Southern Reach is a remote and largely untamed region located in the heart of the southern peninsula of the Protectorate of Clan Nagikata within the Nagan Empire. It is a land of striking contrasts, where expansive savannahs give way to dense tropical forests, and scattered water holes provide vital lifelines for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. This rugged and isolated wilderness is home to numerous dinosaur herds, making it one of the most vibrant yet uncharted regions in the Empire. Its distance from major cities and towns has left it largely untouched by human hands, save for a few hardy farms that dot the outskirts.
Landscape and Environment
Southern Reach is characterized by its unique blend of ecosystems, where the dry, grassy expanses of the savannah merge seamlessly with the lush, verdant growth of tropical forests. The savannah stretches out in golden waves, dotted with towering baobab trees and rocky outcrops. During the dry season, the savannah bakes under the relentless sun, but the arrival of the wet season transforms it into a green sea of life, attracting herds of dinosaurs and other wildlife.
The tropical forests of Southern Reach are dense and teeming with life, their thick canopies creating a humid, shaded environment that contrasts sharply with the open savannah. Vines drape from ancient trees, and the undergrowth is a tangle of ferns and flowering plants. These forests are a refuge for more reclusive species, as well as a source of sustenance for the dinosaurs that wander through, seeking shade and food.
Throughout Southern Reach, water holes punctuate the landscape, serving as vital oases in both the savannah and the forest. These water sources attract a myriad of animals, creating dynamic gathering points where predator and prey often converge. The water holes are especially critical during the dry season, when water becomes scarce, and competition among wildlife intensifies.
Wildlife
The most iconic inhabitants of Southern Reach are the dinosaur herds that roam its plains and forests. These ancient creatures, ranging from massive herbivores to swift predators, have made this region their home for generations. The open savannahs are the domain of large, grazing herbivores like the long-necked brontosaurus, which move in herds across the grasslands. In contrast, the dense forests shelter smaller, more agile dinosaurs, as well as cunning predators that lurk in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
In addition to dinosaurs, Southern Reach is home to a rich variety of other wildlife, including large mammals, birds, and reptiles that have adapted to the region's diverse habitats. Predatory cats prowl the savannah, while brightly colored birds flit through the trees of the tropical forest. The area’s ecosystem is complex and interdependent, with each species playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of life in this remote wilderness.
Human Presence and Influence
Southern Reach is far removed from the hustle and bustle of civilization. Its isolation has left it largely undisturbed by human activity, with only a handful of farms situated on the outskirts of the region. These farms are maintained by a few hardy settlers who have learned to live in harmony with the land, cultivating crops and raising livestock in the fertile areas just beyond the reach of the wild.
The lack of nearby cities or towns means that Southern Reach remains a frontier, unexplored and untouched by most of the common folk of the Nagan Empire. The region's remoteness and the presence of dangerous wildlife deter all but the most adventurous souls. As a result, Southern Reach has become something of a legend within the Empire, a place of wild beauty and untold dangers, where nature reigns supreme.
Cultural Significance
Despite its distance from major population centers, Southern Reach holds a special place in the lore and culture of Clan Nagikata. The region is seen as a symbol of the untamed spirit of the clan, a reminder of the primal forces that shaped the land and continue to influence the lives of its people. The dinosaurs, in particular, are revered as ancient beings, representing the power and resilience of nature.
Stories of Southern Reach often feature in the tales and songs of the Nagikata people, with hunters and explorers occasionally venturing into the region to test their skills against the wilderness. These expeditions, though rare, are seen as rites of passage, with those who return bringing back tales of their encounters with the mighty dinosaurs and the challenges of surviving in such a harsh environment.