Gemstone Coast
The Gemstone Coast is a region in eastern Eivrune, between the Dragontooth Mountains and the Sapphire Sea. The northern border of the region is the Ruby River in Arfordas, the southern border is the Twisted Lands. The “Jewel of Eivrune”, as people call the Gemstone Coast, is a pleasant region to live, with natural protection through the Dragontooth Mountains and the Sapphire Seas, with their countless small islands and treacherous cliffs underwater.
Geography
The northern and western parts of the Gemstone Coast feature rough foothills and rolling hills, stretching towards the Dragontooth Mountains. These regions of the Coastline have plenty of fertile ground and icy rivers flowing down from the mountain range. Dense forests cover the central part of the region. It features mainly hardwood and mixed forests, with rare parts covered in Silver Oaks. Especially along the coastline, the Gemstone Coast has treacherous cliffs and many natural harbors where some of the largest cities of the region are.
Climate
The climate of the Gemstone Coast is mild, with unusually warm winters and mild summers. The warm Sapphire Stream follows the coastline of Khoryd and Cypreid, before meeting the coast of Celestria and them moves to the north. The Dragontooth Mountains provide the region with a protective barrier from the harsher, continental climate.
Along the Coastline, snow is rare, while in the mountainous regions there will be snow even in early spring. Summers are mild, with temperatures around 25°C at most. The region is pretty wet, with about 200 rainy days in a year. Fog and Mists are a common occurrence along the coast and the rivers, especially during early morning hours and later in the evening.
Wildlife
The diverse geography of the region provides the countries with a huge amount of different species living here. From wild horses in the foothills of the Dragontooth Mountains, to mutated species that emerged from the Twisted Lands in the southern part of Sameda, you’ll find all kinds of animals here.
One species that doesn’t appear in other regions is the “Kelpie”. It lives in the rivers of the Region and is a very dangerous threat to travelers that don’t watch their steps. The species of the Sapphire Sea are also noteworthy, especially the extremely tasteful “Rainbow Fish”, living near the Celestrian Coast, or the “Sapphire Wales”, which you can see frequently playing in the deeper waters.
Culture
The Gemstone Coast is one of the most densely populated areas of the world. Cities, towns and villages dot the countryside, with a lot of different cultures mixing up. The network of magical universities, schools and smaller religious communities enhances the diverse image the Gemstone Coast has. It makes it also impossible to define the “one” Gemstone Coast Culture.
I can imagine why the place would be called a Jewel as it stands out in the area held gently between the jagged mountains and the underwater cliffs, like a jewel in a ring or a crown. Setting my feelings aside, why was it named so? There are many references to precious stones in the vicinity: Sapphire Sea, and Ruby River. Is it due to the colour, e.g., of the water, of the rocks, or were some precious stones and minerals found there at some time? I like that even with a short introduction I get a general grasp and vibe of the region. Thank you for a good read!
I am so glad you like it! The Gemstone Coast is my favourite region of Andrawyn, and in fact, it was the first I developed when I started the world. The region is named this way, because the islands in the Sapphire Sea (which has a deep, sapphire blue) are spilled along the coastline like jewels in a treasure-chest. And the jewel-colours are there, too.