Windy Plains

Whispers on the Prairie

(language convention: American Indian)

Geography

A vast expanse of rolling grasslands kissed by constant winds, the Windy Plains are a land of vibrant sunsets, sweeping vistas, and endless skies. The rhythmic whisper of the wind through the tall grasses is a constant companion.

To the west, the imposing Iron Mountains rise like a formidable wall, their peaks often shrouded in mist. The south is bordered by the Wasteland Spear, a jagged mountain range that separates the Windy Plains from the harsh Jaich'iem Wasteland.

The eastern horizon is dominated by the vast Taern Sea, its salty spray carried on the wind. The sea offers a bounty of fish and provides a natural barrier from outside intrusions.

A narrow passage of grasslands to the north, known as the Guardian's Path, leads to the mountainous realm of Archspire, the home of a Goidelic people who watch the eastern seas.

People

The Wind Speakers: The Windy Plains are home to numerous nomadic tribes collectively known as the Wind Speakers. They are a peaceful people, living in harmony with the land and the ever-present wind. Their culture is deeply connected to the natural world, and they believe the wind carries the spirits of their ancestors and the whispers of the earth itself.

Skilled Hunters and Horse Lords: The Wind Speakers are skilled hunters, adept at tracking animals across the vast plains. They are also renowned horse breeders, their magnificent steeds perfectly adapted to the open grasslands. Horses are not only a means of transportation but also valued companions and symbols of freedom.

Culture

Harmony with Nature: Respect for the land and its creatures is paramount in Wind Speaker culture. They believe in taking only what they need and giving thanks for the bounty provided by the Great Spirit (represented by the wind).

Storytelling and Song: Oral traditions are central to Wind Speaker culture. Stories of their ancestors, the lessons of the wind, and the beauty of the land are passed down through generations in captivating tales and haunting songs. These stories are often accompanied by traditional instruments like flutes carved from bone and drums made from stretched animal hides.

Spiritual Beliefs: Wind Speakers believe the wind carries the spirits of their ancestors and the whispers of the earth itself. Shamans, known as Wind Weavers, have a special connection to the spirit world, interpreting the messages carried on the wind and guiding the tribe.

Relations with Outsiders

Limited Contact: The Windy Plains are isolated, and the Wind Speakers prefer a peaceful existence with minimal contact with outsiders. However, they have established friendly relations with two neighboring regions.

Dwarven Allies: The Wind Speakers have a long-standing alliance with the dwarves of Baerdid. They trade horses and hides for dwarven metalwork and tools. This alliance also serves as a mutual defense pact, with the dwarves offering protection against any potential threats from the south.

Northern Kin: The Wind Speakers share a cultural connection with the people of Archspire. The narrow passage known as the Guardian's Path allows for occasional trade and cultural exchange. Shared stories and beliefs create a sense of kinship between these two isolated peoples.

Points of Interest

Whispering Canyon: A sacred site for the Wind Speakers, Whispering Canyon is a natural amphitheater where the wind howls through narrow clefts in the rocks, creating an eerie yet beautiful sound. Shamans come here to commune with the spirits and receive guidance.

The Festival of a Thousand Winds: An annual celebration held at the peak of summer, the Festival of a Thousand Winds is a time for the various Wind Speaker tribes to gather. There are days filled with horse races, archery contests, storytelling, and joyful songs that carry on the wind.

The Wanderer's Path: A network of ancient trails crisscross the Windy Plains, known as the Wanderer's Path. These unmarked paths are said to be guided by the wind itself, leading those with a pure heart to hidden oases, ancient hunting grounds, and forgotten places of power.

Formation: (unknown) Pre-Sundering
Government Type: Confederation
Imports: metalwork and tools, finished goods
Exports: livestock, hides and leather goods, exotic meats
Regional Dialect: The people of the Windy Plains have a tendency to pronounce all the "r"s in words, even where they might be silent in standard Common. Vowels can differ, with "a" sometimes being more drawn out and "o" occasionally sounding closer to "u." Consonants might be softened, or short puffs of air added at the ends of words. The intonation patterns can also vary, with speech sometimes sounding flatter or less varied in pitch compared to standard Common.