The Western Steppes

Geography

Between the city of Salike and the Syklan hills to the west lies a broad swathe of steppes. A vast area of grass and shrublands home to a host of animal and plant life. Lying between the Pale and Dart rivers the steppes stretch for miles and the land rises in a series of small inclines sepparated by miles of grass and shrubland. There are very few trees and even fewer hills to obscure the vision out here so the views streatch all the way to the distant hills, creating amazing vistas.
These lands are also home to the large livestock herds of the farmers and landowners of Salike. The fertile stretch of land between the two rivers is perfect for sustaining large quantities of grazing beasts. These herds and the vast grain fields to the east make Salike a huge exporter of food, yet another source of wealth for the prosperous city

Fauna & Flora

by congerdesign on Pixabay

The Steppes are brimming with wildlife of all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest field vole to the largest elk. In the areas closest to the city, apart from domesticated livestock, the wildlife tends to be smaller mammals such as rabbits, foxes and weasels although wild mules and hill ponies can also be found. As you move further toward the hills the mammals get larger and you are more likely to encounter predators. Several species of deer and elk roam the lands out here, alongside big horned sheep and goats. There are also coyotes, bob cats, wild dogs, wolves and of course the occaisonal Nightstalker.

by Nel Botha on Pixabay

The most diverse species however are the birds; sparrows, grouse, doves, hawks, eagles, kestrels are but a few of them, not to mention the various migratory birds which summer or winter on the steppes. For all that the steppes are home to a variety of larger predators the reptiles are more dangerous to humans, not least of which are the highly venomous Gita snake and the Spike tail lizard, both of which can kill a person in seconds

Type

Grassland

Included Locations

• River fort

Inhabiting Species

• Salikan Stepper

by skeeze on Pixabay

Tourism

People from salike and beyond often take treking or camping holidays out on the steppes. The gentle landscape is great for hiking or horseback riding, and the pleasant weather and open skies during spring and summer make it perfect for camping under the stars. Hunting is also popular as there are many deer and other, more dangerous, creatures out on the steppes. The bravest and most skilled of these hunters are often paid by ranchers and landowners to hunt troublesome packs of Nightstalkers

by Dusan on Pixabay