The Midlands

Geography

The Midlands is a region of contrasting landscapes, situated between the Midland Plains in the south and the Savanna Stretch in the north, with mountains encircling these two distinct areas. This diverse geography comprises vast expanses of empty grasslands, rolling hills, and meandering rivers.
To the south, the Midland Plains unfold in gentle undulations, stretching as far as the eye can see. These expansive plains are characterized by fertile soil and open grasslands, ideal for agriculture and grazing. The horizon stretches endlessly, interrupted only by occasional clusters of trees and small villages dotting the landscape. Rivers wind their way through the plains, providing vital water sources for both wildlife and human settlements.
In contrast, the northern reaches of the Midlands are dominated by the Savanna Stretch, where the landscape transitions into a vast expanse of savanna grasslands. Here, the terrain becomes more rugged, with rolling hills and rocky outcrops punctuating the sweeping plains. The savanna supports a diverse array of wildlife, including herds of grazing animals such as antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs that roam the open terrain in search of prey.
Surrounding both the Midland Plains and the Savanna Stretch are mountains that rise majestically, framing the region's borders and adding a dramatic backdrop to the landscape. These mountains, though not towering, provide a sense of grandeur and serve as natural barriers that define the Midlands' boundaries.
Throughout the region, rivers crisscross the land, their meandering courses carving through the plains and valleys, shaping the landscape and providing essential water sources for both wildlife and human inhabitants. These rivers sustain lush riparian ecosystems, characterized by dense vegetation and abundant wildlife, creating oases of life amidst the surrounding grasslands and hills.

Ecosystem

Flora: The Midlands' ecosystem is characterized by a wide variety of plant species, ranging from grasses and shrubs to trees and flowering plants. In the Midland Plains, where fertile soil and ample sunlight abound, vast expanses of grasslands stretch across the horizon, interspersed with patches of woodland and riparian vegetation along the rivers. The Savanna Stretch, on the other hand, features more open grasslands dotted with acacia trees and shrubs adapted to survive in the drier conditions of the savanna. Along riverbanks and in wetland areas, lush vegetation thrives, providing habitat for a diverse array of plant species, including reeds, sedges, and water-loving trees such as willows and poplars.
Fauna: The Midlands support a rich and varied fauna, with a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians calling the region home. In the Midland Plains, herds of grazing animals such as antelopes, horses, and buffalo roam the grasslands, while predators like wyverns, hippogriffs, and gnolls stalk their prey. The rivers and wetlands teem with life, hosting an abundance of fish, amphibians, and waterfowl, including crocodiles, drakes, and a variety of bird species such as herons, storks, and kingfishers. In the Savanna Stretch, large herbivores like burnstompers, mammoths, and rhinoceroses browse on the sparse vegetation, while predators such as leopards and wild dogs hunt for prey amidst the tall grasses.
Avian diversity is particularly notable in the Midlands, with a wide range of bird species found throughout the region. Raptors like griffons, bloodhawks, and vultures soar overhead, while songbirds and waterfowl inhabit the woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, adding color and sound to the landscape.
Aquatic Life: The rivers and streams that meander through the Midlands support a rich diversity of aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Fish species such as catfish, tilapia, and carp are common, while frogs, toads, and turtles can be found along the riverbanks and in wetland areas. Insects and other invertebrates play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as food for many other species and contributing to nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.

Climate

In the Midland Plains, the climate is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures typically range from 77°F to 95°F, with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures higher. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging between 50°F to 68°F, although temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, especially during cold snaps. Rainfall in the Midland Plains is moderate and evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation during the summer months.
In the Savanna Stretch, the climate is generally drier and more arid compared to the Midland Plains. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and little rainfall. Winters are cooler but still relatively mild, with temperatures averaging between 59°F to 77°F. Rainfall in the Savanna Stretch is more sporadic and unpredictable, with occasional droughts punctuating the dry season.
The Midlands also experience seasonal variations in climate, with distinct changes between wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically occurs during the summer months, when warm, moist air masses from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall to the region. This period of increased precipitation is vital for replenishing water sources and supporting the region's lush vegetation and wildlife.
Conversely, the dry season occurs during the winter months, when cooler, drier air masses prevail, resulting in reduced precipitation and lower humidity levels. While the dry season can be challenging for certain species and ecosystems, it also provides opportunities for regeneration and adaptation, as plants and animals cope with the scarcity of water and resources.

Natural Resources

The Midlands may contain mineral deposits such as coal, limestone, and iron ore, which have the potential to support mining and industrial activities. While the extraction of these minerals can have environmental impacts, responsible mining practices can help to mitigate these effects and ensure sustainable resource management.
Most resources that come from the Midlands are refined and made into artisan goods due to their many settlements.

Type

Grassland

Location under

Prythwyn

Included Organizations

• Serenithian Empire

Inhabiting Species

• Satyr