The Lush Valley
The region borders West Elizabeth to the west, Cumberland Forest to the north, and Lemoyne to the east. The region's southern border is its shore on Flat Iron Lake.
The region, with its occasional rainfall, is relatively verdant and full of wildlife. Deer, rabbit, pronghorn, horse, turkey, and goose are common sights. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching, is particularly fruitful in this area. This naturally contributes to Valentine's fame as a livestock town.
The landscape features of the Heartlands include rolling hills, scattered buttes, rocky outcrops, small stands of timber, and open plains. Ranches, farms, and small homesteads dot the otherwise open grassland.
The Heartlands are high in elevation, on a plateau. This, combined with its northern latitude, contribute to the mild weather. This region most resembles the real-life states of Oklahoma and Nebraska, especially their western areas. The Heartlands, especially Twin Stack Pass are visually most similar to the Pawnee National Grasslands of Colorado. Its possible that they could be based off the Glass Mountains of Oklahoma, although the the colors of the rock in Heartlands do not reflect the red Permian-aged rock of the Glass Mountains. The Heartland's largest settlement, Valentine seems to be based off several famous frontier towns such as Cheyenne and Deadwood and its early stage of development reflects the 1870's more than the 1890's/1900's.
The climate of the Heartlands is mild. Temperatures range from near freezing at night and in the mornings, to around 60 degrees during the afternoon. Most days are sunny. However, rain and even thunderstorms occur occasionally.
Comments