Eldarias
Geography
Eldarias is bordered by the Hyperborean Ocean to the north, the Vestri Traverse to the west and the Sea of Rage to the south. Eldarias can be divided into four major physical regions, running from north to south: Western Uplands, North Eldarian Plain, Central Uplands, and Alpine Mountains.
Western Uplands
The Western Uplands, also known as the Northern Highlands, curve up the western edge of Eldarias. The Western Uplands is defined by hard, ancient rock that was shaped by glaciation. As glaciers receded from the area, they left a number of distinct physical features, including abundant marshlands, lakes, and fjords.North Eldarian Plain
The North Eldarian Plain extends from the southern edge of Hildenor to the far east. Most of the Great Eldarian Plain is home to many navigable rivers. The climate supports a wide variety of seasonal crops. These physical features allowed for early communication, travel, and agricultural development. The North Eldarian Plain remains the most densely populated region of Eldarias.Central Uplands
The Central Uplands extend east-west across Central Eldarias. The Central Uplands are lower in altitude and less rugged than the Alpine region and are heavily wooded. This region is sparsely populated except in the river valleys.Alpine Mountains
The Alpine Mountains include high elevations, rugged plateaus, and steeply sloping land define the region. The Alpine region also includes active volcanoes.Climate
Eldarias is generally characterized by a temperate climate. Most of Western Eldarias has an Oceanic climate, featuring cool to warm summers and cool winters with frequent overcast skies.
Fauna & Flora
Much like its physical regions, Eldarias's plant and animal communities follow a general north-south orientation. The tundra is a treeless region where small mosses, lichens, and ferns grow. Huge herds of reindeer feed on these tiny plants.
The taiga, which stretches across northern Eldarias just south of the tundra, is composed of coniferous forests, with trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. Moose, bear, and elk are native to the Eldarian taiga.
Just south of the taiga is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees, including beech, ash, poplar, and willow.
Finally, small, drought-resistant plants border Eldarias's southern edge. Trees also grow in that southernmost region, including the Aleppo pine, cypress, and cork oak.
The waters surrounding Eldarias are home to a number of organisms, including fish, seaweeds, marine mammals, and crustaceans. The cold water surrounding northern Hildenor is home to unique species of cold-water corals. All the major bodies of water in Eldarias have been fished for centuries.
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