South Lows

The South Lows is an area in The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim. The area was once part of the much larger Chrich Lows but it was split up during the Age of the Republic into the Mid Lows, North Lows, and South Lows.
The South Lows lie on part of the Empire's border with the Vampiric Union and was said to be the site of some of the Vampiric Wars' fiercest battles, to the point that it is said the area's red soil was created by the sheer amount of blood shed on the ground across history; others believe it might just be the result of the soil being rich in iron, however. The area is predominantly rural, though there are notable industries in coal and iron mining as well as the refining of plant and nut oils for usage in lamps. These have created distinctive red spoil heaps (locally known as "bings") throughout the area. The largest and only notable settlement in the South Lows is the village of Dog's Hollow.
== Geography ==
The South Lows' geography is predominantly rolling hills and extensive lowland plains, interspersed with dense, ancient woodlands. The region's terrain is marked by a patchwork of fertile fields and rugged moorland, dotted with the distinctive spoil heaps or "bings" from its mining industry. The soil in the South Lows is notably red, a grim testament to the area's violent history during the Vampiric Wars. This allegedly blood-soaked earth gives the landscape a haunting, otherworldly quality, particularly at dawn and dusk when the light casts a ruddy glow over the land.
The climate of the South Lows is typically temperate, with cool summers and mild winters. However, the area's weather is notoriously unpredictable, with sudden, heavy rainstorms and persistent mist and fog that can roll in from the border with the Vampiric Union. The dense woodlands and moorlands often become shrouded in this mist, reducing visibility. The frequent rains ensure the land remains lush and green, but also contribute to the boggy, treacherous conditions underfoot, making travel difficult and perilous.
== Economy ==
The economy of the South Lows is primarily driven by its natural resources. Coal and iron mining are the economic backbone of the area, with numerous mines scattered across the landscape. These operations have left a permanent mark on the land in the form of red spoil heaps - referred to locally as "bings." In addition to mining, the South Lows is known for the refining of plant and nut oils, which are an essential fuel source for lamps. These industries provide the main sources of employment for the local population, with many families having worked in the mines or refineries for generations. These industries have fostered a modest but stable economic environment mostly centred in the village of Dog's Hollow, the area's only major settlement. The agricultural sector also plays a role, with small farms and pastures contributing to the local economy, although these are often secondary to the more dominant mining and refining activities.
== Wildlife ==
=== Flora ===
The flora of the South Lows mainly a mix of hardy native plants adapted to the region's often harsh conditions. Ancient woodlands of gnarled oaks and twisted yews dominate the landscape, their dense canopies creating shadowy groves. Beneath these trees, a variety of ferns and mosses thrive in the damp, shaded undergrowth, while patches of heather and gorse add splashes of muted colour to the moorlands. The red soil supports a unique array of wildflowers such as bloodroot and red campion, which seem to flourish in the iron-rich earth. There are also lone rowan trees that can be found here, their crimson fruit adding to the red theme that can be clearly seen here.
=== Fauna ===
The fauna of the South Lows includes a variety of species well-suited to its rural and often rugged environment. Deer are a common sight in the woodlands, while foxes and badgers are frequently seen in the moorlands. The wetlands and boggy areas are home to an array of birdlife, including herons, ducks, and the occasional osprey, which can be seen fishing in the region's numerous streams and ponds. Smaller mammals such as hares and hedgehogs are also plentiful, and the area's dense forests provide habitat for a range of birds, including owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
=== Atypical Species ===
Like all parts of Magnula, there are various kinds of creature that live here that don't conform to typical bestial classifications. Most notably amongst all the atypical species of the South Lows are the Redcaps, violent goblin-like humanoids that tend to occupy abandoned mines and ruins across the area. Redcaps can be found all across The Lowlands but what makes the Redcaps of the South Lows unique is their clothing. Instead of the red caps from which their kind derives its name, the Redcaps of the South Lows wear full red pointed hoods. Their other clothes, to, are dyed red which culminates in incredible camouflage that makes them near-invisible to most when hiding in the South Lows' red soil. This, unsurprisingly, makes these Redcaps incredibly dangerous to most regular citizens.
== Settlements and Landmarks ==
* Dog's Hollow - a large village that is notable for its leather-making and shoemaking. Being located near the border with the Vampiric Union, it has seen many battles over the years.
== Trivia ==
* The South Lows is inspired by the West Lothian Council Area in Scotland.