Editing Arket (section)

== Arket’s Jungles ==
The jungles of Arket are criss-crossed by ancient roads that weave through the undergrowth. For generations, [[Nation of Zell|Zell]] attempted to clear and maintain these roads but failed. In recent decades, under the leadership of the Flower Mother, new techniques have led to the creation of natural trails through the jungle that blend in with nature. Most native Arketians can traverse these natural trails but foreigners will quickly get lost in the floral labyrinth. Xate trees cover much of the Art jungles. These strong trees can grow up to sixty feet tall with their large fronds blocking most natural light from hitting the jungle floor. The Xate tree is home to many creatures within the jungle.

However, the true treasures of the Arketian jungle are the Shinshowa trees. Shinshowas grow up to two-hundred feet tall and are incredibly durable. These trees, whose leaves turn a deep violet during the wet season, are used to build homes upon. Many settlements are created around a thick grove of Shinshowa trees. In addition, the trees produce a nutritious sap which contains almost fifty-thousand calories a gallon. Special techniques are required to work with Shinshowa trees. Their bark is incredibly tough. Most iron tools cannot penetrate the tree’s defenses. Furthermore, Shinshowa trees are extremely fire resistant. This is for good reason. Raw Shinshowa sap is highly explosive.

==== Dangers in the Jungle ====
Aside from getting lost, the jungles of Arket are not for the faint of heart. Temperatures drop rapidly during the nights causing hypothermia to the unprepared. Although the high temperatures in the day can just as easily lead to heat exhaustion. Additionally, an evolutionary arms race has occurred within the jungles. Every creature has developed some sort of survival mechanism to prevent a quick life. Whether that be venom, poison, primordial channeling, or more, any creature in the Arketian jungle could be dangerous. Yet the locals often say that leaving the jungle alone is the best way to keep a person safe. Well, at least, except for the carnivorous plant-life. They are always looking to take a bite out of any passing food source.

==== Strange Creatures ====
The jungles of Arket proliferate new creatures seemingly out of thin air. Many discovered animals are thought to be entirely unique. It is unknown how this occurs as scholars have tried to pinpoint the spawning grounds of these new species. As of yet, nothing has been identified.

==== Forgotten Ruins ====
Ruins are a common find within the jungle. Many ancient civilizations and cultures have called the Arket peninsula home. However, all have eventually succumbed to the entropy of the jungle. The vines reclaim the stone and the roots the artifacts as all memory of these places becomes lost. But these treasurers are not destined to be lost forever. Many [[Races|genasi]] ruins can be found in the jungle. These ruins contain many pieces of ancient technology as well as clues about genasi society. Although finding these ruins are not for the faint of heart. Not only must scholars contend with the jungle but the multi-layered defenses of these genasi strongholds. The occasional [[Vindicar]] hive can be found as well. [[Vindicar]] from Arket appear to have slowly merged with the jungle over time. Their exoskeletons are more wooden or fungal than their original metallic shells. These [[Vindicar]] are also more predatory in nature, enjoying the hunt and struggle for survival. The feral Vindicar of Arket are also lacking in their capacity for language. Many of these Vindicar do not speak or talk in short, broken, sentences. This naturalization of the Vindicar has not been documented anywhere else on Ramesh.