The Borogoves

**The Borogoves** is a region in the central-portion of the Old World, it serves as the midsection between the cooler Andrewschgretan realm and the warmer Lobevian and Bilan realm. It is geographically, culturally, and linguistically a diverse area. Straddling the coast of the Babble'r Sea and stretching into the interior Hoggabaran highlands, the Borogoves is home to a variety of landscapes and over 13 million people of different backgrounds. An analysis of the region's geology, geography, wildlife, demographics, and culture illustrates its complexity.

## Geology

The geology of the Borogoves stretches back over 1.8 billion years, with the oldest natural feature being the still active Mt. Hoggabara volcano. Rising 2,549 meters above the Borogovian plains, Mt. Hoggabara's slopes are dense forests interspersed with conical and symmetrical hills covered in green grass that turns brown (in a way similar to the Chocolate Hills in the real world), it is also interlaced with slightly hazardous lava fields that are commonly regulated due to the region's cooler climate. The volcano demonstrates the region's complex tectonic history and ongoing geological processes.

## Geography

Coastal areas like northern Hargenland and New Acheson are generally very flat and low-lying, with wetland environments and muck. Inland, the landscape becomes more hilly and rugged (no rocks whatsoever, however). Forested hills and "mountains" (which are smoother hills that are more forested, similar to Appalachia in the real world) over 6,561 feet high dominate Borogovia, Lopphargia, and New Edeloria. Varying climates across the region result from this topography, ranging from oceanic along the coast to humid continental inland.

## Wildlife

With 222 mammalian species including large fox and culpeo populations, the Borogoves trail only the southeastern Old World in mammalian diversity. Its forests and wetlands also support over 1,340 bird species as well as diverse insects, arachnids, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mollusks.

### Red Fox

The red fox population of the Borogoves region is one of the largest and most diverse in all of Parania. Vast woodlands, rolling fields, and a varied landscape have allowed fox numbers to thrive. An estimated 980K red foxes currently inhabit the area, appearing in chatter across its landscapes. Borogovian red foxes are typically larger and more red.

### Culpeo

The culpeo, or false fox as it's sometimes called, is an iconic sight in the wilderness areas of the Borogoves. Originally introduced from Jabala many centuries ago, a sizeable wild population of these canines has become established. About 180K individuals live in the Borogoves, most concentrated in southern Borogovia, northern Lobevia, and parts of Lopphargia. The average culpeo density is higher in these areas, estimated at around 1 animal per 2-4 square miles of suitable habitat. Densities are much lower in the northern and eastern portions of the Borogoves, closer to 1 per 10-15 square miles due to less hilly terrain preferred by culpeos.

### Birds

Over 1,340 bird species are documented in the Borogoves.

The population exceeds 13.5 million, comprised of people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Its native population, North Caucasians, form a plurality at 71.6 %, while Arabs, Africans, and Asians each make up 5- 7 % of the population. Christianity is the predominant religion but 41.1 % are unaffiliated. Over 300 languages are spoken due to the region's highly multicultural communities.

## People

### Borogovians

The people native to Borogovia are known as the Borogovians. They trace their ancestry back thousands of years to some of the earliest settlers in the region during the Ice Age. Borogovians have their own distinct culture and traditions. A hallmark is their native tongue, Borogovisch. This language is thought to be descended from those spoken by migratory tribes who moved into the area during the Bronze Age.

Borogovisch incorporates a mix of soft consonants and rolling vowels that give it a melodic quality. Common greetings include "Morgenstern" which functions like "good morning" and "Wie gehts?" as an inquiry about one's well-being. Expressions like "Das weter ist wunderbar" and "Prost!" are ysed daily in casual conversation.

Traditional Borogovian crafts and cuisine also reflect the cultural heritage. Woodcarving and glassblowing were arts mastered generations ago. Dishes popular today trace back to ancestral homesteads, such as hearty stews called "Suppen" cooked in ceramic pots known as "Kumpen." Sweet foods made with local berries include "Tortchen" pastries and "Marmelade."

### Hargenish

The Hargenish people are the people who come from the western region of Hargenland in the Borogoves. They trace their ancestry back over a thousand years to some of the earliest known inhabitants of the area.

To this day, the Hargenish maintain many aspects of their unique cultural identity and traditions. Their ancestral language, Hargenish Platt, is still spoken by many older generations as a first language and taught in some schools to promote its preservation. The language incorporates a singsong dialect with guttural consonants not found in other Old World tongues.

### Jabberwocklongs

The Jabberwocklongs are an ethnic group native to the productive farmlands of eastern Hargenland. Their unique culture blends traditions from their Hargenish roots with influences from more southern origins.

Descended partly from Jabali settlers who migrated north around 900 years ago, the Jabberwocklongs make up a significant portion of the population in their home region today. Coming from lands near southern Jabala and Peisybaku, these early newcomers were attracted by reports of the fertile plains and rolling hills that encompassed southwest Apelchemia, eastern Hargenland, and northern Silegre, ideally suited for agriculture.

Over the centuries, the Jabali ancestry has integrated with local Hargenish peoples to create a distinct Jabberwocklong identity. Their language incorporates words from both, spoken with a distinctive lyrical accent.

Islam became the predominant faith after initial migrations, though beliefs have blended over time. Holy days are observed through both Jabali and Hargenish traditions. Hospitality and strong family values remain hallmark of Jabberwocklong society.

The landscape bears the marks of their stewardship. Vast wheat and corn fields form the backbone of the local economy. Distinctive manual plow techniques are passed down through generations, as are techniques for raising dairy cattle. Towns are known for their vivid markets trading produce and goods.

### Pure Jabalis

While over 22 million Jabalis today live in their ancestral homelands farther south, a significant population also resides in the Borogoves region. These expat Jabalis have helped contribute to the area's rich cultural diversity.

Most pure Jabalis in the Borogoves are descended from more recent immigrants who began arriving in the last century or two, drawn by opportunities for work, education and business. A large population settled primarily in the urban centers of New Acheson and Borogovia.

They established vibrant Muslim communities centered around ornate mosques, such as the marble-domed Al-Aqsa in Linthager. Many choose to live in adjacent neighborhoods, preserving elements of traditional Jabali culture.

Jabali Arabic remains strong in these enclaves, spoken alongside the local trade languages. Cuisine from their native lands if enjoyed, featuring fragrant spice blends, flatbreads, tagines and dates. Annual festivals import aspects of southern celebrations to the north.