Jarocan Plain
The Jarocan Plain stretches across the northwest interior of Mar Mabon, an expansive and arid region that lies inland from the northern coastal cities. Dominated by the lone, towering presence of Mount Jarocan, the plain is a harsh and inhospitable landscape, with scrubby vegetation and rocky terrain extending as far as the eye can see. The hills surrounding Mount Jarocan break the otherwise flat horizon, while the peaks of the distant Burning Peaks rise to the southeast, a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped much of this island.
Though the Jarocan Plain is dry and sparsely populated, its hard soil supports a mix of hardy shrubs and grasses that cling to life in the arid conditions. Thornfane cacti, with their long spines, dot the landscape, their water-storing capabilities making them essential to the wildlife that calls this harsh environment home. Spireleaf succulents, pale green and sturdy, grow in scattered clusters around rocky outcrops, providing small havens of moisture for creatures that roam the plain.
The central feature of the plain, Mount Jarocan, looms over the surrounding land like a watchful sentinel. The mountain itself is a steep and rugged peak, with rocky slopes that are difficult to traverse. Nomadic tribes, such as the Baree, make their homes in the shadow of Mount Jarocan, where they herd their livestock across the scrubland in search of scarce water sources. These nomads are experts at surviving in the unforgiving environment, drawing on ancient knowledge passed down through generations to eke out a living from the dry earth.
While the Jarocan Plain may seem barren, it is home to a surprising array of wildlife. Predators like desert foxes and wildcats stalk the grasses, preying on small rodents and reptiles that thrive in the region. The occasional flight of eagles can be seen circling the sky above Mount Jarocan, their sharp eyes scanning the ground for prey. In the dry season, large herds of Hrynn, wool-bearing creatures, migrate across the plain, searching for patches of Nifrin grass in the lower valleys. The plain is also home to dangerous creatures, and travelers must remain ever vigilant, especially at night when predators prowl.
Despite its isolation, the Jarocan Plain holds strategic importance, as the trade routes from Gathansin to the Burning Peaks pass through this region. The nomadic tribes maintain a wary relationship with the settlements of the Mar Mabon Townships, often serving as guides or scouts for caravans that brave the arid interior. However, the land is far from peaceful, with disputes over territory and water sources common among the tribes that call this place home.
In the rare wet season, when rains sweep down from the northern coast, the Jarocan Plain briefly transforms, with wildflowers blooming across the scrubland and small, temporary streams forming in the valleys. This fleeting season of abundance is short-lived, and soon the plains return to their usual parched state, leaving behind only the most resilient life to endure the long, dry months. For those who live on the Jarocan Plain, survival is a constant struggle, but it is also a testament to the strength and perseverance of both the land and its people.
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