The Dark Lands

The Dark Lands, so-called in Elothnin for their mysterious and ominous reputation, lie North of that country and the Erkenheld Forest, separated by the Klevarcht Mountains. It is not surprising that the Dark Lands have garnered this sinister air, given that no state claims dominion over them, those who dwell there are not the most-sociable of individuals, and the overall landscape is harsh and unforgiving.

The fantastic rock formations of the western Dark Lands

Upon crossing the Klevarcht Mountains, the landscape transitions rapidly into an arid, hilly terrain. The western Dark Lands are an extremely dry area, verging on desert, characterized by otherworldly rock formations crafted by the strong winds that sweep over the bare rock faces. Hardly any plant life exists naturally in these areas; though some brave souls have attempted to eke out crops of hardy cultivars through elaborate irrigation schemes and sheer stubborness.

The slightly more habitable eastern Dark Lands

The eastern reaches of the Dark Lands receive more rainfall than the west, sustaining some grasses, scrubby shrubs, and thick patches of prickers. Here, the landscape is dominated by rolling hills, sweeping plateaus, and lofty vistas. One can often see for miles, creating a very intimidating impression of the Dark Lands' size for the weary traveler.

The inhabitants of the Dark Lands are uniformly wild and independent. They swear no allegiances to recognized powers, and are primarily concerned with their own survival in the face of an inhospitable environment. The entire area is known for its pervasive lawlessness, where all disputes must be resolved by the parties involved, and the use of violence is commonplace. Although it is undoubtedly a peculiar region, the Dark Lands are not known for particularly high levels of magic, or large populations of magical creatures; rather, the bulk of its inhabitants are mundayne.

See Also:
The Nybbas