Southern Baylands
The Southern Baylands stretch across the southern reaches of Teros Major, bordered to the north by the Midar Hills, the Leviathan Bay to the west, and the Mabon Channel to the south. The region is more settled than many other parts of Teros, but it still retains a wild and untamed feel, with vast grassy plains and arid scrubland that dominate much of the landscape.
The only city in the region is Olnath, the capital of Teros, situated at the mouth of the River Oln where it flows into Leviathan Bay. As the heart of the kingdom, Olnath is a bustling center of trade, politics, and culture, though it remains under the control of the Peacekeepers from Forbin, who occupy the city and exert their influence over much of southern Teros. The Peacekeeper presence is strongest in Olnath, and their garrison at Castle Gennar, located further to the west on the shores of Leviathan Bay, ensures their continued dominance of the region.
To the north, along the coast of Leviathan Bay, lies the small town of Gullhaven. Known for its lighthouse and its strategic importance as a smuggling route, Gullhaven is a place where legality is often overlooked. Smugglers and traders alike pass through the town’s hidden caves and coves, and its reputation for corruption has only grown in recent years. Despite its unsavory reputation, Gullhaven remains an important stop for ships entering the bay.
In contrast, the port town of Lespir, located on the southern coast along the Mabon Channel, is known more for its natural beauty than its shady dealings. A massive natural rock arch spans the entrance to a secluded bay near the town, a site revered by the locals for its majesty. Lespir is a quieter port compared to Olnath, but its position along the Mabon Channel makes it an important trading hub for ships passing through the southern waters.
Inland, the small town of Tyrinn sits on the River Lespa, where the river winds its way south to Lespir. Tyrinn has struggled in recent years, with much of its once-fertile farmland falling victim to the encroaching Plaguelands to the west. Many of the younger generation have left the town in search of better opportunities, leaving behind a dwindling population that works hard to maintain the meager harvests that remain.
The landscape of the Southern Baylands consists of vast grassy plains where Hrynn herds roam, grazing on the abundant Lombora grasses. The region is dotted with Sirathin trees, providing shelter in more fertile areas near rivers and streams, while patches of Pirthingallam moss thrive along the banks of the River Lespa, used by local weavers for basket making.
Two significant fortresses stand on the shores of Leviathan Bay: Castle Gennar and the Tower of Surmandin. Castle Gennar, now occupied by the Peacekeepers, serves as a key stronghold in the region, allowing the occupiers to monitor and control the bay and its shipping routes. Meanwhile, the Tower of Surmandin, once a prominent defensive structure, now stands abandoned and crumbling. Though some locals whisper of the tower’s haunted past, it has remained untouched for many years.
Despite the relative safety of the region, some dangers still lurk in the Southern Baylands. Wolves occasionally descend from the Midar Hills, and wild boars are known to roam the wilder stretches of the plains, though large predators are rare. The region’s rich agricultural land and strategic position have made it a valuable area for settlement, though the scars of past conflicts, including the War of Salvation, remain visible in the abandoned towers and fortresses scattered throughout the landscape.
The Southern Baylands remain a vital part of Teros’s agricultural and economic network, though the presence of the Peacekeepers and the looming threat of the Plaguelands to the west serve as constant reminders of the region's troubled past and uncertain future.
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