Rushias Plains

The Rushias Plains lie at the center of Novaku, a vast, open stretch of fertile farmland that serves as the agricultural heart of the entire Nyaan Empire. Stretching as far as the eye can see, the plains are iconic for their golden fields of wheat and rice, rhythmic windmills turning in the breeze, and the hum of harvest machines across the horizon. Despite its bounty, the region is not without hardship—nature, trade, and imperial politics all shape its survival.

Fertility and Origin:

The soil of the Rushias Plains is exceptionally rich due to ancient lahars—volcanic mudflows that surged down from Mount Nakiri in neighboring Remboro centuries ago. These layers of ash and sediment turned the plains into a natural breadbasket. Today, the region produces nearly 40% of Novaku’s total food output, and roughly 20% of the entire Nyaan Empire’s grain supply, making it one of the most strategically important non-military zones in the empire.

Geography

The Rushias Plains dominate the central heartland of Novaku, a vast expanse of gently rolling terrain that stretches from the foothills of the Central Havalum mountains in the north to the edges of the Sandzone Desert in the south. This region is characterized by its endless golden fields, fertile soils, and meandering rivers that weave through the plains, creating natural irrigation systems. Occasional clusters of low hills and ancient wind-eroded rock formations punctuate the otherwise open landscape, serving as landmarks for travelers and local farmers. The plains are crisscrossed by dirt roads and trade routes, making them a vital connection point between Novaku and its neighboring territories.

Ecosystem

The Rushias Plains are home to a thriving and diverse ecosystem, shaped by the interplay of open grasslands and scattered riverine habitats. Herds of grazing animals, such as long-horned beasts and sleek plains antelopes, roam the grasslands, attracting predators like swift plains hawks and cunning wild cats. The rivers and wetlands host vibrant aquatic life, including silver-scaled fish and marsh birds, while their banks are fringed with verdant vegetation that offers shelter to small mammals and amphibians. The balance between predator and prey is tightly knit, with the open terrain leaving little room for concealment, forcing survival through agility and vigilance.

Climate

The climate of the Rushias Plains is reminiscent of steppes, marked by hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters. Rainfall is moderate and primarily concentrated in the spring and early summer, when the plains are briefly adorned with vibrant wildflowers before the grasses turn golden under the summer sun. Winter brings frosty winds sweeping down from the Central Havalum, covering the plains in a thin layer of snow. The climate supports hardy grasses and drought-resistant shrubs, which thrive despite the seasonal extremes. The steady winds of the plains have long been harnessed by Novakian windmills, iconic symbols of the region.
Despite its fertility, the plains are regularly tested by unpredictable weather phenomena. Powerful thunderstorms roll in with little warning, often followed by tornadoes that rip through crops and infrastructure. Farmers in Rushias are trained to read wind patterns and use early-warning systems powered by wind and Magha sensors. Traditional Novakian homes here are often built half-subterranean with windbreak rings to shelter from sudden squalls.

Fauna & Flora

The flora of the Rushias Plains is dominated by resilient grasses, such as golden steppegrass and blueleaf reeds, which provide sustenance for grazing animals. Thornbushes and scattered stands of plainswood trees offer shelter and nesting sites, while wildflowers bloom in vibrant bursts after seasonal rains. The fauna includes swift plains deer, burrowing sand foxes, and river otters along the waterways. Predatory species such as shadow wolves and skysworn hawks are apex hunters, maintaining the ecological balance. During the spring, migrating glowwing cranes briefly visit, their shimmering plumage a celebrated sight among Novakian farmers

Natural Resources

The plains are endowed with rich, fertile soil, making them ideal for cultivating wheat, rice, and other staple crops. The rivers provide freshwater fish and fertile silt deposits that rejuvenate the land after floods. Subterranean reservoirs of water sustain irrigation during dry months, while wind power is harnessed by windmills for agricultural and mechanical purposes. The Rushias Plains also hold deposits of iron-rich soil, occasionally extracted for trade but primarily left untouched to preserve the land’s agricultural value
Water scarcity is a constant concern. Though fertile, the Rushias Plains have few natural lakes or rivers, and what exists is often insufficient or seasonal. Most water arrives through an extensive aqueduct and canal system built and maintained by the Nyaan Empire. This has created a fragile but essential trade relationship—Novaku supplies food to the Empire, while the Empire controls and supplies water. Imperial engineers regularly inspect and guard these systems, and sabotage or failure is treated as a national emergency.

History

The Rushias Plains have been the site of many of the Nyaan Empire’s most significant battles, earning their reputation as the “Battlefields of Ysanaf.” During the empire's expansion, the plains were fiercely contested by Novaku’s ancient tribes, who used the open terrain to stage guerrilla attacks on Nyaan forces. Later, during the Nyaanese Civil War, rival factions clashed repeatedly on the plains, seeking control over its vital agricultural output. The most devastating conflict, known as the War of the Scorched Plains, left much of the land burned and infertile for a generation. Despite its history of warfare, the Rushias Plains have always risen from devastation, a testament to the resilience of both the land and its people.

Socioeconomic Balance:

Water scarcity is a constant concern. Though fertile, the Rushias Plains have few natural lakes or rivers, and what exists is often insufficient or seasonal. Most water arrives through an extensive aqueduct and canal system built and maintained by the Nyaan Empire. This has created a fragile but essential trade relationship—Novaku supplies food to the Empire, while the Empire controls and supplies water. Imperial engineers regularly inspect and guard these systems, and sabotage or failure is treated as a national emergency.

Location under

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