Area - The Bulge
The Name
The north-western most region of Sturmgard is simply referred to as "The Bulge". This name was attributed to the region due to its rounded shape, which bulges northward from the mainland into the Nord Sea.
The Area
The Bulge is a relatively flat and temperate landscape. It's back is against the northern most point of the Valpine Mountains, which barely reach northwards and in to the area. Their foothills, all though narrow, are fairly forested, but sorely lacking in mineral wealth. Meanwhile, the east of The Bulge is wide open fields, pock marked with farming villages that thrive on the fertile lands that stretch far and wide, with fair winds and mild weather. And on the northern most border of The Bulge, along the coastline, it is shielded by a chain of forested hills, stretching from east to west. These hills are rather scenic, and offer a great view of both the lowlands to the south, as well as the Nord Sea. Deposits of iron ore have also been found here, though of a mediocre quality. The coast itself around The Bulge is primarily composed of low, sandy shores that gradually transition into striking white cliffs as one travels ever southwards towards Weisswall.
History
The Bulge has a rich history, beginning with its settlement by the Feynarin before The Cataclysm. At the dawn of the 3rd World, it was settled by the Jermane. With the majority of the region being claimed by House Grainhart, which took advantage of the fertile fields that spread throughout the area. However, this prosperity was disrupted during the 1st Heimer Incursion, when the Heimer raiders conquered and occupied much of the southern coastline of Arboria, including The Bulge, before the local peoples could mount an adequate defense.
For a century, The Bulge remained under direct rule of The Heimer Clans. Their grip weakened after the death of their unifying leader, High King Ysvald, which caused infighting and splintering among the Heimer factions. The Heimer settlers in The Bulge attempted to establish their own clan and kingdom, but a united force of the Jermane Houses eventually reclaimed the region.
Subsequent Heimer Incursions met mixed success. The 2nd Incursion consisted of intense raiding rather than prolonged occupation. During the 3rd Incursion, however, the Heimer managed to establish a temporary foothold on the mainland as Sturmgard was embroiled in the 1st Vallerian Invasion. These occupations were minor and short-lived, as soon as peace was achieved with the Vallarei, Sturmgard expelled the Heimer forces. From that point onward, with the centralization of the Reich of Sturmgard into a cohesive realm, the establishment of a dominant fleet, and the construction of bulwark defenses, the Heimer were unable to claim any ground in The Bulge again.
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