The Lowlands

A view of The Lowlands

Nestled in the south-eastern reaches of the Empire of Man (and by consequence The Impireacht), The Lowlands stand as a rugged expanse, where the haunting echoes of centuries past whisper through mist-laden glens and ancient crags. This province, entwined with the Imperial county of Chrichheim, is a land of resilient spirits and unyielding terrain. At its heart lies Loch Mor, a colossal freshwater expanse reflecting the brooding sky above. The Lowlands share their borders with the Vampiric Union to the east, an ever-looming menace, and the steadfast Monav Urngorr to the south, allies in the face of encroaching darkness. Amidst the rolling hills and winding valleys, The Lowlands bear witness to a delicate balance between the relentless stubbornness of the Empire and the encircling shadows that threaten its very existence.

To the wary traveller, The Lowlands unveil a tapestry of contrasts; where age-old traditions coalesce with the harsh realities of survival. Small villages and tiny hamlets dot the landscape, their inhabitants embodying the indomitable spirit cultivated by generations. The air is thick with the scent of heather and damp earth, a reminder that in this land, beauty and desolation intertwine seamlessly. The shores of Loch Mor, haunted by tales of forgotten sorrows, echo the province's enigmatic character, while the sprawling moors harbour secrets that only the hardiest dare to unravel. This is a place where the struggles of the Empire's subjects are etched into the very stones that pave the winding paths between settlements.

Loch Mor, the heart of The Lowlands, commands both reverence and fear. Its depths are said to hold ancient secrets and the memories of battles long past, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of time. Fishing boats ply its waters, their crews casting nets into the unknown, hoping for sustenance and steering clear of the shadows lurking beneath. The grandeur of Loch Mor, however, cannot overshadow the grim realities of the province, which casts a pall over the resilient hearts of those who call The Lowlands home.

## **Geography**

The geography of The Lowlands is a testament to nature's resilience and a canvas of contrasts. Rolling hills, cloaked in the tapestry of vibrant heather and moss-covered rocks, stretch endlessly, their undulating forms a testament to the ageless passage of time. Valleys wind through the land, weaving tales of hidden communities and their struggle for survival amidst the rugged terrain. Granite crags, weathered by the ceaseless winds, stand sentinel over the province, their stoic presence mirroring the indomitable spirit of those who call The Lowlands home.

Amidst this varied landscape, several notable rivers carve their courses, arteries that sustain the lifeblood of the land. These waterways, born from distant mountain sources, wind through the hills and valleys, their meandering paths giving rise to fertile plains that harbour the toil of resilient farmers. Villages huddle along the riverbanks, their inhabitants drawing sustenance from both the bountiful waters and the unforgiving earth. Yet, the rivers are not just sources of life; they are also conduits of history, whispering tales of ancient battles and the ceaseless struggle for dominion over the land.

Loch Mor, nestled in the heart of The Lowlands, stands as a monumental feature, a vast expanse of freshwater that reflects the stoic countenance of the surrounding hills. Its shores, a mosaic of pebbles and ancient ruins, bear witness to the eons that have shaped the province. The moors, stretching beyond the horizon, are a desolate expanse where the wind moans through twisted heather and lonely cairns. Here, shadows dance beneath the ominous clouds, and the land itself seems to harbour the weight of its storied past. In The Lowlands, the geography is not merely a backdrop; it is an integral part of the narrative, an ever-present force that shapes the destinies of those who tread its ancient soil.

### **Climate**

The climate of The Lowlands is temperate and very changeable.

In some ways, it is a stoic companion to the province's rugged terrain, imposing its own trials upon its inhabitants. Winters, clad in a damp chill, see temperatures hovering between 2 to 8 °C tops, a season where mist clings to the hillsides and frost embellishes the roofs of villages. The summer sun, while occasionally offering respite, warms the land to a decent maximum of 15 to 20 °C. It is a time when the moors come alive with the vibrant hues of blooming heather, yet the looming shadows of approaching storms serve as a constant reminder of nature's capricious temperament.

Rainfall is a frequent visitor to The Lowlands, a reliable companion that nurtures both the fertile plains and the meandering rivers. The air is often laden with moisture. Storms, carried on the back of relentless winds, sweep across the land, leaving their mark on both the landscape and the spirit of the province.

## **Economy**

Agriculture stands as the backbone of economic prosperity in The Lowlands, with the fertile river plains supporting the cultivation of hearty crops. Fields of barley and oats sway in the persistent winds, much of which is converted into whiskey and other goods. Livestock, hardy breeds adapted to the challenging conditions, graze on the moors, contributing to the survival of the villages and towns. Cows and sheep are particularly common livestock. Fishing on the expansive waters of Loch Mor also plays a significant role, with the bounty of the freshwater sea providing not only sustenance but a source of commerce for those who brave its depths.

In some places stone quarrying and other industries are attempted, though they pale in comparison to the agricultural heart of The Lowlands' economy.

## **Wildlife**

### **Flora**

Flora in The Lowlands is actually comprised of a low number of vascular species when compared to other areas, but it is still of notable importance. Heather blankets the hillsides, its muted purples and pinks adding a soft touch to the rugged landscape. Mosses and lichens find purchase on weathered rocks, camouflaging the ancient stones with verdant hues. Windswept birch and rowan trees, gnarled by the ceaseless gusts, punctuate the moors and valleys, their twisted branches telling tales of centuries past. Along the riverbanks, willows and alders dip their branches into the flowing waters, their roots entwined with the rich soil. Hardy grasses, accustomed to the fickle temperament of the climate, carpet the moors, undulating in the breeze like a sea of muted green. These are, of course, only some examples and the area houses many more variations of plant life.

The flora of The Lowlands are well-developed for the harshness of the land and play an important role in the endurance of the ecosystem.

### **Fauna**

The fauna of The Lowlands mirrors the province's stoic spirit, embodying resilience and adaptability to the unforgiving landscape. Red deer roam the hills and moors, their antlers a majestic sight against the backdrop of grassy slopes. Mountain hares, their fur turning from brown to white with the seasons, navigate the rocky terrain with nimble ease. Pockets of woodland harbour elusive pine martens and red squirrels. Along the shores of Loch Mor, colonies of grey seals bask on rocky outcrops, occasionally venturing into the dark depths in pursuit of a bounty of fish.

Birds, too, weave their stories into the fabric of The Lowlands. Golden eagles soar above the crags, their keen eyes scanning the moors for prey. Puffins and guillemots nest along coastal cliffs, their comings and goings marked by raucous calls echoing through the air. Rivers and lochs teem with salmon and trout, their silvery forms navigating the freshwater currents. The Lowlands, despite its starkness, hosts a vibrant tapestry of fauna, each species adapted to the province's unique challenges and contributing to the intricate balance of life in this land.

### **Atypical Creatures**

The Lowlands, like the rest of the world, is home to many creatures that could be considered 'atypical.' Wisps, luminescent spirits that drift through the mist-laden glens, are believed to be manifestations of the ancient souls that once tread these lands. Various kinds of fae, mischievous and capricious, are known to inhabit the hidden corners of dense woodlands, their presence felt in the soft glow emenanting from remnants of their old magics. The waters of Loch Mor are said to be home to kelpies, horse-like creatures that lure unsuspecting prey into their watery domains. In the shadows cast by towering crags, stone constructs stand sentinel. Undead, infiltrating from the Vampiric Union to the east, occasionally haunt the province's outskirts, a stark reminder of the ever-present threat looming beyond The Lowlands' borders.

## **Areas**

* Muighobar
* Stoneclanburgh
* Mountains of the Strangers
* Pig Meadows
* Cattìr

## **Trivia**

* The Lowlands are largely inspired by, unsurprisingly, the geography of Scotland. Originally, the province was only inspired by the Scottish Lowlands specifically but overtime grew to encompass the whole country and even some other areas - like the Isle of Man.