LOCATION

In the shadow of the Aradine Mountains, a beautiful, compact city can be found—but only if you know where to look. An outsider would encounter a rugged landscape filled with babbling streams, wild grass hummocks, jagged rock outcrops, and secluded pine groves. On closer inspection, however, you may just stumble across an extensive, naturally formed basin in the foothills. And even then, without peering directly over the edge, you would have no idea that this unremarkable hollow actually accommodates an entire city.

INHABITANTS

Galenta is home to diminutive, good-natured folk called the Borini. As adults, Borini grow to a height of around four feet. They are fair to look upon: dark-skinned, white-haired, and blessed with large, emerald eyes. Females fashion their hair into thick, intertwining locks that fall forward over their shoulders. Males in the community prefer to weave their hair into braids that hang down their back. Many Borini shave their heads entirely. Even from an early age, every member of the community—both male and female—is offered the chance to train as warriors. While many relish the challenge, only the most talented and tenacious are chosen as Royal Guards. To personally protect their Queen is the highest honour a Borini warrior can achieve.

CONSTRUCTION

Establishing a thriving colony took many years. The Borini settled within the hollow after long periods existing as a nomadic race, grateful for the shelter and concealment the location offered. Measuring approximately a third of a mile in diameter, the basin descends ninety feet, with almost vertical walls on all sides. By far the most remarkable feature is a wide, crystal-clear waterfall situated at one end of the city. It is here that the Great Hall and Royal Chambers are concealed within the rock face behind the cascading water. This offers a secure position should the city ever come under attack.

Over the years, the Borini have worked tirelessly to build cobbled streets and houses, taverns, forges, workshops, gardens, a small livestock farm, and even a working mill—everything a self-sustaining population would ever need. The Borini are incredibly proud of Galenta, and would do anything to ensure it remains secret and safe.

SURROUNDINGS

A cave system beneath the foothills allows the Borini to venture away from the city. Passageways eroded over time by persistent water flow emerge at various points along the slopes of the Aradine Mountains, enabling scouts and foraging parties to travel unseen. The tunnels also provided a convenient way of reaching the Wilandro Jungle below the great cliffs, where timber, clay, twine, and other beneficial materials are gathered and transported back to the city.

The nearby foothills offer a wealth of edible roots and berries, rabbits and wildfowl, while beyond the palm trees and thick vegetation of the Wilandro Jungle, Solar Beach is a rich source of seafood for the Borini. The location is fraught with danger and is only ever journeyed to when absolutely necessary, for an old enemy is never far away—Rakista, the Beast of Solar Beach.

FRIENDS

It was in Wilandro Jungle that the Borini once settled and where they first encountered a species of overly large beetle—Teraps, as they were later named. Over time, the two formed a symbiotic relationship. This bond has only grown stronger over the years. Teraps have become an integral part of society, with many living within the city. The Borini openly regard them as family members. Young warriors learn to saddle and ride a Terap from an early age. The relationship between rider and mount will last their entire lives.

Another creature befriended by the Borini are the white hawks of Galenta. The great hollow was already a home to the birds before the Borini arrived. They welcomed their new neighbours unconditionally. Much like Teraps, the hawks are loyal, highly intelligent, and offer assistance by scouting from the air, bearing messages over great distances, and even engaging in combat should the need arise. They are highly effective fighters, particularly when Hydaks come foraging from higher up the mountain slopes. With keen eyes and lethal talons, the white hawks of Galenta are a formidable ally and much cherished by the Borini.

The Narook are also considered long-time friends to the Borini, though not in a fighting capacity. The Narook have little thirst for combat or battle. Instead, they provide a consistent trade of food and fine wines, ales, minerals, and tobacco. Borini merchants will often discreetly travel to the central farming district of Silverfields, or as far as Narook Isle on the east coast of Karadas to barter for the very best produce the Narook have to offer.