Ostrium

A region cut off from the rest of the world, Ostrium is a place heavily suffused with Aura, to the point where Crystals are a common sight and the people themselves are capable of wielding it, should they have the talent. The perilous Dragoon Heights cut off access from the east, while the confusing Fae Wilds encroaches from the northeast. And any chances of going further than the bay formed by Ostrium's coasts is ruined by the dangerous tidal waves of the open ocean. Only the Archivists of History could tell you how the people and nation have changed from the rest of the world...

Geography

Ostrium has multiple types of terrain: coastal, mountains, plains, rivers, floating islands, and two different types of forest that intermingle.

Ecosystem

The Dragoon Heights are tall, imposing mountains, but in their deep valleys exists dense forests and wetlands that make ground traversal just as dangerous as climbing the mountains themselves. The Dragons that call the Heights home often hunt in these forests, making them even more dangerous for the unwary traveler. While the foothills in Ostrium are safe, and just beyond those foothills have been studied, going past them has been heavily discouraged.

The Fae Wilds are an Aura-dense region of forest that has been twisted by the amount of Aura present, though some claim the Fae that live there are also to blame for this effect. The Peryton is a commonly found creature here, though they do not allow just anyone to approach them or their riders. Beware the paths - they tend to shift and change direction to throw off the unwary.

The Coastal Region of Ostrium is the widest, spanning the entire coastline of the region but centering on the city of Duskedge to the south. Fishing towns are common here, though occasionally there is a Griffin's nest set along a cliffside.

Localized Phenomena

Large phosphorescent plants grow near Crystals due to the amount of Aura in the environment around them. Other than their large size and glow, these plants are otherwise unchanged.

The floating islands seem to have their own sense of gravity, largely due to the presence of Crystals near the bottoms of each island. While floating above the surface, they still allow for traversal as if the individual was on the surface itself.

Climate

Ostrium experiences wet, chilly weather throughout the year. Rain is more common along the coasts and plains, and snow in the highlands and floating islands.

Fauna & Flora

The owl-like Peryton thrive near the Fae Wilds, and are often the mounts of the Fae.

Crystal Mites feed on Crystal shards, and so can be found almost anywhere a major deposit of Crystals can be found.

The Skvader is seen as a pest in the forests where they dwell, but their meat makes for a delicacy.

Dragons are most often seen near the Dragoon Heights, as that is their natural habitat.

Griffins are native to the floating islands, and have acted as the symbol of the Nomads for centuries.

Natural Resources

Mining operations along the base of the Dragoon Heights pull out the nation's supply of metals and stone. From copper and shale, to the rarer platinum and marble, and even gemstones and Crystals have been mined up from these mines.

Oaks and pine trees are prevalent in the forests, making them the primary woods of Ostrium.

Livestock animals such as cows, chicken, and sheep are often seen in the fields with their shepherds.

Horses can be found in the central hills of Ostrium

History

Humans arrived in Ostrium almost 850 years ago, and lived nomadic lives until around 600 years ago, when Gwynfahr O'Harra brought the King's Board to their people from the Fae Wilds.