The Red Coast

== The Red Coast ==
Life on the western coast of Aurania, Erathes, (called the Red Coast due to its dracanthracite powered Crimson Lighthouses, below) has been dramatically reshaped by the burgeoning dracanthracite and railroad industries, which play pivotal roles in shaping the economy, culture, and landscape. The discovery of dracanthracite lairs in areas like the Far Northwest spurred a frenzy of extraction and development, as entrepreneurs sought to harness this valuable resource to power steam engines and fuel the growing demand for energy. Dracanthracite foraging towns sprung up virtually overnight, their populations swelling with workers drawn by the promise of steady employment and the prospect of prosperity. There are six primary Regions of the Red Coast: The Far Northwest, the Sweeping Steppes, the Central Forests, the High & Dry, the Great Bay, and the Eastern Wastes. 
 
=== Scat Prospecting ===
Let's face it... Dracanthracite is just dragon scat, so someone has to go pick it up. Life as a scat prospector is a daring endeavor, driven by the quest for rare treasure known to possess potent empyreal properties. These audacious adventurers embark on perilous journeys into the wilds, armed with courage and determination, to scour the rugged landscapes and forbidding caverns - their eyes keen for any sign of tarak activity - knowing each switchback could lead them closer to the prized dung. Every lode of load is a thrilling triumph, holding not only the promise of wealth but also the allure of ancient magic and mystery. Camp life echoes the camaraderie of gold rush encampments, with prospectors gathering around the fire to share stories of encounters with mythical beasts and the challenges they face in their quest. Yet, just like their counterparts in the search for gold, scat prospectors encounter perils such as fierce creatures, perilous terrain, and the ever-present specter of danger lurking in the enchanted wilderness.
"Well, reckon I just hunt dragons'n they droppin's! In bramble'n thicket I trudge, eyes peeled fer telltale signs o' Tarak scat. 'Tain't easy, mind ya, dodgin' 'em critters'n other beasties o' these here parts, but by Azzat, there's adventure ever step, 'N I ain't one to git scairt. Sos, I press on - there's shit'n them there hills!" - Sylvie McCleary, Krasna Scat Prospector
=== Railroads ===
The expansion of the railroad network during this period has been equally transformative, as ambitious visionaries seek to connect the disparate corners of the Red Coast with iron tracks, enabling faster and more efficient transportation of goods and people. The construction of railroads is a monumental undertaking, requiring vast investments of capital and labor as crews brave rugged terrain and harsh conditions to lay down thousands of miles of track. Railroads are fast becoming the lifeblood of the region, facilitating the movement of goods between coastal ports and inland cities, and opening up previously inaccessible areas to settlement and development. The interplay between dracanthracite and railroads is symbiotic, with dracanthracite serving as the essential fuel that powers the locomotives driving the expansion of the railroad network. As railroads extend their reach into remote areas, dracanthracite prospecting operations spring up to supply the ever-increasing demand for fuel, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle of growth and innovation. The rise of dracanthracite and railroads transformed the Red Coast from a remote frontier into a dynamic hub of commerce and industry, laying the groundwork for the rapid urbanization and industrialization that will characterize the region in the decades to come.
=== The Crimson Lighthouses of the Illuminati ===
The Crimson Lighthouses play a crucial role on the Red Coast by guiding ships safely through treacherous waters and facilitating maritime trade and exploration. These beacons of light are essential aids to navigation, especially along the rugged and often fog-shrouded coastline of the Far Northwest. Lighthouses help mariners navigate hazardous coastal waters, preventing shipwrecks and ensuring the safe passage of vessels engaged in trade, exploration, and colonization. They serve as vital landmarks, providing navigational reference points for sailors navigating the complex network of coastal channels and harbors. The Crimson Lighthouses are all dracanthracite powered lamps (hence the uniform, slightly red glow), and are run by the Illumiati, a religious order of monks devoted to lighthousekeeping and NOT trying to take over Erathes in Secret.
=== Regions ===
The Far Northwest