Pig Meadows

Pig Meadows is an area in the north-west of The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim. It is slightly larger than many of the other areas in The Lowlands, yet it is very sparsely populated. Pig Meadows' largest settlement is Noclais.
The area has been inhabited by humans for over 2,000 years. First by pre-Empire tribes, then Old Chrich clans, then the Kingdom of Albran, and finally the county of Chrichheim as part of the wider Empire of Man.
The local climate is temperate and somewhat mild. The soils are also extremely fertile. Most of the land settled land is farmed, and agriculture is a huge part of Pig Meadows' economy. Average daytime temperatures generally vary from between 7 °C in winter and 16 °C in summer.
Pig Meadows contains incredibly well-preserved historical sites that once belonged to pre-Imperial humans, including some of the best in the Empire. It also has an abundance of wildlife - particularly of the avian variety.
== Geography ==
Pig Meadows is characterised by its temperate climate and remarkably fertile soil, making it a verdant and agriculturally rich region. The terrain is primarily flat to gently undulating, with expansive fields and pastures dominating the landscape, punctuated by occasional clusters of woodland and scattered, small freshwater bodies. This layout facilitates extensive farming and agriculture, which is the cornerstone of the local economy. The area benefits from mild, wet winters and cooler summers, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 7°C in the colder months to 16°C during the summer season, creating ideal conditions for a variety of crops and livestock.
The region is also noted for its historical significance, hosting an array of well-preserved sites attributed to pre-Imperial humans, which stand as some of the most intact remnants of their era within the Empire. These sites, ranging from ancient stone circles to burial mounds, offer a glimpse into the distant past and contribute to the area's cultural heritage. The abundance of wildlife, especially birds, adds to the ecological diversity of Pig Meadows, with the open fields and water sources attracting numerous species, from waterfowl to migratory birds, enriching the biodiversity and offering spectacular opportunities for bird watching and natural studies.
== Economy ==
Pig Meadows' economy is predominantly anchored in agriculture, thanks to its temperate climate and exceptionally fertile soils. The region specialises in both crop production and livestock farming, with fields yielding a bountiful harvest of grains, vegetables, and root crops such as turnips and potatoes. Livestock, particularly sheep and cattle, are raised extensively, benefiting from the vast pastures and meadows that characterise the landscape. The production of wool and dairy products, alongside meat, forms a significant part of the local trade, with surplus goods often traded with neighbouring regions. This self-sustaining agricultural model not only supports the local population but also contributes to the wider economic network within the Empire.
In addition to agriculture, Pig Meadows has developed a reputation for its artisanal products, particularly in textiles and pottery, which are crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. The wool from local sheep is spun and woven into cloth, renowned for its quality and warmth, finding markets both locally and further afield. Pottery, made from the rich local clay, is another notable craft, with Pig Meadows' ceramics distinguished by their durability and unique designs. These artisanal industries, together with the trade in agricultural produce, ensure a diversified economy that, while rooted in traditional practices, is adaptable and resilient. The presence of historical sites also contributes to a nascent tourism sector, attracting scholars, historians, and curious travellers, further enriching the economic tapestry of the area.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
The flora of Pig Meadows is marked by a rich diversity of plant life that thrives in its fertile soils and temperate climate. The agricultural landscape is interspersed with native wildflowers, including the Chrich primrose, ragged robin, and various species of orchids, which bloom in the meadows and along the field margins, adding splashes of colour throughout the spring and summer months. Hedgerows and small woodlands, though less common, host a variety of deciduous trees such as ash, rowan, and birch, alongside a understorey rich in ferns, mosses, and woodland flowers. These areas serve as important habitats for wildlife, offering shelter and food, and contribute to the ecological balance of the region. The natural vegetation, adapted to the local conditions, not only supports the area's agricultural productivity but also enhances its biodiversity, creating a landscape that is both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing.
=== Fauna ===
Pig Meadows boasts a remarkable variety of fauna, particularly noted for its avian diversity. The area serves as a haven for a plethora of bird species, from common farmland birds such as skylarks and lapwings, whose songs and displays animate the fields, to the more elusive waterfowl that inhabit the ponds and streams, including ducks, geese, and swans. The hedgerows and woodlands provide nesting grounds for a variety of songbirds, while the open fields attract birds of prey like kestrels and buzzards, which patrol the skies in search of rodents. Beyond the birds, the fertile land and varied habitats support a range of other wildlife, including hares, foxes, and badgers, which contribute to the local biodiversity. In particular, hedgehogs, rabbits, and hares thrive due to the rarity of typical predators - such as the aforementioned foxes and badgers. This abundance and variety of life not only enriches the ecological tapestry of Pig Meadows but also underscores the area's natural wealth and the symbiotic relationship between its flora and fauna.
The Pig Meadows sheep is a peculiar variant of the typical domestic sheep that is endemic to the Pig Meadows area. They are unusual due to their diet, which mainly consists of the algae that grows in the lochs and ponds; though toxic to most other animals, these sheep have evolved a way to consume it safely and indeed seem to prefer it to conventional grasses.
=== Atypical Species ===
Atypical species that can be found in Pig Meadows include nuckelavee, trow, hags, and various other forms of fae. There are even stories of strange finmen (fishfolk) living in the area's larger lochs, but there is no evidence to prove that such creatures exist.
== Settlements and Landmarks ==
* Noclais - a hamlet of medium size and the largest settlement in Pig Meadows. It is notable for it's sheep herding as well as its position as a stopping-off point for inter-county travellers.
== Trivia ==
* Pig Meadows is inspired by Orkney an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland. In this instance, however, the area is landlocked.