Straits of Malin
Waterways and islets to the southeast, where the rivers that once flowed through the eastern vales emptied into. As the star fall did not reach the outliers of the once prosperous kingdom, settlements to the south among the isles remained largely untouched by the rising dark that leeched the lands.

The Mala
Indigenous to the southern isles and the narrow stretch of lands that form the straits of Malin. Unlike the seafaring Rhimeans to the north east, the Mala's economy is structured around local fisheries, and spices native to the warm and humid climate. In years past, the southern islands were home to small but lively communities that spanned like a web across the straits, and formed a network along the closer island chains along the coast. However, those constructs began to strain as refugees from the calamity fled further afield. Lately, after the initial influx of immigrants died down, the equilibrium has begun to return, with the local customs again taking sway.

On the whole, the Mala people are a boisterous lot, with as many gatherings and festivals as there are isles. The straits have long held the name land of a thousand lights, for the brilliant displays flickering from isle to isle across the water. Aside from the population increase, the northern blight has yet to sour the fertile waters of the strait, but the quality and quantity of imported lumber has since been a growing issue. Repairing the long bridges and even the smaller fishing craft is fast becoming a costly endeavor.

Historic Record
While the Mala people do possess a written record, it is a relatively recent thing that has been developed out of necessity as commerce and trade have become increasingly important. However, the deeper lore and tradition of the island peoples continues to be transmitted through oral storytelling, and a widely known series of dances that depict various lessons, events and significant moments within the Malan past.

There are aspects of the Lum fighting style that reflect this tradition, as many of the more intricate techniques in the art are named after the exploits of legendary figures within Malan history.

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