The Thunderlands

A short distance north-west off the Storm Coast of the mainland, there lies a large ringlet of islands. The first
scholars who journeyed to this region many millennia before the Demon Wars
named it the "Thunderlands" for the constant rainstorms that plagued
them during the expedition. In addition to the hostile weather, their written
accounts noted the vast mountain ranges, the coniferous forests, the strange
animals and plants that thrived in the limestone landscape---and even moreso, the shining, precious rocks that lay beneath it. The original settlers on these
lands consisted of assorted, nomadic barbarian tribes who repelled any attempt
at conquering their common land. This remained unchanged until a group of
colonists known as the Grey Folk fled their home on the Storm Coast and settled
on the easternmost island in the region, which they named Stormrise. With their
magical powers and superior technology, the Grey Folk soon subjugated the
native tribes and made the Thunderlands their home. Their armored,
griffin-riding leaders soon became known as the Stormlords, and their dynasty
lasted almost 3000 years before closed trade routes, disease and Red Orc
invasion caused their collapse. Their last king, Jason of the Black Thorn,
assumed control of the region and, following a decisive military victory over
the Demon King Vermithrax, re-established relations with the mainland. His
descendants, House Blackthorne, currently rule over the region and have led it
to new levels of prosperity through their lucrative exploitation of their
homelands' mines.

## Geography

The Thunderlands is noted for its beauty as
much as its weather. Much of the terrain is a karst landscape, composed mainly
of limestone and other sedimentary rock formations. In the northern side of the
islands this gives way to high mountains, while the southern regions consist
mainly of flatlands that are more suited to farming. The weather in the entire
area is highly inconsistent--it is theorized that the Stormlord's manipulation
of the sky caused these fluctuations. There are very frequent storms with rain,
thunder and lightning, but strong winds are quite rare, except during winter.
The storms often stop very suddenly and give way to blue skies and sunshine,
before abruptly collapsing back into hostile conditions again.

## Locations

Stormrise Isle is a t-shaped, mountainous
island that lies in the east of the region. It is the most densely populated
island in the area and is House Blackthorne's ruling seat, making it the
capital of the Thunderlands. The high peak, located on the isle's southern
coast, is the location of Griffin's Peak, a black marble castle that is one of
the largest in all Aradia. In it's shadow lies the city of Coldharbor. This
serves as one of the main trading ports in the Stormlands, and also as a dock
for Blackthorne ships. The castle and city beneath are known for being examples
of the famous Stormlord architecture, consisting of spiked rooftops and
high-arched windows. To the west of Stormrise lie the Whiteoak Planes, a
sprawling land of forests and fields, considered to be ideal ground for the
sport of falconry. Traveling north from here will lead to the high, snowy
Thunderclap mountain range. It is from here that most of the Blackthorne's
precious stones are mined. Many have attempted to conquer the mountains, only
to be driven off by the biting cold and the Griffins that nest there. At the
northmost point of the Thunderlands, the island of Frostfall is the coldest
area that the Blackthornes claim dominion over. It is a flatland with constant
snow and a central forest of pinewood trees, known to be the home of bears and
wolves. To the south of the Thunderlands, the terrain gives way to misty
valleys and marshes. Last Barrow is the largest of the aforementioned valleys
and it comprises most of the southernmost part of the islands. The western area
of these western islands is ironically the most hospitable part, with sloping
green hills and fertile fields. It once had dense tree covering, but constant
forestry over the last few milleniums have stripped it almost bare. The planes
of Fallowfield lie to the south, and the high tower known as the Shadowwatch
can be found in the forests to the north. At the center of the islands is a
strange feature unique to the Thunderlands; the sea seems to develop some kind
of central tide that causes a large patch of sea around it to swirl in circular
patterns, forming a ring in the water. This is often referred to as "the
Eye of the Storm," or else just "the Eye." It is recognized as
likely some old Stormlord enchantment, and is often avoided by passing sailors
who fear it is cursed.

## Flora & Fauna

Birds are by far the most common animal in
the Thunderlands. Visitors to Griffin's Roost have often commented how pigeons
walk on the streets and often steal food out of people's hands, unafraid of
settlers. Crows, rooks and ravens are known to act similarly and can be spied
in equal multitude. Flocks of starlings and sparrows are also often known to
migrate to the forests in the Thunderlands during the summer. Hunting birds are
a prized commodity, and falconry is among the most popular sports; owning a
trained eagle, falcon, kestrel or hawk is more common among merchants and the
nobility. Carrier falcons are often used to deliver messages in the
Thunderlands; it is believed that the Stormlords' experiments made hunting
birds more intelligent for this purpose. Griffins, monsters that are half-lion
and half-eagle, are rare and uncontrollable, usually roosting in the mountains.
The insect population is rather unilateral in comparison to other regions,
consisting mostly of earthworms and bees. Mammals are also less common than
they are in other parts of the Isles of Aradia. Lions and snow leopards can be
found hiding in the mountains, bears and wolves can be found in the forests,
and people have been known to domesticate dogs for their uses as hunting
animals. Horses are very numerous, owing perhaps the spacious flatlands of the
Whiteoak Planes and Fallowfield. Their uses vary from farming to transport, and
Knights are known to specially breed larger and stronger warhorses known as
"destriers" for battle. In terms of plantlife, grass is of course the
most common find in the region. Forests are primarily coniferous, adapted to
surviving in harsh conditions, and they are known to yield a large variety of
durable woods. Temperate conditions allows crops such as potatoes, carrots,
peas, wheat, barley, oats and various others to be grown for food. The more
limestone-rich areas give rise to smaller plants with more interesting uses.
The fungus known as Bluestem, for example, yields a juice that can be used to cleanse
infections from wounds. The flower Maiden's Bloom is not as innocent as the
name implies. Inhaling its scent poisons victims, making them break out in a
violent rash that gives their faces a blushing appearance--hence the name.
Flowers are common, the most famous being the Black Roses that grow on
Stormrise Isle, which have been frequently used by female Blackthornes as their
symbol through the years.

## People

Humans have always been the most common
species in the Thunderlands. Westerners, as they are called, are noted for
their tall statures and fair complexions. Features such as blonde hair and blue
eyes are far more common in those born from Western bloodlines, distinguishing
them from the rest of Aradia's peoples. Outside of their homelands they are
referred to as "Westmen" and "Westerners," stereotyped as
being avaricious and grasping. This has some merit as the
Blackthorne-implemented economic system in place has seemingly given the
smallfolk under their rule an innate love for the acquisition of gold. They
most often find work in mines or in markets; each able-bodied male is required
to enlist in the military, the training for which can leave a native as tough
as they are ruthless. The lands boast few other indigenous races. Thanks to
ancient colonial efforts there is a sizable population of Half-Elves in the
Thunderlands, and it is common for many to boast some form of elvish ancestry
due to intermingling with High Elven bloodlines. Those who are have more elven
features often find success in the military due to their superior physical
prowess. The "pureblooded" High Elves themselves are fewer, though
they can often be found working as successful merchants in ports. Indigenous
Dwarves are generally found around the Thunderclap mountains. They are tireless
miners and sailors, but are considered ill-suited to military work due to their
small stature. There are few High Felines or Drow in the Thunderlands, owing
perhaps to the region's geography. Orcs are almost entirely absent; they are
usually ostracized and treated with extreme prejudice by Western natives.