Mountains of the Strangers

A view of the Mountains of the Strangers

The Mountains of the Strangers is an area located in the southernmost parts of The Lowlands, which is encompassed by the Imperial county of Chrichheim.

Much of the area has a mild, temperate climate that is effected by cooler air currents that can flow down from the neighbouring Spine of the World. The area has a very small population and substantial swaths of the landscape are entirely uninhabited.

There are many ancient structures, belonging to both pre-Imperial humans and the Dwarven Empire. Many of these structures do not appear in any discovered texts from the time they were likely created. The area became part of the Kingdom of Stradclod before it was united under Albert of Dunedyn with the Treaty of Fairwood. Despite now being part of the county of Chrichheim, control of the mountains is largely influenced by a few minor clans - most notably Clan MacLeod and Clan MacNeil.

Commercial activity is reliant on small-scale agriculture, weaving, and hunting. Navigation through the mountains is notoriously difficult, and so many inhabitants have a deep respect for the natural environment.

## **Geography**

Much of the area's south is comprised of rugged, towering mountains. On the other hand, most of the centre is made up of fertile low-lying grassy plains. This part makes for good pastureland, despite being somewhat gravelly due to the nearby peaks. The west is comparatively flat, and largely consists of treeless moors and peatland. Much of the area's interior, regardless of the biome, is rocky and at least somewhat rugged.

The Mountains of the Strangers is also notable for its many lochs. The area is home to a significant number of them, however most are on the smaller side. Some parts have so many lochs that travel is almost like navigating a maze due to both the number of lochs and the complexity of their outlines. That being said, land bridges and causeways connect the land in places that have a particularly large number of lochs.

The Mountains of the Strangers have a temperate cool climate that is remarkably steady and mild for the part of the world it is in. Average temperatures are about 6 °C in winter and 14 °C in summer. Wind is a constant in the area and even in the brightest summer months there are almost constant breezes. It is said that sometimes, though rarely, during very fierce storms small animals will be blown down from the neighbouring mountains in a rather horrific bastardisation of rain.

## **Economy**

The area's main economic industries revolve around small-scale agriculture, hunting, and weaving - particularly the manufacture of tweed. Small-scale agriculture is especially popular, which ranges in size from a single hectare of land to thousands of hectares through community grazing.

Much of the area's economy is dependent on the natural environment to thrive. As a result, the inhabitants of the area have a respect for the natural world and communally ensure that the environment remains intact and minimally effected by their presence.

## **Wildlife**

### **Flora**

The low-lying pasturelands are notable for the different species of orchid. The moors hold a large number of insectivorous plants, such as sundews, and even some species of carnivorous plant.

The area contains only tiny pockets of woodland now, in unsettled areas free of human and livestock interference. These tiny patches of trees are comprised of pine and spruce.

There are also many different species of fungi and lichen that can be found in the area.

### **Fauna**

The Mountains of the Strangers is home to many different types of birds. This includes species that stick to the lower-laying areas but also those that migrate down from the mountains in search of food and nesting grounds. Notable species include golden eagles, curlews, falcons, and buzzards.

Fish are also quite prevalent in many of the area's lochs. The most common of these is salmon but other species include eel, char, stickleback, and flounder.

The only native mammal species in the area is the otter - which enjoys the mild climate and many lochs. However, other species are present that have either migrated into the area or were introduced by settlers. This includes deer, rabbits, and hedgehogs. The presence of hedgehogs has proven to be controversial as they do kill crop pests but equally threaten the eggs of native ground-nesting birds. A unique species of sheep can also be found in the area. This species does not require sheering and so feral herds can also be found.

Reptile and amphibian life is surprisingly rare, with slowworms and frogs being the only notable kinds.

Insect life, on the other hand, is abundant. Midges are a common annoyance, but dragonflies and butterflies thrive in the summer months. The large presence of insect life is evident by the thriving insectivorous plants that can be found in some parts of the area.

### **Monsters**

Atypical species that can be found in the area do not differ much from those you would expect from both Chrichheim more locally, and the Impireacht region as a whole. However the Mountains of the Strangers do seem to have a strong presence of water spirits and similar elementals. Various types of fae are also comparatively common. Will-o-wisps and small colonies of were-people are also said to be found here.