Nasobarthain

Nasobarthain is an area in The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim.
Located in the province's north, this area is home of Obarthain, a town and one of Chrichheim's largest settlements. It is also notable for being the area in which the River Chrich flows into the much larger River Konig, making the Nasobarthain a vital junction in the Empire's trade and transportation networks.
== Geography ==
Nasobarthain's terrain is dominated by rolling hills and dense woodlands, alongside additional patches of moorland and a few fertile valleys. The area is primarily deciduous forest, with oak, birch, and hazel trees forming a dense canopy that often obscures the sky. The moorlands, covered in heather and gorse, offer a stark contrast with their open expanses. The soil in the valleys, enriched by silt from the rivers, is fertile and supports small-scale agriculture, though large farms are rare due to the terrain's uneven nature.
The climate in Nasobarthain is typically temperate, with cool summers and mild, wet winters. Rain is a constant companion, often falling in a persistent drizzle that keeps the ground perpetually damp and the air heavy. The River Chrich and River Konig play a crucial role in the area's weather patterns, frequently causing dense mists and fogs to rise. These rivers are also prone to occasional flooding, which can transform the surrounding low-lying areas into treacherous bogs.
== Economy ==
The economy of Nasobarthain is heavily reliant on its strategic position at the confluence of the River Chrich and the River Konig. This location makes it a crucial hub for trade and transportation within the Empire. The town of Obarthain serves as the primary trading centre, where goods transported via the rivers are offloaded and exchanged. Timber from the dense forests, peat from the moorlands, and agricultural produce from across the area form the backbone of the local economy. Obarthain's harbour is normally bustling with activity, with various ships frequently docking to trade commodities.
Industrial activities in Nasobarthain are centred around small-scale manufacturing and craftsmanship. The region is known for its skilled woodworkers, who produce finely crafted furniture and tools. There is also a thriving textile industry, with local weavers producing woollen and linen goods. But the economy is not without its challenges, as frequent flooding can disrupt both agriculture and transportation.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
The forests of Nasobarthain are dominated by ancient oak, birch, and hazel trees, whose thick canopies create a shadowy environment below. The underbrush is lush with ferns, mosses, and brambles, providing a lush but often treacherous ground cover. The moorlands are covered in hardy heather, gorse, and patches of bog myrtle, which thrive in the acidic, waterlogged ground. In the valleys, the fertile soil supports a variety of wildflowers and grasses, as well as cultivated crops like barley and root vegetables. Along the riverbanks, willow and alder trees can be found. The persistent moisture also fosters a rich growth of fungi.
=== Fauna ===
The forests of Nasobarthain are home to a range of animals, including deer, foxes, and badgers, while the underbrush provides cover for smaller mammals like hares and hedgehogs. Birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, are common, their calls echoing eerily through the woods. The moorlands support populations of hardy grouse and wildfowl, and the riverbanks are frequented by otters and water voles. Fish such as trout and salmon are abundant in the rivers, providing a crucial food source for citizens. Amphibians like frogs and newts also thrive in the damp environment, and the rich insect life, including beetles and moths, supports a wide variety of bird species.
=== Atypical Species ===
Like all parts of Magnula, there are various kinds of creature that live here that don't conform to typical bestial classifications. With the rivers that run through the area, Nasobarthain is home to several aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures. This includes mud golems, constructs created by magical anomalies. These creatures are common in marshlands but can also be created by the sand and mud found along riverbanks. As well as this, there are also bog hags, a type of manipulative fae creature that inhabits the swamps and secluded areas along the river banks.
== Settlements and Landmarks ==
* Obarthain -
== Trivia ==
* Nasobarthain is loosely inspired by the landscape surrounding the real Scottish city Aberdeen.