Stoneclanburgh

Stoneclanburgh is an area located in the north of The Lowlands, which is encompassed by the Imperial county of Chrichheim.
It's name is derived from a combination of the Old Chrich and contemporary Common languages. Stoneclan literally refers to a mysterious pre-Imperial clan that once inhabited the area. Little is known about them except for the standing stones and cairns that they built, the remains of which continue to dot the landscape of Stoneclanburgh today. The burgh part of the name is a slightly changed term that was used by old Chrichheimer's to refer to territory. So, the name can be translated loosely into "stone clan territory."
== Geography ==
Stoneclanburgh presents a geography marked by its historical and natural richness. The area is characterised by rolling hills that gently rise from the central lowlands, offering fertile valleys that are interspersed with ancient standing stones and cairns, silent witnesses to the mysterious Stoneclan. The terrain becomes more rugged towards the north, where the terrain rises into a taller range of hills that provide a dramatic backdrop and a natural boundary. Small, dense woodlands and patches of heathland add texture to the landscape, hosting a variety of flora and fauna. The weather in Stoneclanburgh is typical of a temperate climate, with relatively mild winters and cool summers, while rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year, ensuring the lushness of its valleys and hills.
== Economy ==
Stoneclanburgh's economy is primarily underpinned by agriculture, weaving, and mining. The fertile valleys support the cultivation of crops such as barley, oats, and potatoes, alongside sheep farming on the higher ground, providing wool for the local weaving industry. This industry is particularly noted for its production of linen and woollen goods, which are traded both domestically and with neighbouring regions. Additionally, the presence of rich mineral deposits in the taller hills has led to the development of small-scale mining operations, extracting coal and ironstone. These resources not only fuel the local smithies and metalworking shops but also contribute to the broader regional economy through trade. The combination of these sectors - agriculture, textile production, and mining - forms the backbone of Stoneclanburgh's economy, fostering a community that, while rooted in tradition, is adept at utilising its natural resources.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
Stoneclanburgh's flora is a reflection of its varied geography. The fertile valleys are abundant with wildflowers, hedgerows, and crops, lending a patchwork of colour to the landscape. In the woodlands, ancient oaks, birches, and Scots pines dominate, providing shelter to a diverse understorey of ferns, mosses, and woodland flowers such as bluebells and wild garlic. The hillsides and moorland areas are covered in heather, bracken, and gorse, offering a brilliant display of purple and yellow hues during the blooming season. Along the streams and waterways, willows, alders, and other water-loving plants thrive, creating lush, green corridors that contrast with the more open, windswept areas of the higher ground. This rich tapestry of plant life not only supports a wide range of wildlife but also underpins the local agriculture and textile industries, with certain plants being used for dyeing fabrics.
=== Fauna ===
Stoneclanburgh's fauna is varied and adapted to the diverse habitats within the area. The woodlands harbour red squirrels, badgers, and a variety of bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds, creating a symphony of sounds and movements through the dense foliage. The open moorlands and hillsides are home to red deer and mountain hares, their presence often betrayed by the rustle of heather or a fleeting glimpse of movement. The ponds and streams, rich in nutrients and sheltered by bankside vegetation, support otters, water voles, and a myriad of fish species, including brown trout and salmon, which attract anglers and predators alike. Raptors such as the peregrine falcon and the buzzard circle the skies, keeping a keen eye on the ground below for opportunities. This diverse array of fauna contributes to the ecological balance of Stoneclanburgh, playing crucial roles in the food web and adding to the richness of the region's natural heritage.
=== Atypical Creatures ===
Atypical species that can be found in Stoneclanburgh do not differ much from those you would expect from both Chrichheim more locally, and the Impireacht region as a whole. Amongst the ancient standing stones and cairns, elemental spirits are said to dwell, guardians of the land that manifest with the raw energies of earth, air, fire, and water. The dense forests are home to treefolk, sentient beings that move with the slow grace of growing wood, whispering ancient secrets to those who listen carefully. The mines and caverns beneath the harsher hills harbour various golems, constructs animated by magical energy. In the twilight hours, wisps lead or mislead travellers with their ethereal light, dancing just on the edge of sight. These are, of course, but a few examples.
== Trivia ==
* Stoneclanburgh is inspired by Clackmannanshire, one of Scotland's 32 council areas.