Sørgende Slettner

The Sørgende Slettner is a vast stretch of grassland that covers around a third of the above-ground lands of Gildegan. It is described by others as a natural beauty, left to flourish without the intervention of large-scale industrial efforts and sparse of any artificial structures. The only sign of civilisation comes from below, where those living underground have made holes in the topsoil to allow smoke or steam to escape. 
The plains themselves are covered mostly in hardy wild grasses or moss. According to historical records, trees used to grow there until the nation-wide Entreat took all of them somewhere far from the reach of the dwarves.

Geography

The area is known for its hilly landscape, particularly on the northern side of Gildegan. Its unique terrain makes it possible to see a great distance over its horizon, though its reported that not much of interest is seen. Artists and lovers of nature take in these vistas with pleasure, remarking how often peaceful it is. 
Some small valleys of the Slettner become flooded after intense rainfall, making ponds or lakes. However, its flatness and lack of shelter allows for a devastating dry season that dries out the existing plants. The few bodies of water that do survive are rivers, or attached to them. Artificial bodies of water are often only persistent as part of hydraulic power generators below ground. Some of these mechanisms have become or been mistaken for hot springs by tourists visiting the otherwise idyllic grasslands.

Related Article(s)

The Entreat

Alternative Name(s)

The Grieving Plains, (formerly) Skjev Skog

Type

Grassland