Westlands

Looking west from Eastmarch, we find the West-Lands. Some say the 's' is silent, as this area is just that... Wetlands, filled with flowing rivers and swamps teeming with life the West-Lands are less civilised, but not barren. There are still small communities, however, they tend to lean towards the simpler things in life, and have chosen to settle away from the larger Cities of Eastmarch. Travelling through Westlands can be difficult and definitely harbours wildlife that you wouldn't normally see in Eastmarch. The political stance here is simple, "You don't bother me, I won't bother you, and stay out of my swamp!" Although Westlands is the most direct connection to Khorvaire, there seems to be limited travel to that destination. it is likely that not many people travel that way, due to unfair stereotypes of the more simple living folk.

Geography

Westlands is a lowland coastal area filled with swamps, rivers, ponds and lakes. Large swaths of 'marsh mounds' litter the landscape. This type of land makes it very difficult to farm and build, but is teeming with life. As a result smaller towns have popped up on any flat terrain that can be found that's semi-dry. Even then some buildings have been built right over-top of swampland on wooden platforms.

Fauna & Flora

It can be particularly difficult for some trees to grow, however on the larger marsh-mounds water-hungry willow-trees will grow. Almost everywhere you walk in the Westlands is covered in reeds and moss. Not much actual grass can grow in the over saturated land so mounds of mossy fertile dirt will grow. Large fields of fungus growing on fallen willows litter the landscape as well.
As far as animals go, Westlands is teeming with life. There are plenty of marsh creatures that would be very different from those found within Eastmarch. All kinds of alligators and lizards, different swamp snakes and large grotesque frogs have been birthed from this region. One of the biggest dangers for those living in the swamp is the large number of alligators.

Natural Resources

The swamp is rich in all kinds of different ingredients for many alchemical needs. This is one of the biggest assets for those that reside in Westlands. A huge part of their economy is due to the vast array of different plants and animals that are available for harvest within these lands. As alchemical needs increase with the war effort and healing potions fly off the shelves Westland alchemists have become very renowned for their speed and ability to maintain a high volume of stock due to the bountiful resources available for that field of work.
Unfortunately due to the level of moisture in the ground the lack of other resources is very apparent. Wood for homes is hard to come by and without tearing down the few that they have most wood is imported from the East. This is one of the great unspoken relationships between Eastmarch and Westlands. Additionally the level of minerals and stone available is next to nothing due to the soft soils and mud that lie underneath the swamps. As a result, Westlands have opted for a more viable wooden structure base, due to the vast amount of wood being brought in from the East.

Facts about Westlands:

Alternative Name(s)

Commoners may also refer to The Westlands as; Wetlands, The Swamp, The West, Croc-Haven

Type

Region

Location under

The Reach