Region (nominally) of Fharas
Capital: None. The Spice Cities lie along its southern edge.
The scorching plains of Megiddo are home to a diverse group of giant beasts and the hardy horse-riding people who hunt them. The beasts range from herds of wild cattle to the giant white elephant, from the Megiddon plains rhinoceros to the giant swamp basilisk. Despite the beasts’ enormous size, the Megiddim have found ways to hunt and bring down them all.
THE MEGIDDIM
The Megiddim are dark complexioned and black haired, with powerful hulking builds. They decorate themselves in war paint but otherwise rove around naked, believing clothing to be the mark of a civilized oppressor (harashim). They are powerful javelin throwers and expert horse riders. They form camps on the open plain but never stay in one place for long. Women gather fruit and herbs, as well as take care of the children, during the men’s hunting excursions.
The Megiddim call life itself The Great Hunt (Masai Masai). Their religion has traditionally been instinctual, giving divine status to the world around them. They have scorned civilized religion as the faith of their enemies, having long believed themselves the victims of Fharas and the city dwellers.
The Megiddim craft tents from hides. Originally, the Megiddim carved arrowheads and daggers from flint for hunting. Contact with the civilized peoples of Fharas has caused them to switch to iron weapons, which they acquire in exchange for hides, pelts and furs.
In recent years, many tribes have taken up the lawgiver faith, destroying the Spice Cities and plundering as they go. These roving bands have been termed the Dark Horde for their black banners and their incredible brutality.
GEOGRAPHY
The vast grassland stretches for miles. Except for small pockets, there are no trees to be found. Volcanoes, some dormant and some active, can be seen sporadically throughout the plain. Megiddo endures intense heat all year round, but receives plentiful rainfall. This lush grassland has allowed for abundant wildlife. The immense plains rhinoceros, the Megiddo white elephant, and the giant black stag — in addition to antelope herds, lion prides, and many other animals — have ensured the Megiddim plenty to eat.
TRAVEL
No roads cross through Molkoro. The Megiddim migrate with the herds and never stay in one place for long. Nor is Fharese currency accepted; offer a gold coin in payment and a Megiddim chieftain will balk. In all, travel is inadvisable; the interior is largely unexplored and extremely dangerous to outsiders.
If you must, hire a guide in the Spice Cities, a Megiddim who knows his way through the land. These guides have been known to rob and kill, however, so there is always great risk.
