Cnocshire

Cnocshire is an area in The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim.
Until recently, North Cnocshire was part the area. However, the area is now separated into the modern North Cnocshire and Cnocshire areas.
Mostly rural, the largest settlement in Cnocshire is the hamlet of Bailebart.
== Geography ==
Cnocshire is characterised by its rolling hills and expansive meadows, interspersed with patches of dense woodland. The terrain rises and falls gradually, creating a beautiful landscape that transitions smoothly from low-lying fields to more elevated, rugged areas. The climate in Cnocshire is temperate, with mild summers and cool, damp winters. Rain is a frequent occurrence throughout the year.. The area's proximity to the Spine of the World results in mountainous air currents occasionally sweeping the area, keeping temperatures relatively consistent in the summer months. Biomes include deciduous forests, grassy plains, and small wetlands.
== Economy ==
Cnocshire is primarily agrarian, with farming and livestock rearing forming the backbone of its economy. The fertile soil and abundant rainfall make it an ideal location for growing crops such as barley, oats, and root vegetables. Sheep farming is particularly prevalent, providing wool and mutton for trade. In addition to agriculture, Cnocshire has a modest textile industry, with small-scale weaving and dyeing operations scattered throughout the area. The patches of forest also contribute to the economy, albeit to a limited extent, with timber and game. Unfortunately, largely due to its rural nature, the area suffers from a continuous banditry problem, more so than nearby areas. These bandits generally target lone traders and isolated farmsteads.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
The rolling meadows of Cnocshire are dotted with wildflowers such as heather, bluebells, and foxgloves, which add vibrant splashes of colour to the landscape. The forests are dominated by oak, birch, and ash trees, their canopies providing shelter for a variety of ferns, mosses, and woodland flowers like wood anemones and primroses. The damp, shadowy areas of the forest floor are also home to fungi and mushrooms. Hedges and thickets of hawthorn and blackthorn are common. In the wetlands, reeds and rushes thrive, while water-loving plants like marsh marigold and meadowsweet can be found along the edges of streams and ponds.
=== Fauna ===
Cnocshire is home to a diverse array of fauna. The forests are inhabited by deer, foxes, and badgers, while the meadows are frequented by hares, voles, and various bird species such as skylarks and lapwings. The wetlands and streams support populations of otters, amphibians, and waterfowl such as ducks and herons. Birds of prey, like owls and hawks, are common across much of the countryside. Livestock, such as sheep and cattle, are also prevalent, tended to by the local farmers.
=== Atypical Species ===
Like all parts of Magnula, there are various kinds of creature that live here that don't conform to typical bestial classifications. Most of the atypical creatures found in Cnocshire do not particularly deviate from the norm in Chrichheim. Fae, elementals, and wandering undead from Mortsanehim can all be found here. But what is perhaps more notable is that on occasion creatures from the Spine of the World will sometimes wander down the mountains and into Cnocshire. When this happens, it is usually at great disruption to the ecosystem, meaning adventurers and sometimes even the Imperial Army are sent to eradicate the problem as quickly as possible.
== Settlements and Landmarks ==
* Bailebart - a tiny hamlet of only 85 people. It is a very recent settlement, only being founded within the last 50 years, and is populated primarily by younger people looking to build their own community.
== Trivia ==
* Cnocshire is inspired by the Renfrewshire Council Area in Scotland.