Northlands
The Brow of the World
The Brow of the World
The Northlands describes those areas north of and including the Dragonspine Mountains on the continent of Thestra. It comprises an area of roughly 3.6 million square miles, largely of rocky uplands, dense needleleaf forests and barren, windswept moors. It is sparsely populated, mainly with Altorii, Volsung, and Halgaring humans, giants, dwarves, goblins, orcs and elves.
Geography
From the steep, almost sheer southern faces of the Dragonspine Mountains, the northern lands feature a relatively gentle, long slope from the mountain crests to the sea in the north. Occasional uplifts form mountains north of the barrier, but such things are relatively rare. Some sages believe that these chains were formed by buckling during the formation of the Elurian Basin.
The unique geography of the region has produced some interesting hydrographic results, including numerous hot springs, artesian wells and clear freshwater lakes, most of which have attracted humans and their inevitable propensity to form communities. Thin topsoils and typically harsh weather make farming difficult, so most farmers lean more towards hardy livestock over crop farming. Sheep and oxen are the preferred animals; the former for their wool and meat, the latter for their work and hide.
Fauna & Flora
The Northlands are rich with abundant game and a surprising wealth of plant life. Caribou, elk, deer and moose all roam widely, wolf and bear (including dire and cave varieties) thrive here, and even more magical varieties of beast, such as the linnorm worm, dragon, and several species of drake can be found.
Fish, too, are abundant. Whether freshwater or no, hundreds of species can be found in the Northlands. Streams and rivers teem with life, and during spawning season it is said that a person might walk across a river without getting his feet wet. Likewise, many types of highland berries, wild root vegetables and nuts may be found, if one knows where to look.
Natural Resources
Despite it’s dangers, the Northlands is home to many great treasures. Great forests provide an inexhaustible supply of timber and firewood. Good-quality stone is freely available, much of it without ever needing to touch a pick. Fish, meat and furs are staples of trade, as are fine northern iron, mead and honey.
In addition to the raw materials provided by the land, crafts unique to the cultures dwelling in the Northlands are also of inestimable value. The production of Rime-Forged Steel, Iceriggers and various types of clinker-built Longship can be found nowhere else in the world.