The perches of Talongrip Coast stand in stark contrast to their woodland counterparts, often rising from cliff faces, salt-blasted trees, and jagged rocks jutting from the sea. These small settlements are sparsely decorated, focusing on stability and protection from the salty winds of the ocean. Homes are chiseled out of the rock faces, with wooden platforms serving as walkways between them. On more vertical slopes, buildings are connected by a veritable forest of ropes and cables used to get from place to place.
Life Over the Water
Citizens of coastal perches and villages are primarily folk who wish to remain close to the water. Sea raptors, mapachs, and jerbeens have carved out space for themselves along the coast, sometimes literally. These seaside settlements focus on fishing and salt drying, exporting their cured fish to the rest of the Wood.
The weather here is volatile. It can turn from clear and sunny to black and stormy with one gust of the wind. Most of the coast’s inhabitants can spot these changes easily, knowing when to retreat to shelters. Living near the shore means endur-ing the occasional hurricane, windstorm, and tidal wave. Those who make the coast their home are known for resilience.
Deadly Neighbors
A number of dangers face the people who live along the coastline. Large predatory lizards hunt and scavenge the sandy shores, and giant crabs have been known to drag victims to a watery grave. Rarest of all are the dreaded wakewyrms. Most professional fishing outfits employ hunters to stand guard, and guides and mercenaries are often hired by merchants hauling goods across the treacherous coastways. Those who wish to avoid the cost of protection can attempt the journey alone, but many grim fables describe foolish travelers who were too stingy to take the proper precautions.