The Stronghills

Running along the eastern edge of The Placid Sea, the name of the Stronghills is somewhat of a misnomer. Though much smaller than the massive Arrowpeaks to the east, these "hills" including many towering peaks, some of which are capped with snow year round. They are known for the numerous warlike tribes whose strength in battle gave the hills their name, and for millennia would battle with the Aurean Empire, which once surrounded hills. Along with the human tribes there are many orcs and gnolls dwelling in the Stronghills, who also engage in raids on surrounding settlements.
To the west, the Stronghills come almost to the sea. A number of remote settlements sit along the coast here, most of which have come under control of tribes from the Stronghills since the collapse of the Aurean Empire two hundred years ago. To the east is the wealthy but sparsely populated kingdom of Millaria, which is starting to struggle under an invasion from an unusually organized army of orcs known as the Crimson Horde that has begun to descend from the larger mountains to the east.

History

The Stronghills have lacked any major settlements since their earliest recorded history, populated only by small but numerous tribes, many of which are semi-nomadic and move between multiple sites throughout the year. The tribes hold on the mountains was eventually tested by the Aurean Empire, which had controlled a few settlements along the coast to the west since The Age of the Dragon Emperors, but didn't press inland until after the conquest of Millaria in 2914-2915 AY. Now controlling land on both sides of the Stronghills, the empire began trying to strengthen its control over the remainder of the region, subduing the few remaining coastal tribes and marching its armies into the mountains from the west. However, they were unable to establish a foothold due to weak supply lines and constant guerrilla warfare.
After the collapse of most of the Aurean Empire in 4835 AY, the empire lost control of Millaria but maintained some control over most of the coast of the Placid Sea. However, in a weakened state and no longer controlling a direct land route to the area, the empire has struggled to repel attacks from Stronghill tribes, who now control most of the coast and rule over formerly Aurean settlements. Competition over this new land has led to increased conflict between the many tribes now controlling portions of the coast, and the incessant warfare has led to a decline in population.

Type

Mountain Range