Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #160

 

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #160 

June 9th, 2023 

• Number: 160 

• Name: The Launi Tribal Circle 

• Location:  Eastern edge of The Greatwood atop the Mautasi (the lone hill) 

• Population (approx.): 550 (normally) up to 5,000 (festivals and meets) 

• Brief: The second largest and likely the oldest tribe of Taodeas, the Launi call the Greatwood and all surrounding forests and hills between the Tuton Maug and the Sea of Hethichol their home. They are thought to be a completely arboreal peoples, but a goodly percentage of the population live at ground level throughout the woods. The Launi tribe is the most diverse in terms of numbers of Kin within their ranks, many families featuring a mix of Elven, Human and Wildfolk bloodlines. The tribe hence is on good terms with the Elven (#37 and Feystone Woods in the Narrows) and Wildfolk (#126) communities of four City-State region. The Launi were a great thorn in the side of the Ta’arnan Empire during the occupation to the point where the Legions avoided the Greatwood entirely, creating a coastal road or sailing around the area. They gladly contributed their archers and rangers to the rebellion and continue to support the armed forces of the United Tribes to this day. The Launi contribute their woodcraft to the City-States providing products from their carefully managed forests. 

• Geography: The Tribal Circle of the Launi was built at the peak of the tree-covered Mautasi, a large solitary hill east of Aai Lau, about halfway between that city and the coast. The hill, an ancient volcanic caldera, features a wide bowl filled with grasslands inside a rim covered with some of the tallest trees of the region. The inner trunks and sides of the caldera feature numerous buildings overlooking the circle. Ladders, ziplines and narrow staircases connect the treehouses with ground level structures and the meadow. In the center of the meadow is a single large stone rising above the grasses. Tribal chiefs and priests climb to the flattish top to address the gathered Launi during festivals, celebrations and services. The masks of the Six Gods associated with nature, life, trees and flora are revered here above all others and are indicated by smaller decorated stone obelisks surrounding the center. The Launi are the most religious of the generally secular tribes of Taodeas.