Verdant Vale
Geography
The Verdant Vale, a temperate region nestled near the Sullen Hinterlands, serves as one of the major entry points into the Northern Reaches. Dominated by lush tundra forests, the Vale stretches northward to the foot of the Quaritus Plateau and eastward to the borders of Arcreach's territories. The landscape is a picturesque expanse of snowy landscapes, dense coniferous forests, and icy rivers, creating a serene yet formidable environment.
The Verdant Vale is characterized by its expansive tundra forests, known locally as the Frostveil Woods, which stretch across much of the region. The northern parts of the Vale are particularly treacherous, with rugged cliffs and deep valleys hiding within the forested terrain. The areas bordering on the Valley of the Ancients and the Quaritus Plateau are policed heavily by a mixture of the King's Chasm's guards and Bureau research outposts. Lake Sapphire, a majestic body of water near the southwest, feeds into a river that winds through the Vale and into the Crystalline Basin, eventually spilling out into the western seas. This river, known as the Azureflow, is a lifeline for many settlements and serves as a crucial trade route by water.
Fauna & Flora
The region's flora includes hardy coniferous trees, frost-resistant shrubs, and unique tundra flowers that bloom during the short summer months. The fauna is equally diverse, with creatures adapted to the cold, such as snow leopards, tundra wolves, and frost deer. There has also been dragon sightings, first reported over 200 years ago, in the southeastern region by the borders to the Sullen Hinterlands. The Midnight Crisis introduced strange and corrupted lifeforms to the Verdant Vale, particularly in areas near Midnight Star splinters, requiring constant vigilance from the local populace.
Natural Resources
As an entry point into the Northern Reaches, the Verdant Vale holds significant strategic importance. The Bureau has a vested interest in the region, primarily due to its mines and the emergence of Midnight Shards after the Midnight Crisis. The Vale serves as a crucial trade channel between the Midlands and the Northern Reaches, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange. However, the proximity to the Quaritus Plateau and the ever-present threat of the Midnight Horde necessitate a strong military presence to protect the region's inhabitants and resources.
History
The Verdant Vale has a tumultuous history marked by wide-scale conflicts, including the Century War during the 6th Doom, where various factions across Muria vied for dominance. The whispers of intrigue by Asmodeus during this period left lasting scars on the region. Despite its turbulent past, the Vale has always been a place of significant cultural exchange and resilience. Leading the charge in this resurgence is the Kingdom of Ulstedt, led by the illustrious House Navald, who has since played a critical role in restoring order and prestige to the region. Historically, Ulstedt has refrained from participating in the greater political landscape of Muria. However, recent times has forced it to join hands with several Midland powers to form the Izeran Federation in an effort to consolidate power and resources against the growing threat of the Midnight Star. The people of Ulstedt, though part of the Izeran Federation, maintain a strong sense of autonomy and cultural identity, contributing to the rich tapestry of traditions and lore that define the region.
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