Disputed Lands
The Disputed Lands are a sprawling and politically volatile territory existing beyond the jurisdiction of the Pact. Populated by a diverse array of sentient beings, including humans (the Free Folk), Rathkarii, El’Dar, Whiskrell, and Ilyx’ori, this anarchistic expanse thrives on self-governance and individualism. Despite its designation as neutral territory under the Concordance of Aligned Realms, the region has recently become a flashpoint for conflict.
Both the Empire of Vector and the Kingdom of Halen have entered the Disputed Lands under the pretense of securing their borders, further destabilizing the already chaotic area. The Free Folk’s decentralized communities, militias, and bands of mercenaries resist these incursions, while longstanding tensions among the region's diverse inhabitants complicate unity.
The Disputed Lands are home to untamed wilderness, ancient ruins, and scattered settlements. Its precarious autonomy and abundant resources make it both a haven for outcasts and a target for conquest.
Geography
The Disputed Lands cover an expansive area of diverse terrain:
Arboreal Rainforests: Dense forests dominate much of the northern and central regions, their towering trees creating a canopy that conceals smaller villages and wandering tribes.
Rolling Plains: Found primarily in the north, these open expanses are dotted with patches of wildflowers and tall grasses, often serving as hunting grounds for the Rathkarii.
Craggy Mountain Ranges: The eastern and western borders of the Disputed Lands are hemmed in by mountains, with jagged peaks and narrow passes. The Pass of Shadows connects the west to the Republic of Rasza, while the eastern mountains are treacherous and shrouded in mystery.
Hills and Wetlands: Scattered throughout the central and southern areas are undulating hills, interspersed with marshes and wetlands that provide both challenges and resources for survival.
Coastline: The eastern coast features cliffs, hidden coves, and stretches of rocky beaches. The waters are rich with fish but perilous due to unpredictable tides.
Rolling Plains: Found primarily in the north, these open expanses are dotted with patches of wildflowers and tall grasses, often serving as hunting grounds for the Rathkarii.
Craggy Mountain Ranges: The eastern and western borders of the Disputed Lands are hemmed in by mountains, with jagged peaks and narrow passes. The Pass of Shadows connects the west to the Republic of Rasza, while the eastern mountains are treacherous and shrouded in mystery.
Hills and Wetlands: Scattered throughout the central and southern areas are undulating hills, interspersed with marshes and wetlands that provide both challenges and resources for survival.
Coastline: The eastern coast features cliffs, hidden coves, and stretches of rocky beaches. The waters are rich with fish but perilous due to unpredictable tides.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem of the Disputed Lands is as diverse as its geography:
Forests: Home to predators like night wolves, arboreal wyverns, and stealthy Ilyx’ori, as well as prey species such as deer-like silven.
Plains: Herds of plains grazers, including the swift, antelope-like longstriders, roam the western grasslands, hunted by Rathkarii.
Wetlands: Marshlands teem with amphibious creatures like the massive croaking mangleroads and shimmering skystalk eels that leap between pools.
Mountains: Rugged peaks shelter elusive creatures like the ferocious ashbacks, rock-like reptiles camouflaged as boulders, and spectral beasts that are rumored to guard the Forbidden Peaks.
Plains: Herds of plains grazers, including the swift, antelope-like longstriders, roam the western grasslands, hunted by Rathkarii.
Wetlands: Marshlands teem with amphibious creatures like the massive croaking mangleroads and shimmering skystalk eels that leap between pools.
Mountains: Rugged peaks shelter elusive creatures like the ferocious ashbacks, rock-like reptiles camouflaged as boulders, and spectral beasts that are rumored to guard the Forbidden Peaks.
Localized Phenomena
The Forbidden Peaks: Located in the eastern mountains, this region is shrouded in an eerie fog. No one who ventures into the peaks returns, and whispers tell of spectral beasts and ancient traps.
Ruins of Asha’Nigh: A crumbling city in the northern forest, Asha’Nigh is avoided by all but the foolhardy. Rumors of savage beasts and haunting cries keep adventurers at bay, though whispers of forgotten treasures persist.
Ruins of Asha’Nigh: A crumbling city in the northern forest, Asha’Nigh is avoided by all but the foolhardy. Rumors of savage beasts and haunting cries keep adventurers at bay, though whispers of forgotten treasures persist.
Climate
The Disputed Lands experience a temperate climate influenced by its proximity to the coast and its dense forests.
Winters: Cold and snowy in the north, with milder, wetter conditions in the south.
Summers: Warm but rarely oppressive, with frequent rain in the forests and thunderstorms in the mountains.
The constant humidity fosters lush growth, while the rugged terrain creates microclimates that vary significantly within short distances.
Summers: Warm but rarely oppressive, with frequent rain in the forests and thunderstorms in the mountains.
The constant humidity fosters lush growth, while the rugged terrain creates microclimates that vary significantly within short distances.
Fauna & Flora
Flora
Whisperblooms: Luminescent flowers that release a soft glow at night, aiding pollinators.Ironwood Trees: Hardy and nearly indestructible trees used by locals for tools and basic fortifications.
Mossvine: A climbing plant that secretes an antiseptic sap, often used medicinally.
Fauna
Shadow Wolves: Predators that blend into the forest shadows, striking with silent precision.Wild Brightstriders: Giant, brightly-colored birds that occupy the hilly regions.
Silven: Deer-like animals with a horned protrusion coming from their forehead.
Natural Resources
The Disputed Lands are abundant in resources, contributing to their desirability:
Minerals: Copper, coal, iron, gold, and even rare gemstones found in the mountains.
Timber: Dense forests provide a surplus of lumber, including the resilient ironwood.
Game: Diverse wildlife supports hunting and foraging.
Water: Springs and rivers offer plentiful fresh water for settlements.
Fertile Soil: Pockets of arable land support limited agriculture.
Timber: Dense forests provide a surplus of lumber, including the resilient ironwood.
Game: Diverse wildlife supports hunting and foraging.
Water: Springs and rivers offer plentiful fresh water for settlements.
Fertile Soil: Pockets of arable land support limited agriculture.
History
The Disputed Lands have remained politically neutral for over 1,000 years following the signing of the Concordance of Aligned Realms. Before this, the region was divided among several warring nations and tribal groups, leading to its nickname as the “Broken Ground.” Many ruins, such as Asha’Nigh, remain as echoes of this fragmented past.
The Concordance designated the area as a neutral zone to prevent further conflict, but this autonomy has made it a magnet for outcasts, adventurers, and opportunists. In recent months, Vector’s incursions and Halen’s responses have reignited tensions.
The Disputed Lands remain a place of peril and possibility, where freedom and chaos walk hand in hand.
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