Atlas
Imarel Travel Guide - by T.A. Saunders ©2010 v1.2
The freehold of Firyn resides at the coldest, most inhospitable corner of Zoda and exists only to mine the precious M'aati (or Firynian Ice) gems from the frozen mountainside. Found nowhere else on Imarel, these vibrant cobalt blue gems are highly sought after by magi for their ability to store and focus magical energies (Mana). Because of their rarity Firyn is able to thrive on just this one market, however it has also made them a favorite target of Kasiq raiders who often try to break the city's defenses to pillage mines within its fortified walls.
Many magic-users from across Imarel have traveled to Firyn to purchase their legendary gems and in so doing, find themselves being drafted into defending the city against the latest Kasiq offensive. More than once, an enterprising mage has brought a mercenary force to the city and had his bounty paid in Firynian Ice, rather than gold, for services to the city. Firyn is also known for harvesting a hardy seaweed known as Maiden's Vine that is not only edible but can stay fresh for long periods of time once its properly dried. Not particularly tasty, it is also known to have some medicinal value to herbalists across Imarel.