Wild Lands

The Wild Lands on the Southeastern edge of the Continent is probably the least explored and least understood region on Emmeron. Very few explorers have dared to make the long trek into the lush jungles of the region, and still fewer have returned alive. It is believed that the Wild Lands are home to ancient monsters that well predate the Hallowing War, and which have existed since the time of the Ancient Ones. There are known to be small settlements and tribes that live throughout the region, however little is known about the cultures, territories, or peoples that live there. Like much of the rest of the Continent, the Wild Lands represent a harsh and unrelenting landscape of thick jungle foliage, predatory creatures, and threats to survival. Given how cut off this region is from the rest of the civilized--or mostly civilized--world, there are though to be significant untapped resources unclaimed by any current kingdom. However, small expeditions launched to this region have reported mediocre findings at best.

Geography

The Wild Lands consist of a massive swath of land, equivalent to two-thirds of the Maelstrom Coast. The area is bordered to the West by the Uthaol Mountains. Similar to the Lannai Plateau on the opposite face, the Wild Lands are fed by several outlets of water that flow out from the rock. These contribute to massive rivers that spread out through the great jungles of the region, feeding the massive ecosystem of plant life. Hidden under the canopies, the region is also home to rolling swamps, ravines, and thick groves. Hills and small cliffsides are abundant throughout the region. The combination of elevations and terrain types make the Wild Lands treacherous to navigate, and allow for significant biodiversity with regards to species of flor and fauna.

Ecosystem

Not much is known about the ecosystem of the Wild Lands, as no significant study has been made of the region since the Hallowing War. Resources do not generally permit long expeditions into the interior, nor is there sufficient motivation to endure the hardships of such an expedition. From the limited information gathered by past expeditions, there appears to be several layers of predation among the native species. Several hundred species of insects are prey to large amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Not much is known about the next levels of the food chain, but rumors and stories have persisted about hulking beasts when dominate the apex predator positions. Though descriptions of such creatures are inconsistent.

Climate

The region is extremely tropical in terms of climate. The warm air sweeping in from the desert, mixing with the cooler, moist air of the coast has created a recipe for heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and a consistent humidity that blankets the air. In addition, the closeness of jungle helps trap the moisture from the air, and keeps the areas under the canopy of leaves a consistently balmy, and humid.

Alternative Name(s)

the Great Jungle

Type

Forest, Jungle (Tropical)