Meshev (mɛʃɛv)

Geography

Meshev lies at the heart of a vast continent, centered on the sweeping grasslands of the Omari Grassland. The landscape consists of rolling hills and flat, open prairie, dotted by occasional stands of broadleaf trees. To the north, the plains extend to the shoreline of a vast ocean. Mighty rivers flow northwards from the highlands of the south, including the mighty Seldon River that bisects the continent.

The Seldon River cuts through the plains, providing life-giving water as it flows northwards. Lush riparian zones flank the river banks, with willows, cottonwoods and other deciduous trees taking advantage of the permanent water source. Where tributaries join the Seldon, wide wetlands have formed, creating habitat for diverse waterfowl and wildlife. The Seldon ultimately empties into the northern ocean.

To the east, the grasslands run up against the imposing Aecax Mountains. These steep, rugged peaks mark the border with Sevangesia, and also wring moisture from the air to water Meshev. To the west is the blasted wasteland of Thar'kenes, unfortunately polluted and damaged by Meshev's industry. The south is bounded by a highland region where the Seldon River originates.

Though human development has impacted the landscape, the natural beauty of the sweeping grasses and wildflowers waving in the wind remains. The plains are crisscrossed by herds of grazing animals from bison to antelope. From high vantage points, the sea of grass seems to stretch endlessly to the horizon.

Ecosystem

The Omari Grassland are dominated by grasses adapted to the continental climate. Big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass grow in tall stands, towering over other plants. Shorter grasses like grama grass and buffalo grass form turf in the drier areas. Wildflowers bloom among the grasses in colorful carpets during the spring and take advantage of the plentiful summer rains.

The mammal community is well-adapted to this open habitat. Large herds of bison thunder across the landscape, grazing on the nutritious grasses. Pronghorn antelope sprint across the plains, ever watchful for the open country's predators. Smaller mammals like prairie dogs and jackrabbits stay alert for danger while feeding. Badgers, coyotes, wolves and bobcats hunt these smaller residents. At night, the calls of nighthawks and coyotes pierce the air.

Grassland birds fill diverse niches, from predatory hawks and eagles soaring overhead to smaller songbirds like meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows hidden in the grasses. Along the rivers, kingfishers dive for fish while herons stalk the shallows. Waterfowl flock to the marshes and wetlands. Overall, a complex web of life thrives on the productive grassland ecosystem.

Ecosystem Cycles

The continental climate brings dramatic seasonal changes to the Omari Grassland. In spring, rains nurture the sprouting grasses while carpets of wildflowers emerge to bloom. Many animals give birth to raise their young amidst the warm abundance. Large herds graze the nutritious new grass growth.

As summer arrives, temperatures climb and rainfall decreases. The grasses cure into golden hues under the hot sun. Butterflies flock to the last wildflower blooms while bison wallow in the rivers to stay cool. Birds nest and fledge their young before the coming winter.

Autumn brings the first killing frosts, ending the growing season. Aspen trees blaze with fall color before going bare. Birds and insects migrate southwards ahead of the bitter winter. Large mammals grow heavy coats in preparation. Finally winter descends, often fiercely cold and windy. The animals that remain endure on fat reserves and their ability to dig through snow for vegetation. When spring returns, so does the renewal of life on the plains.

Climate

Meshev's inland continental location gives it an extreme climate with very cold winters and hot summers. Average winter temperatures are below freezing, with average lows around -10°C. Snow often blankets the plains from fall through winter's end, providing vital moisture. Spring and summer turn hot, with average summer highs reaching 30°C.

The area receives moderate rainfall, with an annual average of 500mm. Much of the annual precipitation comes as heavy thunderstorms in the summer months. The warm and moist air from the south collides with drier northern air masses, resulting in spectacular storms. But overall, the sunny skies allow the grasses to thrive during the growing season. The pronounced seasonal shifts are challenges to which the native plants and animals are supremely adapted.

Fauna & Flora

Dominant animals include

bison; pronghorn; coyotes; prairie dogs; badgers; bobcats; wolves; deer; elk; cottontail rabbits; jackrabbits; prairie chickens; quail; wild turkeys; ducks; geese; hawks; eagles; falcons; owls; meadowlarks; sparrows; larks; killdeer

Dominant plants include

big bluestem; switchgrass; buffalo grass; grama grass; purple prairie clover; black-eyed susan; purple coneflower; sunflowers; asters; goldenrods; yucca; prickly pear cactus; cottonwoods; willows; oak; ash; wild plum

Volkan by Gabrielle Decker

Joie by Gabrielle Decker

Pinlup by Gabrielle Decker

Loqui by Gabrielle Decker

Mooshan by Gabrielle Decker

Natural Resources

Fertile Soil: The grasslands have rich, productive soil well-suited for agriculture to support the population. Wheat, corn, soybeans and other crops could be grown. Nutritious grasses provide excellent grazing for cattle and bison and can be harvested as hay.

Fresh Water: The rivers and wetlands provide abundant fresh water for irrigation and consumption. Fresh water from aquifers under the plains is used heavily for agriculture, industry and the population. Overuse leads to depletion.

Wildlife: Diverse ecosystems and species have economic and medicinal value but are threatened by development. Bison and other grassland animals can be hunted for meat and hides. Many species like grouse and quail are game birds.

Timber: Stands of trees like cottonwood, oak and ash provide lumber for buildings and fuel sources.

Renewable Energy: The open plains are excellent for wind energy production. Solar, wind and geothermal energy could be harnessed but are underutilized in favor of non-renewables. Wind farms could provide renewable power.

Fossil Fuels: Deposits of oil and natural gas exist that could power industry and augmentations. Fossil fuels usage leads to pollution issues.

Rare Earth Metals: The grasslands contain a variety of subterranean materials, including copper, molybdenum, phosphor, gold, limestone, and dolomite, in addition to hydrocarbons, bismuth, cadmium, and thallium. Used in electronics and augmentations. Mining these finite resources damages the environment.

Tourism

Meshev's reputation for advanced augmentations and beauty modifications attracts some tourists seeking cybernetic enhancements. Its cities offer sleek, automated comforts. However, government corruption and civil unrest deter mainstream tourism. Visitors may face danger from malfunctioning PALADINs designed by Crux Dynamico. Those who do visit likely stay in the affluent districts rather than risk the tense streets.

Type

Grassland

Included Organizations

• United Federation of Meshev

Owning Organization

Federation of Meshev

Characters in Location

• Evelynn Azaertyse

Inhabiting Species

• Joie
• Orilysian Frogs

Related Professions

• Cybernetic Linguist