Arcreach & its Surroundings
"My people, the hour is dire, and the burden of our land grows heavier each day. The Midnight Star’s corruption spreads, and with it, the monstrous spawn threaten our very existence. Today, we stand on the precipice of destiny, where we must choose to cower or to rise. Together, we shall embark northwards, to confront and destroy the source of our torment. Let our courage be as unyielding as the ice that blankets our home, and our resolve as fierce as the northern winds. Our ancestors are with us today! For Arcreach, for our future, we march into the heart of darkness to reclaim our light!"
King Leandre Highwind IV, Lord of Arcreach, Addressing his people
Geography
Arcreach, an enduring kingdom located in the eastern part of the Northern Reaches, stands as a testament to resilience amidst adversity. Its territory encompasses a vast tundra biome characterized by snowy landscapes, dense coniferous forests, towering mountains, and frigid ice fields. This region, known for its harsh climate, serves as one of the most well-known entry points into the Northern Reaches, providing a critical trade corridor between the Midlands and the northern territories.
The Kingdom of Arcreach is nestled amidst diverse geographical features. To the north lies the Dusken Woods, a dense forest critical for game and forestry, while to the east stretches the Peon's Approach, an expanse of snow and frozen lakes dotted with the ruins of former fiefs and towns. Prominent among these ruins is Darmond, a town lost to the Midnight Horde. Further east, the forest separates Arcreach from the eastern coastline and the mysterious remnants of the Kingdom of Ephraim. To the south, a corridor of snow and forests houses vital villages such as Marbury and Clarence's Rest, and leads to a large open field with the Morn Duchy Remnants and the village of Stillwater. The west of Arcreach, scarred by the impact of the Midnight Star, is a dangerous, cratered landscape teeming with the Midnight Horde.
Of note are the following locations or landmarks:
- Mount Destrudo: A heavily corrupted area by the Midnight Star, creating a natural barrier
- Narrowmere: A town southeast of Arcreach, and the second largest settlement in the region
- Northern Reaches Skywall: A mysterious wall that emerged post-Midnight Crisis, adding to the region's defenses
- Sable Kingdom Remnants: The sealed remains of a once-clandestine kingdom, shrouded in mystery
Fauna & Flora
The region's flora and fauna are adapted to the severe cold. Coniferous forests dominate the landscape, home to hardy species such as snow elk, frost wolves, and ice bears. Trolls, ogres and owlbears are also known to inhabit the dense woods. However, the Midnight Crisis has introduced corrupted flora and fauna, twisted by Nebula's influence. These corrupted beings, part of the Midnight Horde, pose a constant threat to the inhabitants.
History
The people of Arcreach are a hardy and resilient folk, shaped by the harsh climate and the constant threat of the Midnight Horde. They exhibit a strong sense of camaraderie and pride in their ability to endure. The kingdom is home to a diverse population, including ethnic groups such as the native Arcreachians and smaller communities of Tiefling, Orcs, Githyanki and Centaurs who have found refuge in the region. These communities contribute to a rich cultural tapestry, with traditions deeply rooted in survival, honor, and resistance against external threats.
Arcreach remains vigilant, with its people continually adapting to the challenges posed by their environment and the lingering threats from the Midnight Crisis. The kingdom's strategic importance and enduring spirit make it a vital part of Muria's northern frontier.
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