Altero Plains

Boredom is the main enemy for a prepared adventurer, but if the mind-numbing scenery doesn't get you, the elementals will. Travelers have been known to sleep on their feet in these plains. If they stood still, they could be trampled by the elementals that roam area. Exhaustion comes in many ways, the Altero Plains will test all of them.

Geography

A seemingly never ending plateau of flatlands that have very little elevation change. Very uncommon small streams and tall shrubbery dot the landscape. The grass is hardy and weeds are few as rain is uncommon in the plains making much of the area very dry. The grass tends to have very deep roots to soak the moisture from deeper in the soil. Earth and Air Elementals have been known to roam the area, a fairly common sight for the few cities in the area. Wild herds of Aurochs roam the plains grazing from one spot to the next, posing little threat to those around unless provoked.

Fauna & Flora

Thin razor-like grass grows everywhere. It's roots are deep enough to use water trapped below the topsoil. The occasional bush is rare and most plants that can be found are dispersed in very small clumps. Aurochs and Elementals are everywhere. Aurochs graze in herds and keep mostly to themselves, occasionally getting spooked by a passing elemental. Elementals here seem to be bound by the land and are not openly hostile. However, crossing paths with one could prove deadly.

Natural Resources

Wheat and Barley are the main exports of the region. The more rare and valuable export is Auroch meat and leather. The meat, if prepared properly, is a delicacy for many of the races in Illian and is highly sought after. The leather made from the hide is quite durable and can be found in many of the more expensive shops in other cities.

History

Once the Altero plains were a haven for farming. It was said anything could grow in its soil in record time. When the Old Wars came, that changed. The magic released killed the supernatural powers of the plains, which now can barely grow wheat and barley in time for a harvest. However, settlements still rose near the edges, hoping one day to be able to renew the earth into growing once more.

Tourism

The plains very rarely get much travel. Those who come are usually wizards who want to examine the dirt to try renewing it to the myths of old. Others are just desperate for work, so they tend the fields in the dry outdoors, making just enough to live on.

Alternative Name(s)

The Elemental Plains, The Death March

Type

Plain

Location under

Illian

Owner/Ruler

Arbitrator of the Plains

Owning Organization

Ring of Ten