The Mandrai

Lady of the Forest by ji zhang

Most travelers of the Great Sea can tell you some about the Mandrai - namely, not to cross the Hydra and enter their domain (the Rhuks). These Alfar are said to be cannibals that zealously guard their borders. Their attire would attest to this grim accusation, as they dress light (as would be expected for the climate of their rain forest), adorned with bone jewelry - often humanoid. Little is known of their culture to outsiders, as none are allowed within their borders. They do trade with the other peoples of The Great Sea, which leads to plenty of rumors. Some say they only eat the flesh of non-Mandrai, while others say the opposite. Some say they hide a tree of life within their forests, while other say the guard some great evil. Some say they are primal savages, while others claim they have an advanced and enlightened understanding of the universe and religious doctrine.

One thing is for certain - the reputation of their danger is woefully true. Few claim to have ever crossed the hydra into the Rhuks and returned, and fewer still carry any evidence of such claims.