The Hills of Avalon are a vast expanse of rolling verdant pastures and gentle knolls, surrounding the ever-expanding capital city of Avalon in the southern reaches of the Earth Kingdom. These fertile lands, bathed in the golden light of the sun, have long served as the agricultural heartland of the kingdom, supplying its people with abundant harvests and grazing fields for livestock.
Stretching from the coastal cliffs that border The Sea Realm in the south to the dense tree lines of The Stillwoods in the north, the Hills of Avalon offer a breathtaking landscape of emerald fields, winding rivers, and scattered hamlets, forming the backbone of civilization in the southern expanses of The Earth Realm.
Geography & Landscape
The Hills of Avalon are characterized by their gentle rolling slopes, blanketed in wildflowers, golden wheat fields, and thriving vineyards. The land is dotted with ancient standing stones, remnants of an era when druids roamed the realm, whispering to the earth and sky. Crystal-clear streams flow lazily through the valleys, feeding into small lakes and irrigation canals that nourish the kingdom’s fields.
To the south, the hills gradually descend into coastal cliffs, where the land meets the roaring sea, offering breathtaking views of the endless horizon. To the north, the hills rise into the Stillwoods, a sacred and ancient forest, where Avalonian expansion has often met resistance from the Sylvan Hunt and other protectors of the natural world.
The capital city of Avalon rests at the heart of these hills, nestled between the gentle inclines that offer a natural defense against invading forces. The city's stonework architecture and towering spires contrast beautifully with the untouched beauty of the surrounding countryside, making it a symbol of both civilization and nature in harmony.
A Land of Plenty
The Hills of Avalon are the lifeblood of the Earth Kingdom's economy, known for their bountiful harvests and thriving pastoral lands. Farmers cultivate the rich soil, producing wheat, barley, rye, and various fruits that are traded across the kingdom. The region is also home to renowned vineyards, producing some of the finest wines in Osira, cherished in Avalonian feasts and royal courts alike.
Beyond agriculture, the hills serve as grazing grounds for herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, many of which are raised by nomadic herders and rural families who have called these lands home for generations.
The rivers that flow through the hills provide not only fresh water but also natural trade routes, linking Avalon to the western town of Unknown and the coastal villages near the Sea Realm. These waterways, lined with quaint stone bridges and watermills, have fostered the kingdom’s growth and prosperity for centuries.
Myth & Folklore
Legends tell of ancient earth spirits who once roamed the hills, shaping the land with their footsteps. Many of the standing stones that can be found scattered across the region are believed to be markers of old druidic rituals or the remnants of forgotten temples dedicated to the primordial forces of nature.
One of the most well-known myths is that of the Stoneward, fabled sentinel statues hidden beneath the hills, said to awaken in times of great need to defend the kingdom. Though no evidence of these guardians has ever been found, the belief in their existence persists among Avalonian folk, passed down through generations in tales and ballads.
Conflict of Civilization
As Avalon continues to grow in power and influence, the Hills of Avalon have faced rising tensions between civilization and nature. With an increased demand for land, timber, and resources, the kingdom has expanded its reach, slowly creeping northward into the sacred Stillwoods. This has led to skirmishes with the Sylvan Hunt, as well as resistance from druids, Fae spirits, and even the legendary Green Dragon, Verdan, who sought to defend the land before his eventual demise at the hands of Rei Tyrson.
Despite this, rural villages and outposts continue to spread across the hills, seeking to tame the wilds and expand the reach of the Earth Kingdom. However, many wonder if the land itself will someday rise against those who seek to control it, much like it has in the past when the balance of nature was threatened.
Legacy
The Hills of Avalon stand as a testament to the resilience, prosperity, and beauty of the Earth Kingdom, serving as both a breadbasket and a natural wonder. They represent the delicate balance between civilization and nature, with stories of growth, conflict, and ancient mysteries woven into the fabric of the land.
For travelers and citizens alike, the hills are a place of bounty, history, and whispered legends, shaping the destiny of Avalon as it continues its march toward an uncertain future.