Esparad

The largest, northernmost continent on Gal'aeda, Esparad spans a majority of the planet's northern hemisphere. Divided naturally by the Hagarin-Peregrin mountain range, each section of Esparad has evolved unique ecosystems and cultures.

Geography

Esparad's major defining feature is the Hagarin-Peregrin mountain range. The Hagarin stretch from the Northwestern corner of the Ji'Dar Empire to even out into the southern Cliffs of Morgaunad, while the Peregrin extend from the southern Peregrin Sea north into the arctic wastes of the northeast. Numerous rivers flow seaward from these mountains, and both coniferous and deciduous forests grow in the foothills. The terrain evens out the further southwest one travels from the Hagarin mountains, leading into lush, fertile fields. East of the Peregrin mountains lies mostly wooded land, though it has been cleared and wartorn by the humanoid populations constantly vying for control. The enormous lake Ygsvari sits between the ranges, bringing life to a harsh, jagged landscape.

Fauna & Flora

Some of the humanoid populations of Esparad can trace their ancestry back to the fey creatures of Elphyme. The Hagarin elves of Ji'Dar dominate the western half of the continent, while the Morgaunak dwarves, much farther removed from their fey blood, delve deep within the crust of the divide. The dragonborn of Orthgaven hail from a distant land, possibly even a different plane. Magical creatures of all sorts roam the wilds, from mountain giants to pixies. The flora are just as diverse, ranging from the short sweetgrass of the Southern Plains to the great dark trees of the Raviness Forest.

Natural Resources

Fresh water flows freely from the spring-fed rivers and pools into many large lakes across the continent. Lumber is plentiful, and the fields yield bountiful harvests most years. There are multiple deposits of precious minerals and gems that have been mined for generations, and in places not touched by magic, game is abundant and easy to come by.

Maps

Esparad
A low-detail map of the largest continent on Gal'aeda, featuring the six largest cities in the Ji'Darei empire as well as the capitals of Orthgaven and Morgaunad.