Leshedon

## Geography

The temperate central region of Stravica.

Five imposing cliff ranges make sea travel to and from Leshedon a challenge. The Liath Cliffs in the southwest are among the more notable, as they are the ones home to Leshedon’s only sea port, the Port of Liath, which rests at the end of a long and somewhat risky natural path. The Cliffs of Vidana overlook the Eastrise Bay in the southeast. Rheynn’s Shelf is home to the longest bridge in Stravica, connecting the mainland to the island of Rheynn Niar in the northeast. The Sylvan Edge, the smallest of the cliff ranges, rests in the northwest region of Leshedon, connected to the base of the Grovehearth Peninsula that stretches north from the mainland. At the very tip of the Groveheath Peninsula lies the Serpent’s Maw, so named for its daunting, jagged rocks (largely made of calcite and limestone), as well as its unusually high snake population.

Throughout the fields of Leshedon, a vast, snake-like array of wilderness known as the Nathair Wilds aids to partition the land into subsections. The north is home to the Mullag Hills, which some geologists theorize to be remnants of High Halletar when it was once a mighty mountain range. They are most reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The central and smallest region is the Seihll Fen, a wetland surrounding the namesake Logh Seihll. Leshedon’s capital, Fort Devros, lies just north of this region on the other side of the Wilds. The Lushwind Plains comprise the southern portion of Leshedon, and has plenty of land suitable for agriculture, as well as land access to Kovnarosk.

Leshedon is home to three major rivers. The Springheart River is the only freshwater river in Stravica, which flows from the Mullag Hills, curving northward into Dalecaria. The Karaval River flows north from Logh Seihll, which also feeds the Nistra River that flows south into Kovnarosk.

Leshedon has a more utilitarian, conservative culture, forged in large part by their steadfast resilience during Long Winters. The art of survival is considered paramount. Though they aren’t actively hostile, Leshedonians tend to be the least friendly to outsiders. Its major cities are Fort Devros, Grovehearth, Port of Liath, and Kulmala’s Pass.

## Food

Food in Leshedon is actually one of the few enjoyable aspects of its culture, thanks in large part due to its vast surplus of arable land in the south. Fruits, grains, and vegetables (and spices if you can afford them) are popular additions to many dishes, which mainly consist of beef and poultry. Due to the nigh-impassible cliffs that flank the nation, fish is far less common in Leshedon, usually brought in from the north and south.

## Music

Music in Leshedon is rarely as laid back as it is in Dalecaria, and solo artists are even less common. Instead, aspiring musicians in Leshedon often seek out groups to join (or start their own if they have the means), as music is generally perceived as a collaborative endeavor. Themes include valor, battle, tall tales, and legends, with the intent of instilling pride and determination within listeners.

## Architecture

Buildings in Leshedon are probably the most advanced compared to other locations in Stravica - thanks to its many mines in the Steelspine Mountains, Leshedon’s buildings are composed primarily of iron and stone. Glass is more likely to be used in residential dwellings than in commercial or government locations - practicality is number one when it comes to Leshedonian design, and they are not prone to displays of extravagance (they like to save that for their military).

## Art

Like many other things in Leshedon, art holds a greatly utilitarian purpose as well. Most paintings here are portraits commissioned by the wealthy and attempt to be as realistic as possible, favoring accuracy and precision above all else as opposed to dramatization. Other types of paintings such as landscapes and still life are mostly found in places like libraries and universities, as art is generally seen as a purely academic pursuit.

## Faith & Beliefs

Religion in Leshedon, while not discouraged, isn’t seen as a priority in most of the populace - rather, a simple distraction from greater pursuits. Regardless, there are emerging groups that have begun to worship gods such as Madoc and Krelok, following increasing instability in the wake of the establishment of the Stravican government.