Hyctrois
Continent of the Northern Nonet
"In all the places I have traveled, there is none with a greater diversity of life than Hyctrois. From the bountiful fields of Triticum to the frigid forests of Avondier, and even in the depths of Deltus Deep, the land sings with life. Since its people were unified under the Cuoran Government, these lands have at last become known to the world." -Joveta the Swift
Geography
The origins of the continent of Hyctrois are disputed heavily among scholars; some say that it was once a mountainous land which the sea slowly claimed and eroded away, while countless others ask "then why is it shaped in the visage of the Lord of Earth's Bounties, Hyctun?". The latter assumption, regardless of its truth, is undeniably valid. It has been said that the continent is the face of the god of earth himself, who slumbers just beneath the waves.
The contours of this "face" produce an interesting scope of geographical wonders. In the North, a subarctic and tundra climate engulf the vast Bay of Brinethol. In slightly more temperate areas lie the region's most prominent mountain ranges; the Gathered Summits and Trovenician Peaks sitting humbly in the West, and Northern Range to the East.
Also in this region is the massive Marinkotoi Reef, whose bounties are just West of the Trovenician Peaks. In this Western region, grand forests and sweeping hills cradle the great Lake Dysis all the way to the West Meridian River. Beyond there, in the middle region spanning to the East Meridian River, lie flat meadows of wild flowers. However, this paradise-like grassland soon turns to perilous swampland on the Eastern coast of the continent known as the Deris Marsh. Just North of this marsh are vast expanses of savannah, which are host to the perilous Lake Sinistral.
Below the main landmass is the Clearmaw Passage which acts a bustling trade route across the continent. Finally, in the humid subtropical climate of the South lies the island of Triticum along with its bountiful forests and prairies.
Fauna & Flora
Hyctrois is a paragon of vibrant life, which varies greatly based on the region and areas of said region. In the region of Avondier, coniferous forests rise like pillars above the rocky and snowy land, which is mostly covered in permafrost and lichen. This frigid North is home to many species of wolf and elk, as well as bears and moose. In the waters of Avondier, seals are often found among cod and salmon. In the furthest reaches of the North, polar bears can even be sighted. As one travels down through the Gathered Summits, they may stumble upon varying species of mushrooms as well as wild boar who feast on them. Goats have been seen in these mountains, but no further South. Rather, South of these mountains (yet North of the Arel Channel which borders this region) is a mix of coniferous forest and deciduous forest, with the forests' residents mainly being deer, foxes, and squirrels. In particular, wolves nearly overrun the South-Westernly town of Ferrin. Beavers are found in nearly every river in Avondier and predatory birds such as eagles and hawks roam the skies.
The Okordia region is home to vast redwood forests, which host wild berries and other deciduous trees alike. Between these forests are sweeping hills and cliff sides of wild grasses and a few grains. Coyotes prowl these areas, as owls and woodpeckers patrol the skies. It is not uncommon to see foxes chasing down rabbits into burrows here, while possums and raccoons make their escape. The waters of this region are endlessly bountiful, sporting both trout and tuna in rivers and coast-sides respectively. The Marinkotoi Reef is host to countless species of aquatic life, including species of coral, eel, fish, turtle, and octopus.
The central Aracelli region is home to both forests and meadows, comprised mostly of deciduous oak and birch trees. Among these trees also exist many fruit trees, which are cultivated in orchards. Entire miles of honeysuckle and lavender are rampant throughout the land, providing an aromatic experience to anyone lucky enough to frolic through them. In both the orchards and meadows, songbirds are the predominant fauna (particularly around the Northmost city of Harmonia). Foxes are common toward the South, and lynxes in the far North, but these are the only two predators in the region. Weasels, rabbits, and chipmunks are fairly common due to this, and wild boar are also occasionally seen.
The region of Viden-Opus, the largest of Hyctrois' five regions, also has the most ecological diversity. To the far North, the barren ice fields host seals and mammoths alike, as well as polar bears and wolves. In the middle of the region, the savannas are home to fields of wild grasses and root vegetables, as well as rhinos, hyenas, worgs, and lions. Vultures patrol these skies, as well as those over the Deris Marsh. In the marsh, mangrove trees cast a web of roots over the swamps, in which lizards and frogs make their home while crocodiles lurk just below the surface. The expanse of the swamp carries its influence all the way to the region's border, meaning giant crabs are occasionally seen far inland as well.
The Southernmost region of Hyctrois, Triticum, has an incredibly unique ecosystem. The entire island is overrun by wild wheat and barley, much of which has been cultivated by its residents. Crows and badgers are common on the island, and even wild bison roam less cultivated areas. Dire wolves lurk in the sparce forests, and large ocean creatures like squid and tuna are found in the South.
Natural Resources
Since the rule of the Aracelli Family began, Hyctrois has gone beyond self-sufficiency and is now a major exporter of natural resources to its continental neighbors, Ilthevion and Vespus. Because of the fertility found on the island of Triticum, nearly a third of the exposed landmass is domesticated wheat. An additional half of the island is made of wild wheat, leaving only a sixth of the land around the coasts unseeded. This wheat is shipped en masse across the country, but especially to the outer cities of Epibjörd in the North-West, Siberiak in the North-East, and the trading posts at Lumbroi to the South-West and Gurnyport to the South-East. In addition to wheat, the island ships large quantities of cereal grain, vegetables, fish, and livestock. Wood is collected from three major cities, all with different types. Lumbroi is the continent's main hub for oak, maple, and redwood; Balewood on the island of Triticum sends large shipments of birch, alder, and willow; and Elysia in the Aracelli region sends exotic and aromatic lumber.
The largest industry of Hyctrois, however, lies in mining. Given the vast expanses of mountains in both South Avondier and North Viden-Opus, the bounties of the earth are fairly exposed. In particular, Mount Ironsnap is the country's main producer of coal, copper, and iron. Mount Jadeførn is a bountiful source of precious gems and metals, making it the most heavily restricted and famous set of mines on the continent. Finally, the city of Epibjörd is built upon a massive stone quarry known as the Epigroeve which stretches for miles, and whose outer edges of limestone and granite are continuously being excavated, expanding the city year by year. Additionally, due to the depth of the quarry, both mundane and precious metals are found in the walls of the city, leading to harsh legislation against vandalizing to maintain its natural beauty.
Beyond the major industries of foodstuffs, wood, and stone, Hyctrois additionally produces other resources, but to a much lesser degree. The city of Deltus Deep in Okordia is a secondary source of the fishing industry, with Gurnyport in Viden-Opus acting as a tertiary source. Many villages in Okordia also produce their own livestock, though mostly used for local trade. Many gourmet resources are produced in Aracelli's myriad of gardens and orchards, including fruit, wine, and honey.
Map of Hyctrois
Type
Continent
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Regions
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Comments
Author's Notes
Hello, all who are interested! While Hyctrois is merely one out of the eight continents in the world of Creui, it is certainly the most polished (as it was the continent my first party began on). If you have any recommendations for me to describe, or require clarification, let me know! Also, I apologize if a few links are not active yet; I intend to make them as detailed as this article.