The Aardovai Rilles
by John CalvinMega insect life is scarce, outside of the giant termites which defend their territories vigorously from outside threats. They are the main reason no other giant insect life has a major presence in the area.
Sukate Fen:
Covering nearly two thirds of the Rilles, the Sukate Fen surrounds XXX Crater(Caldera) and is dominated by rushes, cattails, and other perennial marsh plants, many of which have sword like leaves and aromatic roots.
The giant termites living in this region are semi-aquatic creatures whose mounds are created with a conglomeration of mud, rotting vegetation, and the termite’s own excretions. Tunnels and passages may either be kept dry or partially submerged, depending on their function.
Mnisukai Camp
Population: 2,500 (97% Aardovai, 2% gnome, 1% other)
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Gnomish steamships often anchor offshore nearby to conduct trade with the Aardovai, and one can usually find a few gnomes in their presence. This is the largest tribe in the Rilles and the only one who maintains a permanent settlement all year round. Mnisukai are also unique amongst their peers in that they build and utilize small leather canoes. They paddle these through the deeper regions of the swamp as well as across bays and the many small lakes dotting the countryside.
Wiyakai Camp
Population: 1,500 (95% Aardovai, 3% Vesper Elves, 2% other)
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This tribe has the most contact with the Vesper Elves to the south. The two cultures often conduct barter and trade, especially when the Aardovai occupy their Fire Times camp, and elven woodsmen and traders can often be found within their territory. Once the Fire Times have passed, the Aardovai break up into smaller family units and roam throughout their territory. Each family may have a dozen sites that they rotate through during their annual travels.
Mount Sotapeta
Fissures belching out steam abound around Mount Sotapeta, many of which lead into the heated depths of the volcano. The largest of these houses a cave sacred to the Aardovai and their insectile god. Old Aardovai shaman from all the tribes often find themselves drawn to this cave, and spend the remainder of their days caring for the many legged golden idol that lays hidden at the very heart of the volcano.
Uyetopa Caldera
Legends say that the winds live at the heart of Uyetopa Caldera.
Lake Akicita
Lake Akicita marks the southern border of the Rilles and few Aardovai will travel beyond it. Each tribe tells its own stories about the lake and what lives within its depths, but all agree that something powerful dwells beneath the waters and protects their lands from outsiders.
Wicasaak
Located at the base of Uyetopa Caldera, the ancient fortress of Wicasaak is another reminder of the troglodyte kings who rules this land in the ancient past.
Spaasuka Bog:
Several varieties of sphagnum dominate Spaasuka bog. Traversing this area is treacherous as the monotonous flora often masks the dangers of mud holes that can entrap and pull the unwary to a watery death.
Ainilai Camp
Population: 700 (97% Aardovai, 1% Vesper Elves, 2% other)
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This is the most isolated tribe, although they will occasionally conduct trade with the Vesper Elves or others who traverse the Spindrift Sea.
Tokai Camp
Population: 900 (98% Aardovai, 2% other)
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Aardovoi of this tribe are slowly falling under the influence of the entity inhabiting Yupemni Kaksa, whose termites form the basis of their subsistence.
Taakaglesk
The ruins of Taakaglesk date back to the early days of the Troglodyte kingdoms, when the scaly folk ruled much of the Hollow Moon. Legends say that this was the seat of power for one of the southern kings and when the other races along the Spindrift coast turned against the troglodytes Taakaglesk is where he made his last stand. Most folks shun the sight for fear of the spirits of the dead.
Aardovai traveling through the region often catch sight of a small white fox watching over them that they have taken to calling Wanagitaak, which means Ghost Sister. Wanagitaak is a Nephthisian priestess who can assume fox form that has been living in the area for several decades now. She spends much of her time combating the corruption spreading from Yupemni Kaksa.
Yupemni Kaksa (Writhing Coils)
Termite mounds in this area are distorted and twisted, and the giant termite that issue forth from them have been behaving more and more aggressive. The termite queen has been infused by a fragment of Burrower that servitors of Thanatos somehow managed to smuggle into the Hollow Moon.
Fire Times
Fires times in the Rilles signifies the flying of young termite queens as they leave their nests to find mates and start colonies of their own. These are exciting times for the tribes who stock their larders with the spoils of an easy hunt.