Antonia

Antonia is a nation that lives entirely within the tallest of trees and the densest jungles in all of Ibeos. Most citizens will never touch the ground in their lifetime, as large terrestrial beasts loom in the underbrush. Most notably these creatures are only native to Antonia, making it almost as dangerous as the outlands themselves. The only people to be found on the ground are the Green Cloaks, who keep the populations low through hunting. The people are very spirited, and jolly by nature, however once crossed they are enemies for life. Strangely, along with gold, they also accept items of great sentimental value as a trade for goods.    

Forests of Life

  The country of Antonia is located in the heart of the largest tropical rainforest in Ibeos, nestled among the tallest trees in the world. The rainforest of Antonia is incredibly dense, with a wide variety of plant and animal life that can be found nowhere else in the world. Certain trees of Antonia are fast-growing and truly massive, with some reaching heights of over a thousand feet. The towering trees provide a natural fortress, protecting the nation from the dangers that lurk below. The climate in Antonia is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. The rainforests are home to a wide variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, swamps, and rivers. The waterways of Antonia are teeming with fish and other aquatic life, and are an important source of food for the Antonian people. The landscape of Antonia is constantly changing, with new plants and animals appearing and disappearing as the rainforest shifts and evolves. The Antonians have learned to adapt to these changes, and have developed a deep understanding of the natural world around them.   Despite the beauty of their home, they must always be vigilant, as the rainforest is home to many dangers. Large terrestrial beasts roam and pose a threat to the safety of the nation. The Green Cloaks, work to keep these dangers at bay, hunting and culling the dangerous creatures. 

A Nation in The Trees

Antonians are jovial and spirited people, known for their love of music, dance, drinking, and smoking. They have a strong sense of community and place great value on family and friendship. The Antonians are also deeply spiritual, with a strong belief in the interconnectedness of all living plant life.   They are also skilled craftsmen and are known for their intricate carvings, basketry, and beautifully woven cloth. They also have a deep understanding of the natural world, and are skilled herbalists, using the plants and herbs of the rainforest for medicinal and ritual purposes.  The Antonians are fiercely independent and place great value on personal freedom and autonomy. They have a strong sense of self-sufficiency and work to maintain a balance between their needs and the needs of the natural world.     Their way of life, high above the rainforest floor, has also had an impact on their social norms. The Antonians are skilled climbers and acrobats and have developed a unique way of life that is tied closely to these trees. They are also adept at navigating the rope bridges that connect their tree homes and are able to move with great speed and grace through the canopy.     

Sentiment is as Good as Gold

In the nation, sentimental items are used as an alternative form of currency in addition to gold. The practice likely arose out of the Antonian belief in the importance of personal connections and the value of sentimental items. This reflects the Antonian emphasis on community and relationships. In Antonia, it is not uncommon for people to trade sentimental items as gifts or tokens. It also reflects their way of life, high above the rainforest floor in tree houses, making them people who rely on each other for support and resources.