Mwangi Expanse

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Mwangi Expanse

(Nation)

Alignment

Neutral^[1E]

Capital

None

Ruler

None

Government

Many tribal chiefdoms, utopian enclaves, monarchies, etc.

Demonym

Mwangi

Adjective

Mwangi

Languages

Mwangi (known as Common), regional dialects, Elven, Halfling, Osiriani, Taldane

Religions

Abadar, Angazhan, Calistria, Gozreh, Lamashtu, Norgorber, Sarenrae, Shelyn, Ydersius, ancestor worship, demon lords, Green Faith, regional traditions

Images of Mwangi Expanse

Source: Heart of the Jungle (1E)
The Mwangi Expanse, pg(s). 1ff. (2E)

For other meanings of "Mwangi", please see Mwangi (disambiguation).

The Mwangi Expanse (pronounced MWAN-gi), archaically also called the Forbidden Jungle, is the catch-all term given to the wild interior of central and western Garund. The Expanse also extends southwards beyond the Inner Sea region.

Geography

The Mwangi Expanse is bordered to the north by the lands of Rahadoum, Thuvia, and Osirion; to the east are Katapesh, Nex, Alkenstar, and Geb; and to the west by the Shackles and the Arcadian Ocean.

The region is dominated by Lake Ocota, the numerous rivers which drain into the lake—mightiest of which is the Vanji River—and the Mwangi Jungle which surrounds them. However, there are two other jungles—the Kaava Lands in the southwest, and the Screaming Jungle in the southeast. The two other major lakes are Terwa Lake and the Lake of Vanished Armies.

The Barrier Wall mountains mark the Expanse's northern border, while the Brazen Peaks and the Shattered Range lie on the eastern border. The Kho-Rarne Pass links the region with Osirion, while the Ndele Gap leads into Nex. The Gorilla King's forces used tunnels beneath the Shattered Range to raid Alkenstar, but following the highly successful raid of 4690 AR, the forces of Alkenstar collapsed the tunnels. The other significant highland regions are the Terwa Uplands and the Bandu Hills.

Nations

Countless nations and city-states can be found within the Mwangi Expanse. Many more exist, some of which have been out of contact with the other lands of the Expanse, let alone those of the Inner Sea region, for centuries. Nations and city-states of the Mwangi Expanse have developed their own cultures independent from their neighbors.

• Bloodcove, a rough mercantile port and haven for pirates.
• Jaha, ancient city of mysteries and astronomers.
• Kibwe, city of merchants and ancient statues near the Shattered Range.
• Mzali, a metropolis ruled by the undead god-king Walkena.
• Nantambu, the colorful city-state that houses the Magaambya university.
• Osibu, the secretive city that guards the Nemesis Well.
• Senghor, a coastal city and major naval power.
• Usaro, the horrific bastion of Angazhan's worship.
• Vidrian, a young nation having broken away from Chelaxian and colonial rule.

Foreign relations

Due to the absence of a centralized government, the diverse cultures and cities within the Mwangi Expanse exhibit a wide range of relationships with foreign nations and among themselves. In Nantambu and Kibwe, peaceful foreign traders are warmly received, irrespective of their origin. However, in Mzali, non-Mwangi traders are subjected to severe consequences, including execution or even worse punishments. Coastal nations like Vidrian harbor deep animosity towards both Cheliax, which seeks to reclaim its former colony, and the Free Captains of the Shackles, as Vidrian no longer pays for their protection.

Economy

A Mwangi Expanse landscape.

The Mwangi Expanse is a region abundant in valuable natural resources. Its fertile soil sustains lush forests, bountiful crops, and a wealth of rare herbs and medicinal plants. Additionally, the mountains within the Expanse yield copious amounts of ore and precious gems. However, this abundance has become a double-edged sword in recent centuries, as the local inhabitants find themselves compelled to defend their lands against militant colonists from Avistan.

Trade with northern nations primarily concentrates along the Expanse's western coast, where bustling ports like Senghor serve as crucial hubs for trading vessels arriving from various other parts of the Inner Sea region. Inland, the city of Kibwe plays a vital role in catering to overland trade caravans originating from the eastern Garundi nations, while Nantambu attracts esteemed scholars from all corners of the globe.

While the Expanse engages in significant trade with foreign entities, the settlements within its borders remain largely self-sufficient. These communities rely on local trade networks, exchanging goods and resources with neighboring settlements, and have minimal dependence on foreign imports. This characteristic frustrates northern companies such as the Aspis Consortium, as it limits their ability to exert control and manipulate trade within the region. Foreigners (most notably the Aspis Consortium) travel into the Expanse in search of treasure. The usual hazards of jungle exploration are made worse by the existence of evil spirits, sentient plants, and juju cults but legends of lost cities of gold and incredible riches continue to attract visitors. Wealth has been found in the region, and the existence of heavily-laden treasure ships heading north to Avistan from Bloodcove, Senghor, and also Anthusis (in Vidrian, formerly called Eleder) has encouraged the growth of the pirates of the Shackles to prey upon them.

History

Dahak scours the forests of the Mwangi Expanse in the wake of Earthfall.

See also: Timeline of Mwangi Expanse

Little is known today of the region's most ancient history, but the landscape is dotted with human ruins as old as almost any to be found elsewhere in Golarion.

Age of Serpents

During the Age of Serpents, the Mwangi Expanse was part of the serpentfolk empire that spanned multiple continents. Despite the name, the serpentfolk were not unopposed during this era, they were hampered in their expansionist ambitions by conflicts with the ancient civilizations of the cyclops and the iruxi. Towards the close of this age elves came to Golarion from their home planet of Castrovel, though they would not push south into the Mwangi Expanse until a later age.

Age of Legend

In the Age of Legend, Mualijae elves began settling the northern Mwangi Jungle and came into conflict with expansionist humans, cementing the Mwangi Expanse's reputation as a dangerous place for humanity. When Azlant rose and expanded, it fought the serpentfolk in the Mwangi, and emerged victorious when the hero Savith decapitated the serpentfolk's patron deity Ydersius in the depths of the city of Ilmurea. In the aftermath of this massive victory the serpentfolk were forced from the world above, retreating into the depths of the Darklands. The Azlanti established an outpost of Saventh-Yhi but otherwise made no effort to settle the Mwangi Expanse. In this power vacuum, a new empire rose: the Ghol-Gan. The Ghol-Gan began as a collection of small cyclops settlements united by their worship of nature and the sun and moon before spreading across parts of the Expanse, in particular the Sodden Lands. As the Ghol-Gani drove the remnants of the serpentfolk further underground they began to adopt some of their foul gods and tainted religious practices. By the end of the Age of Legend, the Ghol-Gani were already well on their way to degenerating to the bloodthirsty cannibals they are remembered as today.

Age of Darkness

The Ekujae rose from darkness to defend the Expanse from all threats demonic and draconic.

In -5293 AR, the Starstone fell, leading to the fall of both Ghol-Gan and the city of Saventh-Yhi. The arboreal Dimari-Diji awakened just in time to observe this destruction, and while exploring the Expanse's benighted forests, he discovered the Nemesis Well. Dimari-Diji took it upon himself to protect Golarion from those who would abuse this inter-planar artifact, but he would not stand alone in this task. To the south, the Zenj people of the savanna suffered greatly under droughts caused by Earthfall. Led by a pair of sisters—Jahar, a healer, and Kamar, a druid—their clan headed north into the jungles where they encountered Dimari-Diji. All three came to an agreement, founding the secret city of Osibu to protect the Nemesis Well in perpetuity.

While many elves fled Golarion to Sovyrian on the planet Castrovel, the Mualijae elves remained behind. In the aftermath of Earthfall, the draconic deity Dahak slipped into the Universe via the aiudaras known as Alseta's Ring and devastated the Mwangi Expanse. Dahak's rampage was eventually stopped by the Mualijae. At a great cost of lives, the elves managed to trap Dahak's manifestation between the planes, with the clans that would become the Ekujae sacrificing their greatest warriors to bind him there. After this binding, the Mualijae began to splinter into the various tribes known today. With the discovery of the already ancient demon-worshiping elven city of Nagisa, some clans relocated there, dedicating themselves to studying and safeguarding the ruins; they became the Alijae. Other clans, fearing that Nagisa's demonic influence would corrupt them, fled to the shores of Lake Ocota where eventual conflict with the first Gorilla King would forge them into the Kallijae. The dwarves also first arrived in the Mwangi Expanse during the Age of Darkness, building their ancient Sky Citadels of Cloudspire and Dongun Hold that still endure to this day.

Age of Anguish

As the Age of Darkness passed into the Age of Anguish, the legendary heroes Old-Mage Jatembe and the Ten Magic Warriors did their best to re-establish civilization and their legends defined the era. Jatembe reintroduces the study of magic into a world that had half forgotten how to wield it and, just as importantly, insisted that this knowledge be shared. Jatemebe and the Ten Magic Warriors adventured across the Expanse achieving countless legendary deeds, including defeating the sorcerous King of Biting Ants at the Doorway to the Red Star. As time wore on one of the magic warriors, Jade Feather, realized how precarious the knowledge they had gained was, and how little was being preserved. Jade Feather consulted with Elephant and Verdant Spider in the town Nantambu, agreeing to meet there every year, and inadvertently laying the foundations for the wizardly academy of Magaambya. Word of this annual gathering spread across the Expanse, and Nantambu soon attracted those with knowledge, or those seeking the help of the knowledgeable, all year round.

Even this early on, Nantambu and the Magaambya began attracting iruxi and kholo students when many other places would have shunned them. It was this tolerance that first attracted the anadi. The shapeshifting spider-folk were often distrusted due to to their natural arachnid form, and they had been chased from the ancient cities of the Expanse long before the Magaambya's founding. A trio of anandi disguised in humanoid form gained admission to the Magaambya, and on the eve of their formal acceptance, the anadi Dappled Dancer revealed the student's true form to Jade Feather but asked him to keep it a secret due to the fear and prejudice they would otherwise experience. Jade Feather agreed, but he persuaded Magaambya students to spread the stories of Grandmother Spider, patron of the anandi, across the Expanse, hoping to foster greater understanding and one day usher in an era when the anandi could live in their true form without fear.

Age of Destiny

In -2556 AR, as the Age of Anguish gave way to the Age of Destiny, followers of the Magic Warrior Black Heron united some Mwangi tribes to fight the cult of Rovagug. After the cults are defeated, they founded the Shory Empire, whose first flying city Kho took flight in -2323 AR. The Shory's flying cities maintained a nomadic lifestyle, offering knowledge and services to cities they passed over. As they began consorting with daemons and entities from the Dark Tapestry, the Shory began to decline, until Kho fell in -632 AR and Ulduvai followed in -507 AR.

Age of Lost Omens

In 4138 AR, Cheliax established the colony of Sargava on the western coast. The success of the colony was seriously curtailed by the appearance of the Eye of Abendego upon Aroden's death in 4606 AR. When Abrogail Thrune I ascended to the throne of Cheliax in 4640 AR, Baron Grallus, who had backed a rival of House Thrune, declared Sargava's independence.

The city of Usaro, on the southern shore of Lake Ocota, is home to bloodthirsty apes and charau-ka who revere Angazhan. Until recently led by the Gorilla King, they long ensured that the heart of the Mwangi Expanse would threaten the lives of others.

The unification of the pirates of the Shackles in 4674 AR had adverse implications for the passage of goods to and from the Expanse, although it was the pirates themselves who established the free port of Bloodcove, through which much of the region's riches now pass en route to Avistan.

In 4715 AR, the anti-colonial resistance in Sargava succeeded, overthrowing the government and establishing the new nation of Vidrian.

Inhabitants

A Mwangi storyteller.

The lush and vibrant Mwangi Expanse brims with legends, stories, and rumors that evoke both awe-inspiring and cautionary tales. Despite its abundant treasures, the inhabitants of the Expanse remain relatively unknown to those outside the Inner Sea region. Within this land of natural splendor, artistry and intellectual pursuits flourish, as its resilient inhabitants labor diligently and employ clever tactics to prosper in an environment that frequently poses threats.

The Expanse serves as a meeting ground for various cultures, where diverse peoples not only coexist but also thrive amidst the numerous perils that accompany this bountiful territory. The Mwangi region abounds with such abundance and wealth of resources that hunger and scarcity are rare occurrences. The ready availability of sustenance, water, natural fibers, and valuable materials facilitated the early Mwangi inhabitants in establishing self-sufficient communities, cities, and even independent nations, shielded from external influences and disconnected from the wider world.

Tensa'i, a song'o halfling.

The most populous heritages of peoples found in the Mwangi Expanse include elves and halflings, in addition to humans of Garundi, Mwangi, and Taldan extraction. Kholo of the Expanse also have their own unique society.

Languages

The most-commonly spoken languages in the Mwangi Expanse include Taldane, Elven, Garundi, Halfling, and the Common language of the region: Mwangi.

Religion

Common religions in the Mwangi Expanse include the worship of Abadar, Calistria, Gozreh, Norgorber, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. Angazhan is worshipped mainly by the Expanse's sentient apes. Most Mwangi see shamanism, ancestor worship, and worship of Gozreh as being complementary belief systems rather than competing ones.

Gods among the various peoples of the Mwangi Expanse take on a humbler role than elsewhere. When not being specifically prayed to, they are often spoken of as neighbors or distant relatives in everyday conversation. This comes from both a desensitization to magic, which is extremely common in the Expanse, and from the countless stories and fables humanizing the gods, making them seem more humble and relatable. Most areas celebrate a varied group of deities, welcoming diverse pantheons among the peoples of the Expanse. However, there are places like Mzali and Usaro where a singular faith is enforced.

Among the Expanse's catfolk, Adanye is seen as their patron and guide who protects hearth and home. To the Elephant People and those who revere the tall and the strong, Balumbdar is their patron. Grandmother Spider is one of the most highly respected deities as the matron of storytellers, particularly among the shapeshifting anadi. Kalekot is a "bogeyman" to most, spreading fear, yet protecting the poor, abused, and monstrous from harm. Lubaiko is the wild and passionate goddess of rebellion and fire, who became particularly popular after the Vidric Revolution. The serpentine Mazludeh was once an empyreal lord before ascending to divinity after protecting the people of the Mwangi Expanse during Earthfall. Uvuko, patron of cloud dragons, is also worshipped by many mortals who believe in creating a better world for the next generation. Opposing the undead mummy-god Walkena are the three ancient Old Sun Gods of Mzali: Chohar, Luhar, and Tlehar.

Tribes and societies

Some of the societies of the region are as follows:

Dwarves

There are two main groups of dwarves in the Mwangi Expanse, with virtually no contact between them: the Mbe'ke, who migrated to the Terwa Uplands and founded the Sky Citadel of Cloudspire in -4372 AR, soon after the Quest for Sky; and the Taralu, who live in scattered clans across the eastern Mwangi Jungle.

Elves

An Ekujae elf.

See also: Mualijae

Unlike most elves of Avistan, the elves of the Mwangi Expanse did not relocate to Sovyrian or retreat underground during Earthfall. Instead, these tribes, collectively known as Mualijae, continued to live as they always had.

The Mualijae are descendants of elven explorers who established a nation spanning most of the Mwangi Jungle in the Age of Legend. After Earthfall, the Mualijae stopped Dahak's rampage through the Mwangi Expanse at a great cost of lives, and some claim that the modern tribes were left behind in order to fight the Great Darkness (as Dahak becomes later known as) when it returns. The epic poetry inscribed in Elven on the walls of the ruined city of Nagisa is the sole known non-oral depiction of this legend. After defeating Dahak, the Mualijae split into three groups: the Ekujae, who stayed around Alseta's Ring; the Alijae, who settled near Nagisa in -5014 AR; and the Kallijae, who fled Nagisa in fear of being corrupted, and subsequently settled near Lake Ocota.

Lizardfolk

The Mist Dragons are secretive lizardfolk who live and travel exclusively in rain-forest treetops of the Expanse.

Other tribes

• Jambala Jaeg
• Kaava
• Uomoto