Meridea Coast

This region stretches from the city of Meridea at the base of the Meridean Peninsula, all the way north to the city of Arnea on the shores of the Olag River. It is dominated by relatively dry weather. The Spine stops much of the warmer moist air that flows west off of the Silver Ocean. This creates a semi-arid climate, as well as creating The Dancing Dunes. ThesShores of the Sea Meridea are mostly sandy with cliff like areas along the coastal edges. Two large rivers, the Olag and the Meridea flow through this region supplied by meltwater from high in the Spine.

Geography

The geography of this region is largely flat, with cliffs overlooking sandy shores of the Meridea Peninsula, with sandy beaches dominating the scenery at the back of the large gulfs. The shores along the eastern edge of the Sea of Meridea are also covered in a white sand, prized by those seeking a respite from the cities of the realm. The Meridea River is better set in its banks and carries little settlements, creating only a small delta. The Olag River, on the other hand, carries significant amounts of sediment from the Spine and Dancing Dunes during the wet seasons, creating a large delta and flood plain at the mouth.

Climate

With wetter-warmer air from the Silver Ocean blocked by The Spine, and warm-dry air blowing off the Ocean of Mercator, the region is primarily comprised of a Mediterranean climate. Grasslands cover parts of the Meridea Peninsula, but agricultural practices in these areas is difficult.

Fauna & Flora

Narex sometimes venture to the Meridea Coast in summer to escape the heat of the Dancing Dunes, while Bane Wolves hunt in the regions at the foot of The Spine. Coastal pines are found along the Ocean of Mercator Coast, while smaller shrubs and oakls grow closer inland. Myalban Berries and grapes have been cultivated in these areas for centuries, and now grow wild in some areas. Towering pine trees can be found closer to the Spine.

Natural Resources

Minerals can be found in the southern sections of this region, especially near the spine, but otherwise mining is made difficult by the dancing dunes. As was said extensive farming takes place to the south. Fishing is a huge part of the economy, especially in the Sea of Meridea.

History

The Meridea Coast was first home to a civilization known as the Clans of Dune and Ice, which ruled this just before the Alarim civilization consolidated power in the Gallis Forests. The Clans were formed of various races, but primarily human, halflings and half-elves. There was also a small Dwarven clan included in this group, having left The Spine for the Mesas of the Dancing Dunes. The Clans developed a significant trade network running the length of The Spine, along the coasts of Galladia, and most importantly, across the Dancing Dunes.
Over time, competition over the most lucrative trade routes grew within the clans. Soon powerful Kingdoms controlled various parts of the Meridea Coast. These "Princedoms" (rulers could be men, women or anything inbetween) each controlled a separate piece of the trade route, the northern around The Spine, the middle across the Dancing Dune, and the South around the Meridea Peninsula and across the Tercian Plains. After squabbling and skirmishes, these prince declared a loose trade confederation known as the Olagren Sea Princes. Using their advanced shipbuilding techniques, and navigational skills honed by crossing the Sea of Meridea and crossing the Narrow Sea, the Sea Princes soon became one of the preeminent trading civilizations in Galladia. This fostered the creation of the Bank of Galladia, headquartered in Meridea, as well as other major trading services, such as the Merchant's Post. Soon the Olagren Princes were trading goods between the Fenmarin, Alarim and Ottenian Kingdoms, as well as goods from Glacius and even Eteros. While initially neutral during the Wars of the Gift, the Olagren Sea Princes nominally joined the Ottenian Kingdom, but signficiant geographic boundaries made their involvement limited. Instead, they continued to trade with all of the combatants, generating a signficiant profit.
Having operated largely as city states, the ground forces of the Princes were insignificant compared with the armies of the Forefathers. However, sensing the value of a talented and versed merchant marine, the Forefathers bought of each prince one by one, oftne playing their greed against each other. In the end, the arrival of the Forefathers only broadened the reach of the Sea Princes. The "princes" given exclusive trading rights to the Hand of Marea and onto Eteros, as well as much of Galladia to Eteros. However, these rights were carefully divied up to prevent one family or house from gaining too much trading power. This arrangement catapulted Arnea and Meridea toi become two of the greatest centers of trade in Galladia, if not all of Gloratium. Over time most operations shifted to the more hospitable trade center at Meridea.

Tourism

Many nobles houses and wealthy families own estates along the Meridea Coast. However, an even greater number of people venture to the city of Meridea to take in the sea breeze, sights and sounds of the enormous market and dockyards.

Type

Region

Location under

Galladia

Included Locations

• Arnea
• Meridea

Contested By

• New Kingdom of Galladia