Red Vale

The Red Vale is a valley located in the east of Redems Range, following a small stream that meets the Morpath River at roughly the same area the Zwerg Range begins. It is also home to the Knights of the Merciful Sword.

The name Red Vale was given to the region by the Knights of the Merciful Swords founder, who hoped the harsh sounding name would ward off potential threats.

Geography

The vale is sheltered by the higher peaks of Redems Range around all sides, save the one to the southeast that tracks down to the Morpath River. The a small waterfall closer to Redem proper marks the start of the valley and the Morpath marks its end. The banks of the stream are flat and rocky, with a slight incline tracking up to the foothills of the range surrounding it.

Seasonal trees and small shrubs are spread throughout in a scattered fashion.

Ecosystem

While the Knights of the Merciful Sword live in the region they take care to avoid disturbing the natural inhabitants. The shrubs and trees of the region support smaller populations of birds and mammals, with predators moving through periodically as the prey does. The water flows from a creek further up into Redems Range ensuring year-round water flow and a healthy population of animals most of the time.

The small rock formations support families of small mammals. Insects are a common dietary choice for carnivores in the region. The stream lacks much in the way of support of aquatic species, save insects or small fish, though nutrients from higher up the range are carried down during heavy rains.

Heavy fog or mist is common in the vale, especially after or prior to rain.

Ecosystem Cycles

Spring

During spring animals leave hibernation causing an increase in the numbers of prey and predator. This is perhaps the easiest time of the year to spot animals interacting in the region. It is possible to witness predator stalking prey, or prey eating the flowers being produced by plants. Rain starts to become more frequent as well.

Summer

The most intense rains comes now, causing the streams level to rise and larger fish to swim upstream in order to lay eggs, who hatch come seasons end which brings larger concentrations of predators. The local knights also perform most of their hunting at this time.

Autumn

Throughout autumn, change sweeps the valley as the trees of the region lose their leaves and many shrubs die off. Most animals proceed to migrate away to more food plenty regions in the south.

Winter

While winter rarely brings snow, the area is nevertheless rather cold due to the shrouded cover of the range. Mist is a rather common sight all through winter. Hardly any animals are to be seen, with the few that do having little luck in catching meals.

Localized Phenomena

Mist and heavy fog are not just caused by environmental factors, but a controlled effort by the local Knights of the Merciful Sword to ensure their presence in the valley is hard to uncover. Many illusions are also cast at the openings to their living areas to ward off potential visitors.

Fauna & Flora

Flora

• Deciduous ferns
• Semi-deciduous ferns
• Deciduous trees
• Semi-deciduous trees

Fauna

• Antelope
• Bison
• Leopards
• Eagles
• Hawks
• Snakes
• Lizards
• Hyena

Monsters

Most monsters have learned to avoid the region, as most are slain by the knights if they are deemed nonredeemable. Sightings of true monstrous creatures are rare.

• Wyvern (though rarely)
• Manticores
• Lizardfolk
• Worgs

Natural Resources

• Wood from the limited trees
• Stone from the caves and barrows
• Metals from the stream

History

The vale remained relatively untouched until the Redeemer created the Knights of the Merciful Sword there. During one encounter in 1434, a group of goblinoids attempted to move into the region and use it to raid the caravan paths further south. The Redeemer visited them day and night for a year and succeeded in convincing them to avoid targeting the innocents, with many becoming fine citizens of the world. This group included Drakoved, Councillor of Varrimore.

Tourism

The only sense of tourism comes from members of Knights of the Merciful Sword, those seeking their refuge or those joining their ranks. Other members of Tyrs clergy also appear infrequently.

Alternative Name(s)

Home of Mercy

Type

Vale

Location under

Redems Range

Included Organizations

• Knights of the Merciful Sword

Owning Organization

Knights of the Merciful Sword