Overview:
Tanglethorn, the vibrant capital of the Ratfolk, lies nestled in the lush expanses of the Paloto Swamplands, at the southernmost tip of Siar’Morrin. As the central seat of power, it is home to the Ratfolk Triumvirate and serves as the political, cultural, and economic core of Ratfolk society. Although its landward sides are shielded by the dense swamplands, making it seemingly isolated, Tanglethorn’s bustling harbor provides vital maritime connections to the Mare Sanctum Sea. This strategic position enables direct access to numerous coastal settlements.
Description:
Tanglethorn is an architectural marvel, striking a balance between chaotic ingenuity and meticulous engineering. The city’s core is a dense jungle of towering structures, built upon each other in a seemingly haphazard fashion that defies conventional design yet holds a peculiar elegance. These multi-tiered buildings, crafted from the resilient woods of the Paloto Swamps, are connected by a web of bridges and walkways that create a three-dimensional maze suspended above the swampy ground. This shambolic yet impressive heart of Tanglethorn is a testament to Ratfolk creativity and resilience, showcasing their ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Adding to its strategic importance, Tanglethorn’s bustling harbor lies at the edge of the Mare Sanctum Sea, serving as a vital lifeline for trade and communication. This harbor, protected by advanced engineering and vigilant guards, facilitates not only local trade but also a blossoming commerce, making Tanglethorn a crucial node in maritime routes across the region.
History:
Tanglethorn began as a modest trading post, situated advantageously at the juncture of several key swamp trade routes. Over time, as the settlement expanded into a bustling metropolis, its leaders looked to the successful governance models of neighboring regions, notably adopting Agroma’s triumvirate system to manage the complexities of a rapidly growing population and the diverse needs of its citizens.
Key to this growth is Tanglethorn’s impressive harbors, facilitating a flourishing trade network with distant lands across the Mare Sanctum Sea. However, recent years have seen a decline in harbor activity as anti-Ratfolk sentiments rise in neighboring regions, affecting international trade agreements and economic growth. Despite these challenges, Tanglethorn continues to expand at a remarkable pace, which some observers deem unsustainable.
Significance:
As the bustling capital of the Ratfolk within the Paloto Swamplands, Tanglethorn stands as the central seat of governance and a beacon of Ratfolk culture. The city not only houses the triumvirate, the heart of Ratfolk political life, but also serves as a cultural nexus, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience that are hallmarks of Ratfolk society. It plays a critical role in shaping policies and decisions that impact the entire region, making it a vital hub for both the Ratfolk and their allies.
Notable Features:
- Council Hall: This imposing structure is where the triumvirate convenes to deliberate and decide on matters of state. Its halls have witnessed many of the most significant decisions in Ratfolk history.
- The Alchemists’ Quarter: Known for its volatile yet vital contributions to Ratfolk society, this district is teeming with laboratories and shops. It is a place of both great innovation and occasional chaos, with alchemists pushing the boundaries of their craft, often with explosive results.
- Tanglethorn Harbor: This bustling port is the city’s lifeline to the Mare Sanctum Sea and beyond. It facilitates the trade that sustains the city and connects Tanglethorn to the wider world, despite recent declines in activity due to growing anti-Ratfolk sentiments.
- Tree of Sideron: At the city’s spiritual heart stands the ancient Tree of Sideron, a massive tree that is central to Ratfolk mythology and revered as a source of mystical energy. It is a focal point for community gatherings, festivals, and spiritual ceremonies.
Local Legends or Stories:
One of the most cherished legends in Tanglethorn is that of the Tree of Sideron. According to one account Ratfolk lore, the Tree of Sideron, is the sacred birthplace of the Ratfolk. It is said that the first Ratfolk emerged from the roots of this ancient tree, bestowed with advanced intelligence and curiosity by Sideron. A more recent legend is that of “Pyro the Alchemist.” According to the story, Pyro was a particularly ambitious Lab Rat, known for his daring experiments with alchemical properties. One fateful day, while testing a volatile concoction, Pyro’s lab exploded, resulting in his untimely demise. However, it is said that his spirit never left the Alchemists’ Quarter. Now, Pyro haunts the area, and many believe he is responsible for the numerous “unexplained” explosions and fires that occur.
Visitors’ Experience:
Visitors to Tanglethorn are met with a city that despite outsiders preconceived notions is welcoming and accommodating of foreigners.
The journey through Tanglethorn begins with its bustling Market Square, where traders and artisans display a wide array of goods, from handcrafted tools to exotic alchemical concoctions. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of haggling and the sights of colorful stalls, gives visitors a taste of the city’s vibrant trade culture.
No visit to Tanglethorn is complete without seeing the Great Tree of Sideron. This ancient and enormous tree at the center of the city is revered by the Ratfolk and is believed by some to be the birthplace of their species. Visitors can stroll through the surrounding gardens, participate in festivals, and perhaps feel the mystical energy that is said to emanate from the tree.
For some the alchemists quarters may offer an intriguing glimpse into Ratfolk ingenuity, although be warned it can be a dangerous area riddled with dangerous chemicals and explosive experiments.
For most the extent of visiting Tanglethorn is unfortunately limited to Tanglethorn harbour however, unwilling or uninterested in delving further into this fascinating city.