North Burn

The North Burn is a vast and unforgiving wilderness, characterized by dense forests, icy tundras, and treacherous terrain. It spans a large portion of the northern territories within the Confederation of Haystan. The region is named for the cold, biting winds that sweep down from the distant northern reaches, creating an inhospitable environment. Thick layers of snow blanket the landscape for the majority of the year, making it a harsh and challenging place to survive.
== History ==
Even before the arrival of the Imperials, very few Lizardfolk lived in the North Burn. Most of it was populated by the mysterious Kaarstag, a race of giant-kin which seem to avoid contact with Imperials, hiding in the endless snowy tundra of the norther tips of the North Burn. Due to its hostile climate and environment, the North Burn was almost entirely ignored by Imperials settlers. Only a handful of adventurers and explorers made their way to this frigid land until the thirteenth century AtS when larger scale colonization of the North Burn began.
Ancient ruins, buried beneath the snow, hint at a history that predates the current settlements and perhaps even the few lizardfolk tribes that lived here before the arrival of the Imperials. Many theorize that the Kaarstag are behind these ruins. Many wonder however, if the Kaarstag truly are behind these impressive ruins, what happened to make them leave these once mighty structures? Beyond the mystery itself, many whispered legends speak of hidden treasures and artefacts of immense value, waiting to be uncovered by those daring enough to seek them out.
== Terrain ==
The climate of the North Burn is harsh and unforgiving. Winters are long, with temperatures plummeting to extremes that can be deadly to the unprepared. The constant threat of snowstorms and blizzards makes travel perilous, and even the hardiest creatures struggle to survive in this frozen expanse.
==== Frozen Woodlands ====
The southern parts of the North Burn are dominated by massive pine forests. The frozen woodlands are home to a variety of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions, including wolves, bears, owlbears and other, more elusive winter creatures. The Woodlands, while offering some shelter from the wind and snow and ample timber are extremely dangerous and deadly predators or monsters can hide behind or on top of every tree.
==== Icy Tundras ====
To the north, vast expanses of frozen tundra stretch from the wooded areas to the Tideless Abyss, interrupted only by frozen rivers and occasional rocky outcrops. The tundras, covered in meters of snow, are difficult to traverse. With no roads and very few landmarks, it is exceptionally easy to get lost in this endless expanse of white.
== Settlements ==
The few settlements scattered throughout the North Burn are fortified against both the elements and the monsters that lurk in the wilderness. Sturdy walls, watchtowers, and disciplined militias are common features of these towns, as they must constantly be on guard against the dangers that come from the wilderness.