Tal
Tal, formally known as Karunn, is a territory in the far northeast of the Querian Empire. Formerly a country owned by travellers from the Avvar-Kunrud, it has since been claimed by Empire forces but remains a semi-independant state.
Geography
Tal is a territory primarily consisting of tundra. Rolling ground is decorated by vibrant, low vegetation especially surrounding the forked river that flows from the mountain range to the south of the territory. Though the area is largely uninhabited these days, or perhaps because of it, what plant life can survive is lush and plentiful, providing plenty of food for the herbivorous animals that live within.
Though rain and snowfall is minimal, the Tal tundra is plentiful in wetlands thanks to permafrost. Towards the eastern coast the grasslands give way to steep cliffs overhanging rocky beaches decorated with ice which thaws in summer -- though the temperature does not rise by much. At certain points of the year, especially summer, visibility is low due to the thick fog that blankets the land.
The mountains to the south contain a similar climate, though the weather towards the higher elevation causes a higher level of permanent snow cover that makes the tips a bright white all year around. At the base of the mountains, surrounded by peaks, is an oasis containing the only trees in the region. Debates remain as to its source, ranging from the surrounding mountains acting as an insulating force to raise the temperature consistently enough to harbour more plant life, to particular nutrients or even Éla in its lake causing the growth.
Natural Resources
Due to its harsh climate, the animals within Tal are large and hardy creatures highly valued for their insulating pelts and meat. Though those living sparsely within the territory are protective of their resources, some from The Empire have been able to access parts of it for hunting, as well as harvesting certain species of grass and lichen valued in Querian dishes.
History
The earliest documentation of Tal as an inhabited land dates back to approximately 86N.A., when early Avvar-Kunrud travellers began to settle in the area, presumably from the large Avvar-owned region of the Eastern Islands. These travellers were well used to harsh climates and quickly settled across the region, especially on either side of the rivers, where old frozen bridges still remain.
Tal remained uncontested for several hundred years until the expansion of the Querian Empire circa 200N.A.. Though the lands were mostly seen as undesirable to the Querians in comparison to the more varied and poplated land owned by the Jade, the threat of expansion from the Avvar-Kunrud was one the Empire did not wish to risk and thus the land was claimed.
Though pushback against the invasion of their lands was fierce, the Avvar-Kunrud living within the area were quickly driven out and took refuge within what is now Jordai. Those who remained submitted to the Empire but not to their laws, disobeying to an extent that the Querians were faced with a decision: to allow the lands to remain lawless, or to drive out or kill those remaining.
Destroying the sparse population within the harsh lands of the tundra was considered a needless drain on resources, and so in 232N.A. the Empire decreed that those living within Tal would govern themselves -- allowing for freedom from Empire lawmaking but cutting off any potential aid or access to Empire funds. These days the lands are largely unpopulated except for a couple of small settlements, and Empire propaganda discourages any from relocating there.
Tourism
Thanks to its difficult climate combined with Empire propaganda, tourism to Tal is minimal -- something those remaining on the land are glad of. Those who do brave the journey to one of the minimal settlements within it are usually seeking shelter or to learn about the peoples there. Reception to travellers is usually hostile, and those who are able to get close or within the settlements will have learned specific Avvar greetings to show their good intent, lest they be driven away by the vigilant guards of the wasteland settlers.
Tal (Territory in the Querian Empire)
Location of Tal (light green)
Type
Territory
Location under
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Owning Organization
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Related Tradition (Primary)
