The Heartland

The Earth is large, for the mother was not something that could be contained in a small space. She stretches over vast plains, forests, and endless oceans. We know that she created more than just the Islands at her hearts center, but for so long we have been kept from venturing to the lands of the Banished. The Heartlands consist of 2 large islands and several smaller ones. These are heavily forested and rich in mineral deposits.

Geography

The main island is the largest by far, taking weeks to cross the furthest points. The majority of the island is woodlands with occasional meadows when nearing the coast. The Western coast of the island boasts sheer black cliffs, made of an unstable sort of soft rock that continuously crumbles into the ocean below. The Eastern shore is more accessible with its' pebble beaches marred by frequent piers and fishing huts. Fresh water can be found in the river that flows from the north east to the South, the lake that pools at it's end, and two springs that feed a set of smaller Creeks. There are some hilly areas, offering excellent vantage points but no true mountains.

Fauna & Flora

The Heartland forests are deciduous, heavily pine and oak. The people gather chestnuts, acorns, walnuts, greens, and a variety of herbs. They have heavily cultivated berries and Vines. The pines are used to make a bark paper and a cultivated Reed species is the writing utensil. The Reed is called simply an ink reed and is filled with a thin dark sap that flows from the tip of the plant if it's broken correctly. Agriculture wise, the people grow a wheat like grain, berries, multiple leafy greens, and a small potato like vegetable.
The fauna of the island are mild, nothing deadly resides in the Heartlands as they were all Banished. The people hunt boar, deer, rabbit, and pheasant, as well as fish. Birds are abundant and play an important role in agriculture through seed distribution.

Natural Resources

The forests are rarely cut. The center of the forest is considered sacred, so when wood is needed, they cut as close to the coast as possible and then immediately replant. The skins and furs from hunted animals are used for cloth, some rabbits have been bred for longer hair as a source of yarn. The mineral deposits throughout the islands are deep and silicate rich, producing mainly quartz and Agate varieties. These have a multitude of uses outside of face value. The Western coast produces many beautiful fossils. The ocean is teeming with fish and other wildlife. The occasional beached whale is considered incredibly useful as well as a delicacy.

Type

Landmass