The Howling Embers

Formerly known as the Hollow Plains, the Howling Embers is the scorched remains of one of the largest battles of the Linrean-Calumdorian War. What was once rolling hills lush with grass and grazing animals is now a ash-covered hellscape, snuffing out what little life remains in the area as soon as it emerges. The Plains was the main point of conflict for the two kingdoms, where small skirmishes took place but little progress for either side was actually made-- That is, until Linrea called upon it's nearby ally, Crumizur. Together Linrea and Crumizur's army pushed Calumdor far back into it's own territory, having set most of the Plains ablaze and laying waste to a large portion of Calumdor's army. The fire did not stop at their defenses and encampments, it continued to spread long after the battle took place in the surrounding area. Some say the fires still burn there today, inching ever closer to the The Eldrok Forest. So much of the area was scorched in the battle that neither kingdom wants to take ownership of the mess and have left it as neutral territory.

Geography

The Howling Embers is a broad stretch of flat land with small hills dotted throughout. Grasses flourished on the soil and provided plenty of opportunity for animals to graze, making the area rich in livestock with ample land for setting up pastures. However, the fires unleashed by Crumizur have turned the once green and sunny plains into an ashen wasteland caked in ash. The earth is hot and cracked from the still-burning fires that emerged so long ago, and the ever expanding flames ensure a constant supply of soot is unleashed into the airstream.

Ecosystem

Before the flames overtook the plains, livestock grazed the plentiful grasses and wildlife roamed freely to and from The Eldrok Forest. Many fled at the first sight of humanoids, avoiding the encampments of the two kingdoms and hiding in the brush. However, some of the more unfortunate creatures fell victim to Crumizur's fire-- all that remains are their charred, brittle bones buried underneath the layers of ash and soot. What managed to survive the original burnings has now either fled into the Eldrok, or migrated to find new territory. The only signs of life are the occasional humanoid scavenger, digging through the ruins and remains of the fallen hoping to find a worthwhile treasure.

Localized Phenomena

Despite the battle having taken place almost 7 years ago, some fires still burn through The Howling Embers. Rain, cold, wind-- none have managed to completely stop the fires from burning. Embers hide under the ash and spring up when conditions are right, ensuring the cycle repeats every warm season of the year. Two separate attempts have been made to contain the fires, with mixed results. The most that could be accomplished was a strategic removal of underbrush to minimize any damage done to The Eldrok Forest-- but despite these countermeasures, the fires have still encroached on the Eldrok and overtaken a portion of the trees, putting the entire forest at risk of an uncontrollable wildfire if conditions are right.

Alternative Name(s)

Formerly, The Hollow Plains

Type

Plain