, Yu Shi Gu was a symbol of resistance. Its noble family, the Liangs, were revered by the population for their wisdom and generosity. When Ji Wenzhao led his troops to subdue the city, he encountered fierce opposition that delayed his campaign for months. Furious at the delay, Wenzhao ordered the summary execution of the entire Liang family after his victory, turning the family's former palace into ruins as a grim reminder of his power.
The disciplinary massacres that followed were brutal. Hundreds of peasants and artisans were killed or enslaved, and the survivors bore the burden of a deep-seated hatred for the crown for generations. Even today, the city maintains a tense relationship with Tiang Long Du, marked by mistrust and occasional revolts.
A Valley of Riches and Intrigue
Despite its tragic past, Yu Shi Gu has prospered thanks to its productive agriculture and the Lianguang Jade Mine. The stone extracted from the mine is renowned for its purity and shimmering greenish color, considered the best in the region. However, the mine is also a source of tension and suffering: directly controlled by emissaries of the Tiang Long Du crown, the site operates under a regime of brutal oppression.
Local workers and slaves captured in regional conflicts are forced to work in unsanitary conditions, often without seeing the light of day for weeks. The mine is a maze of narrow, poorly ventilated tunnels, where toxic gases from the depths cause respiratory illnesses, and constant cave-ins claim lives without warning. Armed overseers keep a tight watch, punishing any attempts to slow down with floggings or summary executions.
The forest surrounding the mine offers no solace. Those who attempt to escape face an equally grim fate: those who are not devoured by mysterious beasts or killed by jade smugglers end up lost forever, enveloped by enigmatic whispers that many attribute to the vengeful spirit of Liang Heshan. The belief that the last Liang patriarch protects the jade reinforces widespread fear, and some workers claim that shadows with glowing eyes watch them from the depths as they extract the stones.
The entire city lives in the shadow of this oppressive system. Jade from Yu Shi Gu is the basis for the luxuries and ornaments of Tiang Long Du's elite, but the price is paid in blood and suffering. For many, the mine is not a source of wealth, but a dead-end abyss, fueling murmurs of revolt and legends of imminent revenge against their oppressors.
Challenges and Legends
. The Ghosts of the Liang Palace: The ruins of the palace are avoided by locals, who believe that the spirits of the Liang still roam there, lamenting the injustice suffered. Residents say they hear ancient chants and see shadows dancing on the warmest nights.
. The Lianguang Mine Forest: The forest surrounding the jade mine is rich in animal life, but also in danger. It is said that dark creatures – a mix of man and beast – lurk along the paths, luring the unwary with whispers that imitate human voices.
. The Curse of Liang Heshan: Locals believe that the death of any local noble is the work of the curse cast by the last leader of the Liang. As a result, few nobles from Tiang Long Du dare visit Yu Shi Gu, preferring to send representatives instead.
. The River Smugglers: The region's jade is so valuable that it attracts smugglers who use the Great River to secretly transport the stone, either for their own profit or to finance local rebel groups.
Current Events
• The Mystery of the Missing: Mine workers are disappearing at an alarming rate. Could they be bandits, forest creatures, or something more sinister?
• The Liang Relic: The Liang family's jade amulet, lost on the night of the massacre, is said to bestow great power upon its possessor. Daring explorers search the ruins for the artifact, facing ghosts and ancient traps.
• Rebels on the River: An insurgent group plans to steal a shipment of jade destined for the Tiang Long Du court. The mission is to infiltrate the city and decide whether to aid or detain the rebels.
Hi, Ricko. I think the farm fields are a bit TOO large, especially given the scale. I would reduce them by reducing the scale dimensions in the Bitmap menu. At least, that is my opinion, and I accept if you don't go for it.
I absolutely LOVE the write-up. Very oriental mythos.
I'd have to agree. Depending on crops and if they are wild cultivated or not. Say if it was asian rice paddies those are typically fairly small. But if it was wild grains, hell those could be huge.
You are right, normally when we learn something new we tend to exaggerate the incidence of the effect (I speak from my experience in image processing), over time the strength of this effect diminishes until it becomes acceptable.
I edited the post, reducing the effect by half.
Thank you very much.
The Story of Shu Guang Xiong – The Village of Dawn
Situated on a rough sea coast and buffeted by incessant winds, Shu Guang Xiong (The Village of Dawn) is the largest settlement in the domain’s austere northern coastal region. Despite its relative insignificance, the village is a testament to resilience amidst harsh conditions: semi-arid lands, sparse vegetation, and the weight of the ancient Dragon’s curse, which is said to be the cause of the frequent storms that batter the coast.
Geography and Context
The village serves as the main link between the coast and the northern part of the domain. A trade route connects Shu Guang Xiong with lands further north, allowing for the exchange of rare spices, ceramics, and textiles. However, the village relies heavily on manufactured goods brought from the capital and larger cities such as Yun Jiang Cheng and Bai He Xiang. Local livelihoods are sustained by fishing, shellfish gathering, and careful exploration of underground water sources. The neighboring villages of Lanyue and Haiwei share this arid landscape, but none can match Shu Guang Xiong in size or importance.
The Curse of the Dragon and the Serpent of the Misty Seas
It is said that centuries ago, a dragon was killed in an epic duel by an ancient general. With its dying breaths, the dragon cursed the entire region, bringing fierce winds and frequent storms.
However, local fishermen tell another story: from the curse emerged something even more terrifying—a colossal serpent known as Hai Mang (Sea Serpent). As huge as a mountain range, Hai Mang lives hidden in the dark depths of the sea. Its body, covered in bright blue scales, is only seen during the most intense storms, when it emerges from the dense clouds and mist that surround the region.
The locals believe that Hai Mang is the vengeful spirit of the dead dragon, a form reborn to perpetuate its fury. The serpent is blamed for shipwrecks and mysterious disappearances. Superstitious fishermen avoid going out to sea when the sky is covered in low clouds, fearing the creature’s glowing eyes and deafening roar.
The Famous Fengyin Dong Cave
Located in a hilly region between Shu Guang Xiang and Haiwei, this Fengyin Dong, or “Windsong Cave,” is a legendary landmark in the region. The sea winds that pass through the cave create an eerie, melodic sound that many associate with the serpent’s lament. Explorers say that ancient inscriptions on the cave walls tell stories of a sea entity worshipped as a guardian or destroyer.
In addition to its mystique, the cave attracts traders and curious visitors in search of “Dragon Tears,” small crystals said to have magical properties. Some claim that these stones are formed from the scales that Hai Mang lost during his ascents.
Life in this Region
The inhabitants of this area are shaped by the adversity of nature and the dark legends that surround the region; they are long-suffering, strong and deeply superstitious. The wooden houses, reinforced against the incessant winds and storms, shelter families who cling to ancient beliefs to survive.
Along the coast, small shrines dot the roads and beaches, each one a tribute to the sea deities and the feared serpent Hai Mang. These altars are rustic constructions, made from the bones of sea animals, such as whale ribs, the skulls of large fish and giant shells. Amidst these elements hang faded cloth flags, inscribed with prayers and protective symbols.
Offerings to the Gods of the Sea and Hai Mang
Offerings are a common and almost obligatory practice in the villages. Residents place personal items on the altars, such as simple jewelry, precious tools or even food, despite its scarcity. The bones of small animals, set with beads or pieces of metal, are also common, symbolizing sacrifice to the sea beast.
In darker times, when particularly violent storms hit the coast or when boats disappear at sea, desperation leads to human sacrifice. It is said that the village elders, in the name of protecting the rest of the community, secretly choose a villager, usually someone lonely or already seriously ill, to be taken to the beach under the pretext of seeking Hai Mang’s forgiveness. The chosen ones are tied to a rock by the sea during high tide, in the hope that the serpent will accept their lives as payment for its fury.
The Rituals
The rituals, performed before storms or major sea expeditions, are times of unity and awe. The community gathers around the largest altars at dusk, when the sky is tinged with orange and purple colors, reflecting the village’s name, Dawn Village.
Elders lead the ceremonies, chanting guttural chants in an archaic language believed to have been inherited from the region's earliest inhabitants. They light incense and lanterns made from local herbs.
The Story of Hayun Village – The Village on the Bone Mountain
On the rugged shores of the eastern sea, where the winds salt the air and the waves beat relentlessly, stands Hayun Village, a peculiar and solitary village built on a living foundation: a hill composed of shells, bones of sea animals and the remains of daily life. This pile of materials is not only the foundation of the village; it is the story of generations of survival and adaptation.
The Origin of Hayun
It is said that Hayun’s ancestors arrived on these shores centuries ago, guided by a dream of safe land and protection from the beasts of the sea and the marauders of the neighboring lands. Finding solid ground, they began to deposit the remains of their catch – shells of molluscs, fish bones and shells of crustaceans – mixed with bones from hunting and ashes from fires. Over time, these materials, compacted with mortar made of sand and limestone, formed an artificial elevation.
The Building Process
The construction of this structure was not just a byproduct of daily life, but a ritual. Each family, at the end of the day, would take their leftovers to the top of the mound and carefully spread the materials. Larger bones were broken into smaller fragments to fill the gaps, and shells were used to reinforce the edges. Each season, a layer of mortar was applied to protect the structure from wind and rain.
The inhabitants began to build their homes on this raised ground, using timber and sloping roofs to withstand storms. Thus, generation after generation, Hayun grew upward, creating a “mountain” made of past and present life.
Defense and Isolation
Over the years, the elevation gave the village a strategic advantage. Access to the top was restricted to two ladders, easily removable in case of danger. Stories tell of pirates who tried to invade the village, only to find an impassable path and be driven back with spears and nets filled with sharp stones.
Life in Hayun
Today, Hayun is home to just over 160 people, all deeply connected to the structure that sustains them. Small shrines dedicated to sea deities dot the village, many of them made from ancient fragments found on the mountain, such as dolphin skulls and giant seashells.
The inhabitants are proud of their heritage and believe that this sacred elevation that is slowly growing is more than stone and bone; it is a spiritual guardian. On stormy nights, the elders say that they can hear the murmurs of their ancestors mixed with the howling of the wind, protecting them from unseen dangers.
The Rituals of the Living Mountain
Every year, a festival is held to honor the mountain made of shells and bones. During the event, each family offers their best shells and bones to the mountain, in gratitude and in renewal of the protection it offers. A bonfire is lit at the highest point, and chants echo, asking for the seas to be generous and the storms to be merciful.
An Ever-Growing Mountain
Hayun never stops growing. For the villagers, it is both a testament to their past and a reminder of their unbreakable connection to the sea. Each layer added is a new page in the village’s generations-old story, a story that will continue to be written as long as the winds blow and the sea brings sustenance.
Hayun Village Highlights
The Netmaker – Lao Ning: Lao Ning, with calloused fingers and keen eyes, creates the nets that are the basis of the village’s survival. Sitting in his wooden hut, he weaves plant fibers by hand, reinforcing each knot with almost ritualistic precision. His nets are renowned for their durability, and fishermen say that without them, no sea can bear fruit.
The Healer – Mei Yu: Mei Yu, a serene and respected figure, lives in a hut decorated with dried sea plants and jars of ointments. Using local herbs, crushed shells, and fish oil, she heals wounds and treats the village’s illnesses. His knowledge has been passed down through generations, and many believe his hands carry the blessing of sea deities.
The Storyteller – Uncle Shen: Uncle Shen is the heart of the village on stormy nights. Sitting by the communal fire, he tells tales of sea monsters and ancient seafarers, blending fact with mythology. His stories not only entertain, but also teach lessons about courage and respect for the sea.
The Carpenter – Jian Rong: Jian Rong, the village builder, transforms driftwood and driftwood into houses and boats. His skill is vital to the community, and each piece he creates bears his signature: a small wave-shaped carving, symbolizing harmony with the sea.
With this last map I finished the region and wait for @Royal Scribe work (without rushing) to close the zone and submit it to Remmy for upload to the Atlas.
Getting ready to go to Santiago Chile for a few days. 😎
These are some lovely maps, Ricko.
I hope you have a lovely break in Santiago.