Introduction to Aldenard

Much of northern Aldenard is dominated by a vast mountain range, known as Abalathia's Spine, which stretches from Dravania in the west to Gyr Abania in the east, and fully encompassing the highlands of Coerthas. Gyr Abania is a barren and harsh land, home to the martial city-state pf Ala Mhigo. Coerthas is home to the Holy See of Ishgard, a formerly alpine climate that has fallen victim to constant ice and snow since the Seventh Calamity.

At the heart of Aldenard lies Lake Silvertear in Leide. Liede was lush and fertile until a battle with the Garlean Empire 10 years ago, which left the area a dangerous crystalline wasteland.
Aldenard's southeastern regions are made up of the massive forest known as the Black Shroud, controlled by Gridania. The Black Shroud, or Twelveswood to its inhabitants, is full of various flora and fauna and protected by the elementals who are the source of the area's vitality.
Much of southern Aldenard is taken up by an expanse of deserts, the most notable of which is Thanalan, home to the sultanate of Ul'dah. Though it lacks in agricultural resources, the presence of the so-called "jewel of the desert" provides the land with wealth beyond that of the other regions of Aldenard. The region is also home to a sizable amount of mineral deposits and a wealth of ceruleum. West of Thanalan lies the Carteneau Flats, the site of the most recent battle with the empire, and ground zero of the sixth calamity.
Vylbrand is the largest island in Aldenard, located off its western coast across the Strait of Merlthor. The southern half of Vlybrand, La Noscea, is the domain of Limsa Lominsa. The island's nothern half, is the domain of the kobolds.