Charn

Charn is a central region toward the center of Altheria, known for its inescapable heat and largely desert terrain. Charn's definitive landmark is the large Mueritide Canyon, both the longest and deepest canyon in Altheria. The capital city of Kildredge is located on the eastward mouth of Mueritide Canyon. While the population of the region is relatively below average, trade routes and travelers are a common occurrence and keep the region busy. Trading posts and markets are scattered across the land and are much more common than cities or villages. Charn is also home to the Mages Guild Iron Saints.

Geography

The geography of Charn cannot be addressed without mentioning the Mueritide Canyon. This wonder runs a length of 321 miles and spans an average of 22 miles across and its rocky bottoms vary from a depth of half a mile to 2 miles. The canyon has hundreds of branches that make up this complex system. Surrounding the canyons is desert land masses that span dozens of miles. The sand dunes can reach up to 4 stories high. The desert sand is speckled with groups of large species of cacti. The subterranean geography is just as impressive, beneath the deserts and inside the walls of the canyons is an extensive cave and tunnel system. This underground ecosystem was created through mining, weather, and subterranean life forms. While some parts of the canyons can be explored commercially most of its lengths as well as the entire underground, outside of active mines, is deemed too dangerous for tourist activity.

Fauna & Flora

Only two different types of flora, cacti and moss, can be found. The cacti vary with a suspected 50 or more species that can be found all across the deserts. Moss has hundreds of species and is always evolving at a basic level and is found in the darkest corners of the canyons and throughout the caves and tunnels underground. All the flora is safe to eat and is eaten often by the regions inhabitants, both human and non. Above ground there are 25 or more species of birds, all of which live off of cacti and insects found in the sand. There are over a dozen species of sand lizards that vary in size ranging from the size of a house cat to the size of a horse. These lizards are omnivores eating anything that is convenient. Therefore their diets consist of birds, smaller lizards, cacti, or any travelers that are either too dehydrated to run or are already dead. If they have to run they won't. The subterranean fauna is much more of a mystery and much more dangerous while only 9 different species of creatures have been identified the unexplored underground is estimated to have well over 70 different species of creatures. Considering 7 of the 9 species have been identified as deadly, it would be wise for people to avoid the caves entirely.

Natural Resources

The mining of stone is one of two major resources. The stone is mined from the shallowest caves and caverns of the canyon system and is coveted as a building material across Altheria. The other huge resource is fresh water. Also coming from the caverns and caves, fresh water can be found in pools and is a popular good for travelers and merchants a like.

Type

Canyon

Included Locations