The Vale of Leaves
The Vale of Leaves is a small area in eastern Semang. It is roughly circular, approximately 30 miles in diameter. It is virtually surrounded by rugged hills, other than the narrow valley mouth leading out to the plains which form the bulk of the Semang countryside. The people here are more settled than elsewhere in the country, organised into small hamlets spread throughout the forest. Resources include timber, fruit orchards and silver mines. Despite its proximity to the evil land of Marlek, the area has been generally peaceful for a long time, its isolation shielding it from wider events. The Rodinian invasion has barely affected it, other than the installation of Fort Hadrian at the mouth of the valley. The Vale is ruled by a council of the six elders from the town and villages.