Cattìr

Cattìr, also called the Cattìr Moors, is an area in The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim. The name means 'Cat Land' in Old Chrich. 
The area is incredibly sparsely populated. The largest single settlement in the area, Slate Pit, only has a population of about 160 people. As well as Slate Pit, Cattìr is only settled by a few tiny farming communities - which mostly focus on sheep-rearing and the wool trade - and quarrying outposts.
Cattìr has a temperate climate (which lingers on the colder side), complex geology, rugged terrain, and many low, rolling hills. In terms of pure land area it is one of the smaller areas in The Lowlands.
Humans have lived in Cattìr as far back as recorded history goes. Pre-Imperial tribes, Old Chrich clans, the Kingdom of Albran, and finally the Empire of Man have all controlled the area at some point. It is also probable that orcs and/or goblins also occupied the area in early history - but there is no physical evidence to prove this. Within the last century or so, trade has improved noticeably in Cattìr, however it's influence on trading markets still remains mostly local.
The local culture of Cattìr reflects its Old Chrich traditions, with its own festivals and a strong musical tradition - particularly with the fiddle. Many of the landmarks and locations in the moorlands have Old Chrich origins. The sparse and unique landscape of the moors have led to the development of several notable variants of flora and fauna. The two most famous are the Cattìr pony and Cattìr sheepdog, but there are also variants of cow, sheep, duck, goose, and pig that can be found here.
== Geography ==
Cattìr presents a geography that is both rugged and rich in character. The terrain is predominantly characterized by low, rolling hills and a complex geological structure, featuring scattered outcrops of rock and slate quarries that punctuate the landscape. The ground is often damp and muddy - with the only consistently solid ground being the numerous geological features. This area, though one of the smaller regions within The Lowlands, is defined by its sparse population and the vast, open moorlands that stretch across its expanse. The climate leans towards the cooler side of temperate, with frequent mists and a higher propensity for rainfall, contributing to the lushness of the grasslands. In the winter, average temperatures hover at around 0-1 °C, whilst in the summer average temperatures rise to about 14 °C. Frost is consistent here, with the only truly frost-free season comprising of about three months. Snow, on the other hand, is surprisingly not and often doesn't settle.
Most of Cattìr is uninhabited wild frontier, but even then the land is dotted with natural landmarks and ancient ruins from pre-Empire times. These landscapes, combined with the cold, damp climate, forge a setting that is both challenging and nurturing, influencing the lifestyle and culture of its inhabitants. The sparse yet striking natural beauty of Cattìr, from its geological formations to the windswept hills and valleys, encapsulates a rugged charm that is emblematic of its historical and cultural heritage.
== Economy ==
Cattìr's economy, reflective of its geography and historical influences akin to 18th century Shetland, is predominantly based on agriculture, specifically sheep-rearing, and the wool trade, supplemented by quarrying activities. The sparse population and the rugged terrain have led to a focus on these sustainable economic practices, which are well-suited to the local environment. Sheep farming is the cornerstone of the agricultural sector, with the Cattìr sheep being prized for its wool, which is known for its fineness and warmth. This wool becomes the raw material for a thriving local textile industry, where traditional weaving techniques produce goods that are traded within and beyond the region, though the trade remains mostly local in scope. Crop-based agriculture include very small plots of oats or barely, however the cold windswept terrain has proven less than ideal for most plants.
Quarrying, particularly of slate, represents a significant part of Cattìr's economy, with the largest settlement, Slate Pit, serving as a focal point for this industry. The quarries supply materials for both local construction and export, contributing to the area's economic resilience. This industry, while not as extensive as agriculture, provides an essential diversification of the local economy, offering employment and fostering skills in stonecraft that are passed down through generations. Over half of the local quarrying industry comprises of minerals used in construction and road-paving - such as sandstone and slate. Other notable products include talc, peat, limestone, and small but vital deposits of copper and iron.
In recent decades, Cattìr has seen a noticeable improvement in trade, owing to better connectivity with neighbouring regions and the gradual expansion of its market reach. Despite this growth, the economy maintains its predominantly local focus, with a strong emphasis on community and sustainability. Cattìr's crops, for example, are primarily sold locally though there are a few exceptions that are sought after in external markets, such as the Cattìr Blue - a type of potato with a dark blue skin and indigo flesh markings.
== Wildlife ==
With much of the area being unsettled wilderness, Cattìr is particularly biodiverse.
=== Flora ===
Cattìr's flora has adapted to thrive in its relatively harsh climate, with the moorlands supporting a unique botanical diversity. The landscape is dominated by hardy grasses and heather, which blanket the hills in a purple hue during blooming season, providing essential grazing for the local sheep population. Peat bogs, a characteristic feature, are rich in sphagnum moss and other moisture-loving plants, crucial for the peat-cutting practices that have historically been part of the local fuel resources. Amongst this rugged backdrop, one can find pockets of more diverse vegetation in sheltered valleys and near streams, where wildflowers, including the rare marsh orchid and Cattìr mouse-ear, flourish. These areas of natural beauty contribute not only to Cattìr's ecological tapestry but also to its aesthetic appeal, embodying the resilience and adaptability of life in this distinctive landscape. Native trees such as rowan and crab apple are only isolated to a few specific locations.
=== Fauna ===
The fauna of Cattìr is characterized by species well-suited to its rugged environment. The Cattìr pony, a robust and hardy breed, is perhaps the most iconic, roaming the moorlands and serving as a symbol of the region's resilience. The moors and farmlands are also home to the Cattìr sheepdog, renowned for its intelligence and agility, essential to the sheep-rearing practices that dominate the local economy. Birdlife is particularly abundant, with the area's cliffs and open fields providing nesting sites for a variety of moorland birds, including curlew, lapwing, and snipe. The presence of unique variants of domestic animals such as cows, sheep, ducks, geese, and pigs, further enriches the local biodiversity, each adapted to the specific conditions of Cattìr. Perhaps one of the area's most notable species is the grice, a kind of indigenous pig. Believed to be related to the wild boar, they are known for their habit of randomly attacking lambs. Though it is possible to somewhat domesticate a grice, they prove to be only semi-domesticated at best in an overwhelming majority of cases - and so are not a popular choice for livestock.
=== Atypical Species ===
Like all parts of Magnula, there are various kinds of creature that live here that don't conform to typical bestial classifications. Nuggles, a kind of water spirit, are known to inhabit the streams and lochs, often playfully disrupting fishermen or leading travellers astray with their illusions. Trow, nocturnal, earth-dwelling creatures, roam the moorlands at night, with ancient standing stones said to serve as markers to their underground homes. Hags are occasionally sighted within the dense mists that blanket the hills, offering prophecies or curses to those who dare to approach them. Though sightings are rare, giants are sometimes spoken of in hushed tones, believed to dwell in the most remote and inaccessible areas, leaving behind only massive footprints as evidence. These are, of course, only a few examples.
== Settlements and Landmarks ==
* Slate Pit - a hamlet and the largest settlement in Cattìr. It was constructed only about 150 years ago and exists solely for the purpose of mining slate. The area in which it is built experiences a peculiar day-night cycle depending on what season it is.
== Trivia ==
* Cattìr is inspired by Shetland, a group of islands found north of Scotland.