Mountains of the Strangers

The Mountains of the Strangers is an area located in the southernmost parts of The Lowlands, which is encompassed by the Imperial county of Chrichheim.
Much of the area has a mild, temperate climate that is effected by cooler air currents that can flow down from the neighbouring Spine of the World. The area has a very small population and substantial swaths of the landscape are entirely uninhabited.
There are many ancient structures, belonging to both pre-Imperial humans and the Dwarven Empire. Many of these structures do not appear in any discovered texts from the time they were likely created. The area became part of the Kingdom of Stradclod before it was united under Albert of Dunedyn with the Treaty of Fairwood. Despite now being part of the county of Chrichheim, control of the mountains is largely influenced by a few minor clans - most notably Clan MacLeod and Clan MacNeil.
Commercial activity is reliant on small-scale agriculture, weaving, and hunting. Navigation through the mountains is notoriously difficult, and so many inhabitants have a deep respect for the natural environment.
== Geography ==
The Mountains of the Strangers boast a geography marked by its towering peaks, deep valleys, and expansive, largely uninhabited moorlands. The region's climate is predominantly mild and temperate, though it is subject to sudden cool air currents descending from the higher elevations, adding an unpredictable element to the weather patterns. The terrain is a patchwork of heather-covered hills, sparse woodlands, and scattered lochs, with ancient stone structures and ruins dotting the landscape. These structures, belonging to both pre-Imperial humans and the old Dwarven Empire, add a layer of mystery, as many are undocumented in historical texts. Navigation through the craggy and steep mountain passes is a challenge, fostering a population that is resilient and deeply respectful of the natural environment that both sustains and isolates them.
The Mountains of the Strangers is also notable for its many lochs. The area is home to a significant number of them, however most are on the smaller side. Some parts have so many lochs that travel is almost like navigating a maze due to both the number of lochs and the complexity of their outlines. That being said, land bridges and causeways connect the land in places that have a particularly large number.
The Mountains of the Strangers have a temperate cool climate that is remarkably steady and mild for the part of the world it is in. Average temperatures are about 6 °C in winter and 14 °C in summer. Wind is a constant in the area and even in the brightest summer months there are almost constant breezes. It is said that sometimes, though rarely, during very fierce storms small animals will be blown down from the neighbouring mountains in a rather horrific bastardisation of rain.
== Economy ==
The economy of the Mountains of the Strangers is characterised by its reliance on small-scale, subsistence-based activities. Agriculture is practised within the more sheltered valleys where the soil is fertile enough to support the cultivation of hardy crops and the grazing of livestock, primarily sheep and goats. Weaving, a traditional craft honed over generations, remains a vital economic activity, with local artisans producing woollen textiles that are valued both within and beyond the region for their durability and warmth. Local tweed is especially reputable. Hunting plays a significant role in the local economy as well, with the sparse population relying on the abundant wildlife in the mountains and moorlands for both food and trade in furs and hides. The challenging terrain limits commercial exchange to a minimum, with communities often bartering goods and services amongst themselves, a practice that fosters a strong sense of self-reliance and community bonds. Overall, the economy is modest, with inhabitants living in harmony with the land's natural rhythms and constraints.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
The flora of the Mountains of the Strangers is largely comprised of resilient kinds of plant. The landscape is predominantly covered in heather, bracken, and gorse, painting the moorlands in vibrant hues of purple, yellow, and green during blooming seasons. Sparse woodlands, found in sheltered valleys and lower slopes, consist mainly of hardy species such as Scots pine, birch, and rowan trees, providing a stark contrast to the open, wind-swept highlands. Peat bogs and wetland areas are rich in mosses and sedges, playing a crucial role in the region's ecosystem by supporting a unique biodiversity and serving as natural water reservoirs. The moors hold a large number of insectivorous plants, such as sundews, and even some species of carnivorous plant. Along the streams and lochs, rushes and reeds thrive, creating lush, verdant patches in the otherwise rugged terrain. This diverse array of plant life not only adapts to the challenging climate and soil conditions but also forms the foundation of the local economy, supporting agriculture and weaving with its natural resources.
=== Fauna ===
The area is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to the rugged terrain and variable climate, including red deer, mountain hares, and ptarmigans, which are well-suited to the sparse vegetation and harsh winters. Eagles and other birds of prey are commonly seen soaring above the peaks and valleys, utilising the updrafts for hunting. The lochs and streams are inhabited by otters and a diverse range of fish species, such as brown trout, providing essential food sources for both the local wildlife and the local population. The thick underbrush and woodlands offer refuge to smaller mammals like pine martens and wildcats, alongside a variety of bird species that contribute to the rich tapestry of avian life in the area. Interestingly, the presence of hedgehogs, which were accidentally introduced to the area some years ago, has proven to be controversial. On one hand they kill crop pests but, on the other, equally threaten the eggs of native ground-nesting birds. Insect life is also particularly abundant here. Midges are a common annoyance, but dragonflies and butterflies thrive in the summer months. The large presence of insect life is evident by the thriving insectivorous plants that can be found in some parts of the area.
=== Atypical Creatures ===
Atypical species that can be found in the area do not differ much from those you would expect from both Chrichheim more locally, and the Impireacht region as a whole. However the Mountains of the Strangers do seem to have a strong presence of water spirits and similar elementals. Various types of fae are also comparatively common. Will-o-wisps and small colonies of were-people are also said to be found here.
== Trivia ==
* The Mountains of the Strangers are inspired by the Outer Hebrides, an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. Contrary to its real-life inspirations, however, this area is landlocked.