The Grasslands
Geography
Endless Plains
Vast stretches of tall, dense grasses form the majority of the terrain, interrupted only by sporadic groves of gnarled, withered trees - remnants of the ancient woodlands that once blanketed the region. These trees, mostly stunted and twisted, serve as silent witnesses to the deforestation that ravaged the land.
Salt Flats and Deposits
In parts of the Grasslands, the earth is crusted with salt deposits that shimmer in the sunlight. These salt flats, formed from evaporated ancient seas, create a surreal, almost alien landscape where the soil is too mineral-rich to support much beyond salt-tolerant shrubs and grasses. The salt flats are a major part of the ecosystem, attracting trade and industry, as well as the creatures that have adapted to survive in the harsh conditions.
The Coastline
Along the western edge of Berthe, where the Grasslands meet the sea, lies the coastal duchy of Camille. Here, the landscape is more complex, with salt marshes and coastal wetlands sprawling outward. The land gently slopes toward the sea, creating natural harbors that have been long cultivated by the people of Berthe. The shores are often jagged, with exposed cliffs and rocky outcrops, where waves crash and saltwater mist rises into the air. However, much of the coast is given over to human ingenuity, with the canal systems extending all the way to the docks of Camille’s harbors, facilitating trade.
Climate
Eternal Day
The most defining feature of the Grasslands (and the Day Realm as a whole) is the eternal daylight. In the Grasslands, the sun never sets, remaining fixed in the sky at a constant, high angle, casting soft, golden light over the land at all times.
Weather
The Grasslands are neither scorchingly hot nor cold, but the prolonged exposure to sunlight does impact the land’s ability to self-replenish. Occasionally, the skies can become overcast with thin clouds, creating brief periods of diffused light, but these are short-lived and rare.
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