Eastern Province
The ancestral lands of the Lanathi, Haldur and Thalosians
"Oh, the Eastern Province, dear,The Eastern Province, also historically known as Lanathal, is one of the oldest provinces of the Namorian Republic. It is located to the east of the Namorian Continent, bordered by the Great Ocean to the east, the impassable Altair Mountains to the north, the Middle Sea to the south, and the heartland of Namoria to the west. The region holds an essential position within the Republic due to its rich natural resources, long history, and diverse industry.
Where love and joy appear,
Raise your glass, let's all cheer,
In the Eastern Province here."
- chorus to a popular song in taverns and inns.
Contents
Geography
The Eastern Province covers a vast area with a varied landscape, encompassing rolling plains, forests, and coastal areas. Its northernmost regions touch the edges of the Altair Mountain range, trailing into sprawling forests and tundra-like conditions. The south, meanwhile, is dominated by picturesque coastlines along the Middle Sea. To the east, it opens to the Great Ocean, providing crucial access points for maritime trade. The west, bordering Namoria, is characterized by fertile farmland and hilly terrain.
Notable Locations
The Eastern Province is dotted with a variety of towns, cities, subdivisions, and regions, each with its own distinct character and contribution to the province's rich history and culture.Regions and Subdivisions
- Lanath Plains - The Lanath Plains cover a large portion of the province and are characterized by fertile lands ideal for agriculture. The region produces a significant share of the province’s crops, including grains, vegetables, and fruits.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - Selvarian Plains - The Selvarian Plains are a sub-region of the Lanath Plains east of the river. While the truth is lost in time, the nomadic Selvarian people are said to have originated here before being displaced.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - The Altair Foothills - To the far north, the Eastern Altair Foothills mark the transition between the plains and the towering Altair Mountains. This region is cooler and features mixed forests. The area is sparsely populated but is known for its lumber, mining and quarry industry and the cults of the Haldur Isolationists.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - Oram Coast - Stretching along the Great Ocean, the Oram Coast is home to the Thalmorians and is dotted with fishing villages and ports like Teros. The area is vital for the province’s maritime trade and fisheries.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - The Greenway - This agricultural belt in the western part of the province is known for its vineyards and orchards. The Greenway is famous for producing some of the finest fruit wines and ciders in the Namorian Republic.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - The Vale of Eriden - An enchanting valley located near the centre of the province, the The Vale of Eriden is known for its historical significance and ancient ruins. It is believed to have been an important cultural centre for the ancient Lanathi tribe.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney
Cities and Towns
- Hommell - Hommell is renowned for its brick-making industry. The town is situated near clay deposits and has a history of producing high-quality bricks that are used throughout the Namorian Republic. The Brickmaker’s Council of Hommell is an influential body and a driving force behind the town's prosperity.
- Teros - Teros is a significant port town on the coast of the Great Ocean. It's known for its bustling maritime trade and is an outpost to the Slavers Guild, which trades slaves primarily from West Theron. The town's strategic location makes it a crucial hub for the Eastern Province's economy.
- Elmsworth - Located in the central part of the province, Elmsworth is famous for its textile industry. With lush pastures ideal for sheep farming, the town became a center for wool production and processing. The Weavers’ Union of Elmsworth is an esteemed institution, and the town also hosts an annual textile fair.
- Caldara - Caldara is a city nestled at the foot of the Altair Mountains in the northern part of the province. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. Caldara is also a centre for mining, primarily focusing on iron and precious metals and the centre of Marali life.
- Eresai - The administrative capital of the Eastern Province, is the city of Eresai. Located in the heart of the province, Eresai serves as the political, cultural, and economic centre of the region. It is home to the Governor of Lanathal's office and the headquarters of various provincial departments and agencies.
Landmarks
- The Tower of Eldar - Located near Caldara in the Altair Foothills, this ancient tower is a historical landmark dating back to the times of the Namorian Kingdom. It is believed to have been built as a watchtower and has since become a symbol of the province's rich history.
by tarkinlarson using MidJourney - The Great Library of Lanathal - Situated in the provincial capital, the Great Library of Lanathal is one of the most extensive repositories of knowledge in the Namorian Republic. It holds a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and texts, including documents related to the history of the Eastern Province.
Ecosystem
The Eastern Province is home to a rich and varied ecosystem. In the northern regions, dense forests provide habitat for a range of fauna, including deer, foxes, and various species of birds. The undergrowth is home to small mammals, insects, and diverse plant life, including numerous species of fungi and wildflowers.
As the land descends towards the south, the forests give way to open, fertile plains that have been largely cultivated for agriculture. These plains are interspersed with patches of woodland, offering habitats for a range of bird species and smaller mammals.
The coastline is fringed with sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Coastal areas support a different kind of ecosystem, where seagulls, seals, and various types of shellfish can be found. The coastal waters are rich in fish species, sustaining both local wildlife and the province's fishing industry.
Ecosystem Cycles
Seasonal changes significantly impact the Eastern Province's ecosystem. Spring brings a resurgence of life, with forests and meadows coming alive with blossoming plants and returning migratory birds. Summers are busy with agricultural activities as farmers harvest their crops. During autumn, the forests turn into a spectacle of warm colors, and food-gathering activities among animals increase in preparation for winter. Winter sees much of the region covered in snow, particularly in the north, causing some animals to hibernate or migrate to warmer areas. The fishing industry sees shifts in fish population and diversity with the changing seasons, influencing their activities.
Localized Phenomena
The Eastern Province hosts a variety of unique natural and weather phenomena that make it a region of great interest and charm.
- The Bioluminescent Marshes - Located in the northern regions of the province, these marshlands come alive at night with a mystical glow due to a variety of bioluminescent organisms. The glow of these marshes can be seen from miles away, creating a striking sight against the night sky. This phenomenon has been the source of many local legends and folklore, with some inhabitants attributing the luminescence to spirits or divine beings.
- The Red Winds of Lanathal - During the autumn season, a peculiar weather phenomenon known as the "Red Winds" can be observed. This happens when strong winds pick up dust particles from the province's red clay-rich soil and disperse them in the air, giving the winds a reddish hue. This phenomenon is a sight to behold and has become a cultural symbol of change and transition in the region.
- The Eresai Echoes - Within the confines of the city of Eresai, there is a specific spot, called Echo Point, where one's voice echoes back several times with varying intensities. This strange acoustic phenomenon has not been fully understood but is believed to be caused by the unique arrangement of the city's ancient buildings and the surrounding geography. The Eresai Echoes, as they're known, have been incorporated into many local traditions, with people visiting the spot to make wishes or declarations, believing that the echoes carry their words to the heavens.
- The Dancing Lights of the Great Ocean - Along the eastern coast, there are times when sailors and coastal inhabitants witness mysterious lights dancing over the water's surface at night. Known as the Dancing Lights of the Great Ocean, they appear as a play of various colors, casting a surreal glow over the sea. Scientists believe these could be caused by a mixture of bioluminescent sea creatures and certain atmospheric conditions, but the exact cause remains uncertain. Regardless, the Dancing Lights are a cherished spectacle and have been the muse for many local poets and artists.
Climate
The Eastern Province experiences temperate weather conditions, with moderate rainfall spread throughout the year. Winters can be cold, particularly in the north near the Altair Mountains, with snowfall being a common occurrence. Summers, while warm, are rarely excessively hot, offering ideal conditions for agricultural activities. The coastal areas enjoy a mild maritime climate, tempered by the nearby Great Ocean and Middle Sea, providing cool summers and moderate winters.
Fauna & Flora
The Eastern Province, owing to its diverse climate and topography, hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Flora
- Lanathal Oaks - The province is famed for its ancient oak forests. The mighty Lanathal Oaks are native to the region and can live for over a thousand years. These venerable trees have become a symbol of strength and endurance in local culture.
- Red Clay Ferns - This unique fern species thrives in the red clay soils of the region, especially prevalent in the areas affected by the Red Winds phenomenon. They have a deep red hue, contrasting the green foliage typically found in the region.
- Glowcap Mushrooms - Found in the bioluminescent marshes, these mushrooms emit a soft, ethereal glow in the darkness, contributing to the marshes' mystical appearance.
- Eastern Blooms - These vibrant wildflowers are known for their sweet fragrance and are commonly seen in the meadows and farmlands, especially around Hommell.
Fauna
- Lanathal Lynx - This elusive, medium-sized cat is native to the northern forests and is renowned for its agility and stealth. It plays a key role in local ecosystems, helping control populations of smaller mammals.
- Eastern Stags - Known for their impressive antlers, these deer are a common sight in the woodlands and meadows of the province.
- Red-Feathered Sparrows - Endemic to the region, these small birds have distinct red plumage, often matching the hue of the Red Clay Ferns and are a delightful sight in the local landscapes.
- Cave Bats - Found in the plentiful caves in the northern regions, these bats are a key part of the local ecosystem, aiding in pest control and pollination
Natural Resources
The Eastern Province is rich in a variety of natural resources that have shaped its economic landscape and contributed to its prosperity within the Namorian Republic. These resources include:
- Clay - The province is notably abundant in clay, particularly red clay, found mainly in the Hommell region. This resource has led to a thriving brick-making industry, with Hommell being renowned for its high-quality bricks.
- Limestone - Predominantly found in the northern regions, limestone is commonly used for building materials and in the production of lime, an essential component in many industrial processes.
- Iron Ore - While not as abundant as clay or limestone, there are significant iron deposits in the province, contributing to a modest but important local iron industry.
- Wheat and Barley - The fertile plains and mild climate of the province make it ideal for cereal cultivation, with wheat and barley being the predominant crops.
- Wool - The province is known for its sheep farming, primarily for wool production, supporting a robust textile industry.
- Flax - Flax cultivation is another important agricultural activity, with the plant's fibers used in the production of linen, another key textile for the region.
- Oak - The vast oak forests of the Eastern Province provide timber for various uses, from construction to furniture making. Oak wood is particularly valued for its strength and durability.
- Fish and Shellfish - The coastal town of Teros is a hub for fishing activities, with the Great Ocean and local rivers providing an abundant supply of fish and shellfish.
History
Ancient and Tribal Eras of the Eastern Province (2,000 BRE - 800 BRE)
Before the recorded history of the Eastern Province, the era between 2,000 BRE and 800 BRE is shrouded in legends and tales, passed down through oral traditions and fragmented historical accounts. During this time, numerous tribes inhabited the lands, each with their own unique cultures and beliefs. Legends speak of tribes such as the Anarian, Avaroth, and Morith, who were said to have roamed the vast plains, forests, and hills of the region. These tribes had distinct customs, rituals, and languages, creating a tapestry of diverse cultures. While they coexisted peacefully for the most part, occasional conflicts and territorial disputes arose, shaping the dynamics of the ancient era. Around 1540 BRE, the Eastern Province experienced a catastrophic event known as the Darkening. The sky was covered in a thick layer of dust, blocking sunlight and causing prolonged winters, failed crops, and the advancement of glaciers in the mountains. This event triggered widespread migrations as tribes sought refuge and sustenance in more habitable regions. Unfortunately, some tribes and peoples were wiped out entirely, their histories lost to time. The peoples of the north and northeast, residing in the hills and mountains, were particularly affected by the Darkening. Forced to leave their ancestral lands, they embarked on arduous journeys, migrating southward in search of survival. The lands they left behind remained mostly unpopulated for many years, becoming wild and untamed. As the migrations continued, some tribes merged with or displaced the local populations they encountered along their paths. The merging tribes formed the foundations of what would later be known as the Lanathi, who embraced an agrarian lifestyle, cultivating the fertile lands of the province, and the Selvarians, who maintained a nomadic existence, traversing the plains and forests. Another group of migrants settled along the Oram Coast, only to find it already inhabited by the ancient Zeth Thalosi people. The Zeth Thalosi were skilled seafarers who claimed to have emerged from the water itself, with a deep connection to the ocean. Over time, the migrants and the Zeth Thalosi interacted, intermingled, and formed a unique hybrid culture known as the Thalosians, blending aspects of both societies. Meanwhile, a group of hill-dwelling folk, skilled in mining and craftsmanship, were displaced the furthest. They endured treacherous journeys, losing many lives along the way. As beggars and vagrants, they were often met with disdain and faced numerous challenges. Despite their hardships, they remained united by their religious beliefs and a shared cult. After several hundred years, a diminished but resilient group returned to their ancestral lands in the north, settling among the ruins of their people. They renamed themselves the Haldur and their presence became a testament to their enduring spirit and determination. Throughout the ancient and tribal eras, the Eastern Province experienced significant shifts in population, cultural assimilation, and the emergence of new societies. These formative periods laid the groundwork for the future development of the region, shaping the identities and histories of the Lanathi, Selvarians, Thalosians, and Haldur, among others.Era of Kingdoms (800 BRE - 460 BRE)
During the period from approximately 800 BRE to 460 BRE, significant changes swept through the Eastern Province, as various tribes and peoples underwent transformations, forming kingdoms and city-states while others maintained their traditional ways of life. The Lanathi tribe, known for their agrarian expertise, began to consolidate their power and establish themselves as a dominant force in the region. Led by charismatic leaders, the Lanathi tribe gradually evolved into the Kingdom of Lanathal. Under the rule of the Lanathi Kings, the tribe expanded their borders through a series of strategic alliances, conquests, and negotiations. Other tribes and peoples in the area were subjected to their authority, their lands integrated into the growing Kingdom of Lanathal. While the Lanathi Kingdom flourished, the Thalosians, with their strong seafaring traditions, adopted a different path. They organized themselves into a collection of city-states, each governed by local councils. These city-states became centres of trade and cultural exchange, fostering economic growth and innovation. The Thalosians maintained their independence, enjoying prosperous maritime commerce and expanding their territories along the coast. The Selvarians, adhering to their nomadic way of life, continued their migratory existence across the Eastern Province. Their intimate knowledge of the land allowed them to navigate vast territories, adapting to changing seasons and resources. Their interactions with other tribes were often limited, as they preferred to maintain their independence and cultural heritage. In contrast, the Haldur, who had returned to their ancestral lands in the hills, became increasingly insular and reclusive. Fearing outsiders and the potential for further displacement, they withdrew from the affairs of neighbouring tribes, preferring to safeguard their traditions and sacred sites in isolation. As the Lanathi Kings expanded their borders, they increasingly came into contact with the Kingdom of Namor in the west. Initially, these encounters were marked by frosty relations, border conflicts, limited trade, and occasional wars that ended in stalemates. The distance between the Namorians and the Lanathi hindered deeper connections and understanding. In 480 BRE, the Namorians launched a large-scale invasion, determined to assert their dominance over the Eastern Province. The Namorians forged an alliance with the Thalosians. Recognizing the Thalosians' naval expertise, the Namorians gained access to their ships and docks, enabling expanded maritime trade and further expanding their influence in the east of the continent. The Kingdom of Lanathal, weakened by internal conflicts and external pressures, succumbed to the might of the Namorian forces. By 470 BRE, the Namorians had annexed the Lanathal lands, dismantling the Lanathal Kingdom and assimilating its territories into their own dominion.As part of the alliance, the Thalosians received a portion of the former Lanathal lands in exchange for their cooperation. The Haldur, residing in their secluded hills, remained largely unaffected by the political changes and the Namorian invasion. Their insular nature shielded them from external influences, allowing their unique traditions and way of life to persist. With the completion of the annexation in 460 BRE, the Namorians began to implement their own version of feudalism in the former Lanathal territories. The title of King of Lanathal disappeared, replaced by Namorian administrators and regional lords who oversaw the governance of the region. The Thalosians continued to thrive as independent city-states, their lands expanded under the protection of the Namorian alliance. The Selvarians, true to their nomadic roots, traversed the Eastern Province, their way of life unaffected by the shifting political landscapes.Unification and Transformation (460 BRE to 234 RE)
The period stretching from 460 BRE to 234 RE was an epoch marked by upheaval, unification, and the establishment of a new political order within the Eastern Province. After the annexation of the Lanathal Kingdom, the Namorian Kingdom struggled to consolidate its rule. The land of Lanathal was a cauldron of rebellion, as the people resented the imposition of Namorian lords and yearned for the return of their native king. In 405 BRE, the Paternoster Dynasty of Namoria collapsed, plunging the kingdom into a decade-long civil war known as the "Age of Ten Kings." From 406 to 396 BRE, the Kingdom was fractured, with both Namorian and Lanathal territories embroiled in internal strife. In the Lanathal lands, feuding lords emerged, some independent while others were aligned with either the descendants of the original Lanathal kings or the Namorian invaders. In 396 BRE, the Illyridar Dynasty rose to power in Namoria, and a new Namorian King was crowned. Meanwhile, the revived Lanathal Kingdom, though greatly reduced in size and power, sought to stabilize its precarious position. In a bold diplomatic move, the King of Lanathal proposed a marriage alliance between his daughter and the King of Namoria. However, tragedy struck as both the King of Lanathal and his heir apparent died under mysterious circumstances. By 375 BRE, the King of Namoria's child inherited both crowns, unifying the Kingdoms of Lanathal and Namoria into a singular Namorian Kingdom. Though the unification process was turbulent, the united forces succeeded in reclaiming lands lost during the Age of Ten Kings. To efficiently govern the sprawling Kingdom, the Namorian Kings delegated significant power to the Viceroy, retaining their royal titles. In 118 BRE, the Eastern Province faced an external threat, as the Hanaan people from the West launched a series of invasions. While the Eastern Province itself was never directly invaded, the conflict caused a mass migration of refugees from Namoria into Lanathal and Thalosian territories. This influx led to an intermingling of cultures, as Namorians settled in Thalosian lands. The Hanaan invasions weakened the power of the Namorian King. By 5 BRE, the invasions ceased, and the guilds and populace of Namoria began to gain prominence. Through a conspiracy with the Thalosians, who were already semi-democratic and skeptical of monarchy, a revolution began in 4 BRE. This culminated in 1 BRE with the abdication and self-imposed exile of the last Namorian King.Age of the Republic
In the aftermath, most aristocrats and nobles relinquished their titles to retain their lands and wealth. The Namorian Republic was established, and by 9 RE, the Province of Lanathal was the first province, outside of Namoria itself, incorporated into the Republic. The former viceroy ceded power to a Governor appointed by a committee within the Chamber of Voices. In 28 RE, the Thalosians, now heavily mixed with Namorian ethnicity and renamed Thalmorians, petitioned to join the Namorian Republic. They were peacefully integrated by 30 RE, and the Province of Lanathal was renamed the Eastern Province in order to reflect it's expanded nature. The Thalmorians, in gratitude for their support during the revolution, were allowed to establish free towns and unions with local autonomy and lesser guild influence. By 132 RE, the Eastern Province had expanded north to meet the Altair Mountains, where it encountered the Haldur people residing in the ancient city of Caldara. The Haldur, who had maintained a theocratic society, chose to become a client state of the Republic, trading minerals from the mountains to avoid potential conflict. The Haldur, though aligned with the Republic, remained wary of Namorian influence and retained most of their independence. In 234 RE, calamity struck the Haldur people. Successive poor harvests, coupled with internal political strife, brought them to the brink of collapse. Desperate for aid, the Haldur leaders decided to fully integrate into the Namorian Republic. In exchange for assistance, they became a part of the Republic and opened up the city of Caldara to the outside world. However, not all Haldur were content with this decision. Traditionalists, who clung to ancient customs and rejected integration, left Caldara in search of other ancient ruins and a return to the old ways further into the mountains. This exodus gave birth to reclusive Haldur Isolationist cults that persist in the Altair mountains to this day. Meanwhile, in Caldara, those Haldur who embraced the Namorian culture began to be known as the Marali, roughly translated as "those who have embraced". The Marali integrated into the Republic, adopting new customs and contributing to the melting pot of cultures within the Eastern Province. The city of Caldara has since flourished, becoming a nothern frontier of industry, trade and cultural exchange between the Marali and the rest of the Namorian Republic. The Eastern Province, as part of the Namorian Republic, underwent significant transformation during this period. With the integration of the Lanathal, Thalosian, and Haldur peoples, the Republic became a diverse and vibrant society. Trade, innovation, and cultural exchange thrived as different cultures and traditions intermingled. Despite the unification under the Namorian Republic, the Eastern Province retained its distinct character. The Thalmorians’ free towns and unions allowed for democratic governance and local autonomy. The Marali, with their roots in Haldur culture, continued their rich traditions while embracing new ones.
Alternative Name(s)
Lanathal
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