Locations - Jade Dynasty

geographic summary

## Ard Range

The Ard Mountain Range cuts across the Jade Dynasty and is home to the High Temple; the Jade Dynasty capital and where The Empress and Her Court live. In High Temple alone the population reaches ~800, although there are a few tiny villages sprinkled around the mountain side.

The mountains can be very inhospitable at times, particularly during the winter and spring seasons. Most of the mountain peaks are high enough to collect a fair amount of snow in colder temperatures, and often are snow covered throughout the year. Even despite the intimidating climate, the High Temple was built on the mountain side so the Jade Dynasty's ruler could watch over their nation. The Ard Range district also includes Lushan Lake, the largest lake in the Dynasty.

The Ard Range is well known for it's large quantities of precious stones and metals. These materials are useful for building, art, magick, and ceremonies. By experts approximations, there are still enough precious materials left in the mountains that the Dynasty could continue for another many centuries. Even so, many decades ago a rule was put in place to stop excessive and over-mining the mountains. Another law states that there cannot be mining within a certain radius of High Temple or any other villages in the Ard Range.

## Moss Grove

Moss Grove is in the southeastern region of the Jade Dynasty. Lindlow is it's largest city with a population of 120. Surrounding villages such as Hooded Grove, Hallowshire, Eastvale Pier, Velvet Grave, and Midsomar Village have populations of around 60-100 each. This brings Moss Grove's total population to around ~700.

Thick old-growth forest spreads all across Moss Grove creating for secluded and sometimes difficult-to-get-to villages. Laying in the shadow of the Ard Range, the climate is lush and cool-- unlike the Fluran Hills that sit across the Falt River. The tall tree canopy and thick shrubbery allow for a vibrant mix of fauna to thrive. Just northwest and downstream of the Moss Grove boundary is Lark Lake and Port Lark. To the north is the Grove's Edge forest which separates Moss Grove from the Ard mountain range.

Moss Grove is known for its lumber and its fishing exports. With large amounts of strong, tall trees many types of wood can be collected and shipped throughout the Dynasty. Fishing is a popular trade in many Moss Grove villages that lie along the river. During the summer months many fresh-water fish and aquatic life can be caught in the River Falt.

## Pinnacle Valley

Pinnacle Valley is named so due to it's major importance in trade. The use of boats crossing through the canyon is major to getting food and materials from seaside towns to inland towns, and vice-versa. Ferries are used to travel up and down the river with relative ease. The larger boats commonly used upstream are deserted after the journey through the canyon. Smaller vessels are required to safely navigate through the delta that lies at the mouth of the River Falt.

The journey through the canyon itself is often very dangerous. Only highly-experienced captains are allowed to pilot ships through the often narrow canyon. The river has managed to cut the mountains in two after millions of years of erosion. Tall vertical cliffs enclose on the river, vines and trees grip to whatever ledges they can dig into. There is always nervous talk of a rockfall or other landfall causing a blockage to ships passing through. This has not happened in recent history.

### Port Lark

Port Lark is situated on Lark Lake which is fed by the River Falt. This port is vital in transporting goods between districts and lies in the center of the Jade Dynasty. Port Lark is known for its vibrant and prosperous trade scene. Its the place to go if you want to sell your goods and wares. It is the second largest city in the Jade Dynasty, only behind Lushan in the Ard Mountain range.