In the arid expanse of the Southern Tellery Pan, Melfi stands as a town forsaken by law but governed by the brutal logic of survival. It's a haven for raiders and outlaws, far removed from the watchful eyes of Lahale or any semblance of civilization. The architecture is makeshift, buildings cobbled together from scavenged materials, and the air is thick with tension.
Leader: Warlord Mosi
Mosi's tribe controls the northernmost well. They are known for their hit-and-run tactics, striking quickly and then disappearing into the desert. Mosi himself is a cunning strategist, always three steps ahead of his enemies.
Leader: Warlord Zola
Zola's tribe holds the eastern well. They are expert archers, picking off enemies from a distance. Zola is a stern, no-nonsense leader who values discipline and loyalty above all else.
Leader: Warlord Jelani
Jelani's tribe controls the southern well. They specialize in ambushes, using the harsh terrain to their advantage. Jelani is charismatic and persuasive, often recruiting new members from the villages they raid.
Leader: Warlord Nia
Nia's tribe holds the western well. They are known for their brute strength and fearlessness in close combat. Nia is a fierce warrior, leading her tribe from the front lines.
The residents of Melfi who aren't part of any raider tribe are a mix of unfortunate souls either too poor to leave or too entangled in the town's complex web of power dynamics. They eke out a living by offering services to the raiders—blacksmithing, food supply, or even entertainment. Many serve as informants or lookouts for one tribe or another, earning enough to secure protection and a meager supply of water.
Trade is a risky venture, with the only route from Manda requiring heavily armed caravans. This makes even basic commodities exorbitantly expensive. The locals often resort to bartering services or information for goods.
Despite its lawlessness, Melfi operates on a fragile equilibrium maintained by the four tribes. Each tribe's control over a well ensures a tenuous peace, as no one can afford to monopolize the scant water resources. The tribes often raid the smaller villages near the Lahale oasis but are careful not to attract too much attention, retreating to Melfi to evade Lahale's militia.
Melfi is a town of desperate people living on the edge, where alliances are as shifting as the desert sands and where the only law is the brutal calculus of survival.