Northern Plateau Geographic Location in The Wellspring Dragons

Northern Plateau

Northern Plateau by Shadn

The Northern Plateau is named for the tall cliff that runs nearly across the entire continent, from Tranquil to Kyranbetht. Myth claims that a great sylfaone (the particulars change with the telling) slammed their fist down on the newly created earth and made a large dent in the land, allowing the Sea of Condioh to form. The edges of the impact formed the Northern Plateau and the Meygharkin Mountains. Thus the Plateau was created. The highlands of Greenlock, Fein, Drae-goun, Kyranbetht and eastern Tranquil are mostly steppe, but the northern areas contain needleleaf forests and alpine tundra. The forests are the southernmost growths of the Northern Wastes forests. Southern Tranquil is part of the Dry, an arid land west of the Sea of Condioh. The steppes are cold grasslands that stretch from one coast to the other, across the continent. The area houses several types of grass and short, hardy shrubs. It is home to six large herbivores, the three predators that hunt them, smaller mammals and a scattering of birds. More wildlife and a greater variety of plants are found along the rivers and streams, and in a few wetland areas. The middle steppes are drier and colder, but those on the edges are wetter, and a greater variety of animals, birds and plants are found there. Smaller trees and taller shrubs inhabit these areas. Large agricultural areas have been carved from the grasses, and tend to do very well with the help of hearth wielders. The coast of Kyranbetht is known for its wild, rocky beauty. Very large, fatty sea animals mate on its shores during Hot Sands, then migrate south to warmer waters when the snows begin. Large seabirds called dragonwings nest on the tall cliffs found along the southern coast, and many an adventurer has died trying to retrieve one of their irridescent feathers from the inaccessible heights.