Raku

A scattered alliance of tribes that survive in the dangerous north against lizardfolk and insectoid alike. Practice beastbinding, magic techniques that allow mages to emulate properties of beasts.

Hidden deep within the oppressive, humid heart of the swamp lies Raku, a village born of desperation and forged in unity. The swamp’s dangers—both natural and monstrous—have forced disparate human tribes to band together for survival. Raku is not a traditional village but a scattered network of interconnected camps and structures, woven into the swamp’s dense vegetation like a hidden refuge. Its people are resourceful, wary, and fiercely protective of their precarious home. The swamp around Raku is a treacherous maze of thick undergrowth, towering mangroves, and slow-moving, algae-choked waterways. The air is heavy with moisture, the constant buzz of insects, and the distant calls of unseen creatures. The village itself is difficult to spot, camouflaged by its natural surroundings. Raku isn’t a single settlement but a collection of smaller encampments connected by rope bridges, plank walkways, and hidden trails. This scattered layout makes it harder for enemies to locate or attack the village as a whole. Most structures are built on stilts to avoid flooding and the swamp’s dangerous predators. These homes, crafted from wood and reinforced with scavenged metal, are simple but sturdy. At the heart of Raku lies a larger communal space where villagers gather for meetings, rituals, and celebrations. This area features a raised platform surrounded by torches and carved totems, symbolizing the unity of the tribes.

The inhabitants of Raku are survivors in every sense of the word. Drawn from different tribes that once roamed the swamp independently, they have come together out of necessity, learning to set aside old rivalries in favor of mutual survival.Though their origins vary, the people of Raku identify as one village. Each family still retains unique traditions, stories, and skills, which they share with the larger community. Raku’s people are expert foragers, hunters, and craftsmen, adept at navigating the swamp’s dangers. Every adult in Raku is trained to defend the village. The people of Raku have developed a unique form of magic people of varying affinities can rely on known as Beastbinding. This mystical art allows them to form tenuous bonds with the ferocious creatures of their environment, turning them from threats into allies—or at least reluctant companions. Beastbinding is as much an art as a survival tool, requiring equal parts intuition, magical skill, and respect for the natural world. Beastbinding is rooted in the belief that all creatures, no matter how wild or ferocious, possess an innate will that can be communicated with, guided, and harmonized. Beastbinders learn their art by spending time around and trying to emulate aspects of one of various kinds of animals. The magic does not enslave or domesticate the creatures it is not meant for humans to bind beasts; instead, it creates a bond of mutual understanding and cooperation, it binds the human to the beast. This allows the beastbinder to craft spells and abilities that emulate the different skills and powers of that animal's soul. The crushing strength of an alligator, spectral claws like that of a tiger, and cloaks of color-changing magic that emulate the camouflage of serpents. Beastbinding centers around adaption and the body's natural tools.

Beastbinding as a magic helps equalize Raku's fight to defend against it's dangerous neighbors. The Carnifex are a relentless and brutal enemy. These warlike lizardfolk view the humans of Raku as weak interlopers in their swamp and see their village as a target for conquest or annihilation. The Carnifex frequently launch raids on Raku, testing its defenses and attempting to capture resources or territory. The Insectoid colonies are a more alien and unpredictable threat. These hive-minded beings view the humans as little more than obstacles to their expansion. The insects’ relentless territorial growth often forces Raku to relocate or mount desperate defenses against overwhelming numbers. The villagers have learned to counteract the insects’ pheromonal control by using swamp herbs and smoke to mask their scent and disrupt hive coordination.