Konchū (禁中)
Middle Ausalon or Konchū, the Forbidden Center, is a subcontinent located within the center of Ausalon. As a part of the Five Dragon Accord, Middle Ausalon served as an empty buffer zone between the domains of the five signatories. Its vast arid steppes and rugged mountains witnessed occasional settlements and nascent states, often established by refugees seeking shelter. However, due to the strict enforcement of the Accord, these settlements were short-lived, as they were typically destroyed following deliberations by the Continental Congress. The region gained notoriety during the end of the First Age when the Tíwos established their own state within Middle Ausalon, leading to a cataclysmic battle known as the Great Burning, which ultimately marked the downfall of the Accord.
Geography
The terrain of Middle Ausalon is predominantly composed of vast arid steppes and rolling hills, creating an expansive landscape of golden plains that stretch as far as the eye can see. The region is punctuated by rugged mountains, their peaks reaching towards the sky, adding a dramatic and imposing element to the scenery.
Within Middle Ausalon lie the sources of two of the continent's largest rivers, the Ōsen River and Rusen river. These rivers, born from the pristine and untouched lands of Middle Ausalon, flow with great force and vitality, carving their way through the subcontinent's picturesque landscapes. Their waters are a lifeline to the surrounding regions, nurturing the lush flora and providing sustenance to a myriad of wildlife and, after leaving the bounds of Middle Ausalon, nourish millions of people living downstream.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem of Middle Ausalon, characterized by its diverse landscapes of rolling hills, vast plains, and towering mountains, sustains a rich array of biological organisms that have adapted to the unique conditions of this subcontinent.
The primary herbivorous animals in Middle Ausalon are the horse and the wild aurochs, which graze upon the abundant grasses that carpet the rolling hills and plains. These magnificent creatures have evolved to thrive in the open steppe environment, utilizing their speed and agility to navigate the expansive terrain while seeking sustenance. Alongside them, various species of deer and gazelle also roam the grasslands, gracefully moving through the landscape in search of food and safety.
Within the mountainous regions of Middle Ausalon, where the terrain becomes more rugged and the vegetation shifts, predators such as bears, tigers, and lions occasionally venture. Their presence adds a touch of both awe and danger to the ecosystem, as they navigate the challenging slopes and hunt the herbivorous inhabitants. However, the primary predator in this subcontinent is the mountain lion or puma, a sleek and elusive carnivore that has adapted to the diverse habitats of Middle Ausalon. These skilled hunters rely on stealth and agility to stalk their prey, utilizing the rocky terrain and dense vegetation for cover.
The steppe ecosystem of Middle Ausalon is also home to a variety of smaller animals, such as rodents, birds, and reptiles, which fulfill their respective roles in the complex web of life. These creatures play vital roles in seed dispersal, pollination, and maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Localized Phenomena
The steppe environment in Middle Ausalon can be susceptible to tornadoes. The vast open plains, with their relatively flat terrain and ample space for the interaction of different air masses, can create favorable conditions for the formation of tornadoes. The convergence of warm and cold air masses, coupled with atmospheric instability, can lead to the development of rotating columns of air that can spiral downward, resulting in tornadoes.
These tornadoes, characterized by their violent winds and swirling funnel clouds, can occasionally sweep across the steppe landscape of Middle Ausalon. While tornadoes are not a constant or regular occurrence, they can occur during periods of intense weather systems, such as severe thunderstorms or frontal passages. These natural phenomena can pose significant risks to the inhabitants and wildlife of the region, as they can cause damage to structures and disrupt the ecosystem.
Climate
The climate of Middle Ausalon is characterized by a continental climate, influenced by its location and geography within the fictional world of Ausalon. The long-term temperature and weather patterns in this subcontinent vary significantly throughout the seasons.
Seasonal Variation: Middle Ausalon experiences distinct seasons, each marked by its own unique weather patterns. The subcontinent undergoes significant temperature fluctuations and changes in precipitation levels throughout the year.
Hot Summers: Summers in Middle Ausalon are generally hot and dry. The temperature can soar during this time, with average highs reaching well above comfortable levels. The steppes and open plains of the subcontinent can intensify the heat, creating an arid and parched environment.
Cold Winters: Winters in Middle Ausalon are characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The subcontinent experiences freezing temperatures, and the mountainous regions can be covered in a blanket of snow. The grasses and foliage of the steppe may wither or lie dormant during this season.
Transitional Seasons: Spring and autumn serve as transitional seasons in Middle Ausalon, bridging the gap between the extremes of summer and winter. These seasons can exhibit mild temperatures and fluctuations in weather conditions. Spring brings a reawakening of nature, with the emergence of colorful wildflowers and the return of migratory birds. Autumn displays vibrant hues as the foliage changes, signaling the approach of winter.
Limited Precipitation: Middle Ausalon experiences relatively limited precipitation throughout the year. Rainfall is generally sparse, particularly in the arid steppes, and most precipitation occurs during the transitional seasons or in the form of occasional thunderstorms.
Fauna & Flora
1. Horse (Equus):
Horses are iconic inhabitants of Middle Ausalon's steppes. They have evolved to withstand the arid and open grasslands, using their speed and agility to navigate the vast terrain. Horses are herbivores, grazing on the abundant grasses that carpet the rolling hills and plains. They play a vital role in shaping the landscape through their grazing patterns, which can promote the growth of certain grass species and influence the distribution of other plant species.
2. Wild Aurochs (Bos primigenius):
Wild aurochs are large herbivores that also roam the steppes of Middle Ausalon. These mighty creatures are known for their strength and resilience in the face of the subcontinent's challenging environment. They graze on the grasses and other vegetation, contributing to the shaping of the ecosystem and influencing plant diversity and abundance.
3. Deer (Cervidae):
Several species of deer inhabit Middle Ausalon, including various types of mule deer and roe deer. These herbivores play a crucial role in the subcontinent's ecology by browsing on vegetation and influencing plant growth and regeneration. They contribute to the dispersal of seeds through their movements, aiding in the distribution and establishment of plant species.
4. Gazelle (Antilopinae):
Gazelles are nimble and graceful inhabitants of the steppe environment in Middle Ausalon. These herbivores are adapted to the arid conditions, feeding on the sparse vegetation found in the grasslands. They are known for their agility and speed, allowing them to evade predators and survive in this challenging ecosystem.
5. Predators (Mountain Lions, Bears, etc.):
Middle Ausalon is home to various predators, including mountain lions (pumas), occasional bears, and, rarely, tigers or lions. Mountain lions, being the primary predator in the region, play a crucial role in regulating herbivore populations and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They hunt herbivores such as horses, aurochs, deer, and gazelles, contributing to the natural control of prey populations.
6. Plant Life:
Middle Ausalon's vegetation primarily consists of hardy grasses and shrubs that are adapted to the arid conditions of the steppe environment. These grasses provide food and habitat for herbivores like horses, aurochs, deer, and gazelles. Other plant species, such as wildflowers and small shrubs, may bloom during specific seasons, adding bursts of color to the landscape.
Natural Resources
Mineral Deposits: The subcontinent is rich in mineral resources such as iron ore, copper, gold, silver, and various gemstones. These deposits can be found within the mountains and rocky areas, offering opportunities for mining and extraction, though often difficult to obtain through the methods available to the people.
Water Resources: Middle Ausalon is home to numerous rivers and freshwater sources that serve as vital water resources. These waterways not only provide sustenance for the local flora and fauna but also offer opportunities for irrigation, fishing, and transportation.
Medicinal Plants: The diverse ecosystems of Middle Ausalon host a variety of medicinal plants with potential healing properties. The subcontinent's flora includes herbs, roots, and other botanical resources that can be used for traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and pharmaceutical research. The collection and cultivation of medicinal plants can be an important economic activity.
Fertile Soil: The fertile floodplains and river valleys of Middle Ausalon provide rich agricultural resources. The soil in these areas is highly fertile, supporting the growth of crops and enabling agricultural activities. Local farmers can cultivate a variety of crops, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits, to sustain the population and potentially trade surplus produce.
History
Middle Ausalon, the expansive steppe region of the continent of Ausalon, has a unique history shaped by its position as a borderland. Situated between different regions and cultures, it has often served as a transitional zone and a meeting point for various civilizations throughout time.
Due to its strategic location, Middle Ausalon has been a frequent battleground for conflicts and power struggles. Many kingdoms and empires have sought to control and assert dominance over this vital crossroads. As a result, the steppe has witnessed countless clashes, invasions, and shifting borders throughout history.
The Tournament of Unity was a pivotal event in Middle Ausalon's history, marked by a grand competition that aimed to determine the undisputed ruler of the continent. However, the tournament escalated into a catastrophic conflict, resulting in the fall of many lords and a realization of the futility of their quarrels. In the aftermath, the surviving lords, humbled by their near-defeat, agreed upon the Five Dragon Accord, dividing wider Ausalon between them and establishing a symbolic buffer zone at the heart of the subcontinent. This no man's land was emptied of people, and settlement was banned without the unanimous consent of the Five Dragon Accord signatories, the Continental Congress. This decree aimed to preserve the delicate balance of power.
After their epic adventures around the continent, the divine beings Tíwos and their followers sought refuge from the wrath of the Ryuujin and High Elves in Middle Ausalon. With their arrival, two vacancies were created on the Continental Congress, causing the governing body to become paralyzed and unable to make decisions without a unanimous vote. Fearing the repercussions and respecting the ban of the Five Dragon Accord, neither the High Elves nor the Dragons dared to breach the settlement ban in Middle Ausalon. This resulted in the subcontinent becoming a haven for refugees and those who yearned for freedom from the rule of Ryuushu. Middle Ausalon, once known as Konchuu or the Forbidden Center, came to be called Jichuu, the Free Center. The influx of people seeking sanctuary and the desire for a new beginning led to a significant population surge. Within the first generation, the population of Middle Ausalon swelled to approximately 750,000, with nearly one-tenth of all peoples finding solace and hope within its borders.
The people who sought refuge and freedom from the rule of Ryuushu thrived and flourished. Under the tutelage of their gods, they demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and adaptability, leading to significant developments in their civilization. The once wild horses and aurochs were successfully domesticated, serving as valuable companions, sources of labor, and means of transportation. This domestication, coupled with their mastery of metalworking, led to the development of wagons and chariots, revolutionizing warfare and providing the Tothic peoples with a strategic advantage.
The population of Middle Ausalon experienced exponential growth, fueled by both natural growth and the influx of refugees. By the end of the First Age, the subcontinent was home to a mighty population of five and a half million inhabitants. With their newfound strength and numbers, the Tothic peoples occasionally waged wars against the Dragons and High Elves, asserting their independence and challenging the established powers.
As the subcontinent continued to evolve, the Continental Congress, which had governed Middle Ausalon, was eventually abolished. In its place, the Great Dragon Coalition emerged, a union of the ruling Dragons that sought to maintain their dominance and control over the continent. However, Teos, the god of the Tothic peoples, possessing the gift of foresight, anticipated the cataclysmic events that would mark the end of the First Age.
In preparation for this impending disaster, Teos guided his people to migrate westward. He sent his sons at the head of each of the nations, leading them to new lands where they could find safety and prosperity. Teos himself, alongside his brother Thunar, rode to war in the south and east, valiantly fighting in the final battles against the Dragons and High Elves. Tragically, both Teos and Thunar perished in the cataclysm that marked the end of the First Age, their legacy forever woven into the history and lore of Ausalon.
The nomadic tribes that have inhabited the steppe since have played their own significant role in shaping its history. Their migratory lifestyles and expertise in horseback riding and herding have allowed them to navigate the vast expanse of the steppe, adapting to its harsh conditions. These tribes often established temporary settlements and engaged in trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions.
Over time, Middle Ausalon has been influenced by the rise and fall of empires and the ebb and flow of different cultures. It has served as a conduit for the exchange of goods, ideas, and knowledge, facilitating the spread of various cultural practices, technologies, and religions.
The steppe's history is not without its own unique contributions. The nomadic tribes that called Middle Ausalon home developed intricate systems of governance, social structures, and traditions suited to their mobile lifestyles. Their expertise in horsemanship and archery, as well as their ability to survive in the harsh steppe environment, have left a lasting legacy on the region's identity.
While it may not have witnessed the construction of grand cities or monumental structures like other parts of the continent, Middle Ausalon's history is one of resilience, adaptation, and the interplay of diverse cultures. It remains a dynamic and vital region, connecting different realms and peoples within Ausalon.
Alternative Name(s)
Reodalon (Freeland), Jichū (Free Center), Crayalon (Oldland)
Type
Subcontinent
Location under
Related Ethnicities