The Wilds
The Wilds—vast, untamed regions lying between the civilized lands of man—are places of immense danger and breathtaking wonder. Here, nature reigns supreme, twisted by dark magic and mutations into forms that inspire both awe and terror. These lands are home to a wide variety of beasts, from twisted Ogres to rampaging Accursed, creatures that strike fear into the hearts of those who dwell in more orderly realms. The Wilds are so untamed that no one has ever been able to fully conquer or tame them.
In the Wilds, the natural world is a force of both creation and destruction. Smoke-rock stacks rise from the ground, creating ever-changing landscapes as they belch plumes of thick, dark smoke into the air. The scouring wind, a relentless force, can reduce mountains to molehills within a matter of hours, reshaping the terrain in the blink of an eye. This dynamic environment is as beautiful as it is brutal, offering sights that are both spectacular and terrifying.
The inhabitants of the Wilds are as diverse as the land itself. Bizarre and mundane creatures alike call this place home, adapting to the harsh conditions in ways that defy imagination. From the smallest insects to the largest predators, every creature in the Wilds has evolved to survive in a world where danger lurks around every corner. These lands are a haven for dark magic and ancient curses, drawing those who seek power or who are cast out from society.
Venturing into the Wilds is not for the faint of heart. It is a journey fraught with peril, where one must be constantly vigilant to survive. Many who enter these lands never return, and those who do often find themselves forever changed by the experience. The Wilds test the limits of endurance, courage, and sanity, offering both the potential for great rewards and the risk of unimaginable horrors.
In summary, the Wilds are vast, untamed regions that lie between the civilized lands, filled with dangerous creatures and spectacular natural phenomena. Twisted by dark magic and mutations, these lands are home to a diverse array of bizarre and mundane beings. The Smoke-Rock stacks and scouring winds create ever-changing landscapes that are both beautiful and brutal. Venturing into the Wilds is a perilous journey that few survive unscathed, making it a place of both awe and fear.
The Northern Wilds, The Blood Wood
The Northern Wilds, also known as “The Blood Wood,” is a primal and feared place, straddling the border between Weyland and Ostland. This eerie forest is shrouded in mystery and dread, and few dare to venture into its depths. It is home to many Unseelie and supernatural creatures, making it a dangerous and unpredictable region. The Blood Wood's ominous reputation is well-deserved, as the dense forest is filled with dark magic and ancient secrets.
Within the boundaries of the Blood Wood lie numerous abandoned ruins, once grand structures now overtaken by nature and inhabited by dark creatures. These crumbling edifices serve as lairs and nests for the malevolent beings that roam the forest, adding to the sense of foreboding that pervades the area.
At the very southern edge of the Blood Wood, one can find the small Wild Ael community of Avahaire Ostar. These Wild Ael are renowned for their exceptional Rangers, who navigate the treacherous woods with unmatched skill and knowledge. The distinctive feature of the Blood Wood is the prevalence of trees with purple leaves, including Maple, Beech, Crab-apple, Plum, and Cherry. This unusual coloration adds to the otherworldly atmosphere of the forest.
The Blood Wood is also home to Centaur tribes that hunt the woods in search of sentient prey to satisfy their hunger. These formidable beings are both feared and respected by the other inhabitants of the forest, as they embody the wild and untamed spirit of the land.
In the crags of the southern and eastern edges of the Blood Wood, small Duer Holds can be found. These active communities of Duer engage in trade with the Wild Ael, small Hob communities, and their Neustrian neighbors beyond the borders. Neustrian Rangers often find safe haven in these Holds when patrolling the treacherous borders of the Blood Wood.
In summary, the Northern Wilds, or the Blood Wood, is a dark and foreboding forest inhabited by Unseelie creatures and supernatural beings. Its unique purple-leafed trees and ancient ruins create an atmosphere of mystery and danger. Despite the perils, small communities like the Wild Ael of Avahaire Ostar and the Duer Holds thrive within its borders, trading and maintaining their way of life amidst the shadows.
The Southern Wilds, Highwood
Home to a myriad of wild and magical beasts, the Southern Wilds is a vast and untamed region that captivates the imagination. At the heart of this enchanting land lies the Highwood, a mystical forest that serves as the backdrop to the fabled city of Tel En’ Laire. This ancient city is the seat of the Seelie Queen and the center of a large High Ael nation. The city is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, with shimmering spires and ethereal architecture that reflect the magic and grace of the High Ael.
Surrounding the Highwood are dense forests that are home to numerous Wild Ael and Fey Hob communities. These small, close-knit communities live in harmony with nature, practicing ancient traditions and maintaining a deep connection to the magical essence of the land. The Wild Ael, known for their agility and keen senses, are often seen patrolling the forest, ensuring that their home remains protected from external threats.
The Southern Wilds is not just a haven for the High Ael; it is also a domain teeming with a variety of other fantastical creatures. Goblins, Ogres, and Formoroi can be found lurking in the shadows, while Giants, Griffins, and Dragons roam the skies and mountains. This region is a place where danger and wonder coexist, with powerful beings and mystical phenomena around every corner.
Scattered throughout the Southern Wilds are numerous ruins and forgotten treasures, remnants of ancient civilizations and long-lost epochs. These ruins hold secrets and artifacts of immense power, attracting adventurers and treasure hunters from far and wide. The allure of hidden knowledge and untold riches makes the Southern Wilds a destination for those brave enough to explore its depths.
In summary, the Southern Wilds is a vast and magical region home to the Highwood and the fabled city of Tel En’ Laire, the seat of the Seelie Queen and a large High Ael nation. The surrounding forests host numerous Wild Ael and Fey Hob communities, while the region teems with Goblins, Ogres, Formoroi, Giants, Griffins, and Dragons. With its blend of danger, enchantment, ancient ruins, and hidden treasures, the Southern Wilds remains a place of wonder and intrigue.
Ferox Wilds, The Badlands
The Ferox Wilds, known commonly as the Badlands, are a harsh and unforgiving region where life clings on against all odds. The landscape is broken and jagged, with stagnant water and twisted, thorny fauna dominating the scenery. It is a place that seemingly supports no life, yet within its treacherous bounds, a fierce and resilient existence thrives. Scattered throughout the Badlands are a few abandoned settlements, old mines, and ruined forts, silent witnesses to the ambitions of those who once attempted to tame this brutal land.
The Eastern Road between Rividia and Tilia is the only traversable route through the Badlands, but it remains perilous and fraught with danger. The Ferox Orc Horde, a nomadic and brutal group, calls these broken lands home. They thrive in its harshness, moving across the landscape in search of sustenance. These orcs hunt the resilient insects and reptiles that hide among the rocks and crags, showcasing their adaptability and tenacity.
Wells are drilled throughout the Badlands, but these water supplies quickly run dry and take a considerable amount of time to refill, forcing the orc nomads to continually move in search of fresh sources. The Ferox Orcs also raid neighboring regions such as Tilia and Rividia for food, slaves, weapons, and armor. Their raids are ruthless and efficient, making them a constant threat to the surrounding areas.
The landscape is dotted with played-out mines, the remnants of past human endeavors. These mines, now abandoned, leave scars upon the land and serve as refuges for ogres who find shelter in their dark, cavernous depths. The presence of these formidable beings adds another layer of danger to an already treacherous region.
In summary, the Ferox Wilds, or the Badlands, are a brutal and dangerous region characterized by broken terrain, scarce water, and thorny flora. Despite its harshness, life thrives in the form of the nomadic Ferox Orc Horde, who hunt and raid to survive. The played-out mines and abandoned settlements are testaments to past efforts to tame this land, now serving as refuges for ogres. The Eastern Road remains a risky passage, reflecting the ongoing struggle between civilization and the wild.
The Periculum Wilds
The Periculum Wilds, nestled deep within the Periculum Mountains at the borders of Neustria, Tilia, and Rividia, is a land of peril and untamed beauty. This formidable region is inhabited by a menagerie of fearsome creatures, including Giants, Elementals, Goblins, and Ogres, each adding to the danger and mystique of the Wilds. The area is notoriously treacherous, drawing only the most daring and foolhardy adventurers.
At the heart of the Periculum Wilds lies Iron Mountain, the largest Mountain Duer Hold. This ancient and vast stronghold is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Duer, who have carved out a safe haven amidst the unforgiving landscape. The Mountain Duer of Iron Mountain are known for their craftsmanship, mining skills, and their formidable defenses, making Iron Mountain a beacon of stability in an otherwise chaotic region.
But the Periculum Wilds are not just home to terrestrial threats. The skies above the highest peaks are dominated by Dragons, majestic and terrifying beasts whose very presence is enough to strike fear into the hearts of any who behold them. These Dragons guard vast hoards of treasure hidden in their lairs, attracting countless adventurers seeking wealth and glory. However, few who venture in search of these Dragon Hoards return, and those who do often speak of the incredible dangers they faced.
The landscape of the Periculum Wilds is as challenging as its inhabitants. Jagged peaks, deep ravines, and treacherous paths make navigation difficult and dangerous. The region is also prone to sudden and severe weather changes, adding another layer of hazard to those who dare to explore it.
Despite the dangers, the Periculum Wilds hold a certain allure. Its untamed beauty and the promise of untold riches continue to draw the brave and the bold. Whether it is the challenge of facing down a Giant, the mystery of encountering an Elemental, or the allure of a Dragon's treasure, the Periculum Wilds offer a wealth of adventure for those willing to risk their lives.
In summary, the Periculum Wilds, located in the Periculum Mountains bordering Neustria, Tilia, and Rividia, are home to a diverse array of dangerous creatures, including Giants, Elementals, Goblins, and Ogres. The region features the largest Mountain Duer Hold, Iron Mountain, and the skies are ruled by fearsome Dragons. Many adventurers seek the treasures of the Wilds, but few return. The Periculum Wilds remain a place of great peril and unparalleled adventure.
The Wild Steppes
The Wild Steppes, a vast highland region surrounded by imposing mountains, is a land of both beauty and extremes. Despite the limited rainfall, the area remains fertile enough to support a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, scrublands, and savannas. Trees are typically found around the few lakes that dot the region, providing patches of greenery in an otherwise semi-arid area. The climate here is harsh, with scorching summer temperatures that can reach up to 45°C and bitterly cold winters that can plummet to -55°C. The temperature differential between day and night is also dramatic, often dropping to just above freezing even in the height of summer.
The southern part of the Wild Steppes is known as the Storval Plains. This area has been colonized by a native nomadic tribe of humans who have successfully driven out the wild creatures and tamed the land. The Storval Horse Lords, as they are known, are reputed to be second only to the Neustrian Lancers in their command of mounted prowess. These skilled horsemen have made the Storval Plains their home, roaming the vast open spaces with their herds.
Along the borders of the Wild Steppes, particularly near the Storval Plains, are numerous Hill Duer Holds. These fortified settlements are home to the Hill Duer, who live in harmony with their environment and maintain strong trade relations with neighboring regions. However, the Wild Steppes are not without their dangers. Bands of Worg-riding Orcs often scavenge these lands, descending from the mountains to raid and plunder.
The ancient woodlands that remain in the Wild Steppes are twisted and dark places, filled with mystery and danger. Within these forests dwell Centaur tribes, who are known for their strength and cunning. The ruins of Duer Holds, abandoned Ael villages, and even remnants of Eldren structures can be found hidden among the trees, adding to the region's rich history and intrigue.
In summary, the Wild Steppes is a highland region of contrasting extremes, from its diverse landscapes to its dramatic climate. The southern Storval Plains are home to the formidable Storval Horse Lords, while the Hill Duer Holds provide fortifications along the borders. Despite its fertility, the region is fraught with danger, from Worg-riding Orcs to the twisted ancient woodlands filled with Centaur tribes and long-forgotten ruins. The Wild Steppes is a land of both beauty and peril, where only the strong and resilient can thrive.