Tieralto

Tieralto, known in most other regions as "the Highlands" is an area south of Feylan Wood and wedged between White Castle and New Loraen. Much of the land is highlands, rocky plains and hills. During periods of stability the land is known for the fruits of its farmland, its horses and textiles. The land suffered terribly during the Rise of New Loraen after adventurers resurrected the Necromancer in the form of a dracolich. The undead plague on the region wiped out most of its population before stability could be reestablished.

**People**

Tieralto's living inhabitants consist mostly of humans, halflings and dwarves, with large populations of merfolk along its southern coast. Humans are predominantly Mera, but Baro and Jongurans are common. Halflings are almost exclusively of tallfellow blood. The region also sees regular migrations by the Ushanii people. The nomads have always received better treatment from natives of the region compared to elsewhere.

Culturally the peoples of Tieralto are a passionate and lively bunch. Clothing is bright and showy, wine flows throughout the day and festivals are common. There is a deep appreciation for art in all its forms with a special love for poetry and music. Nearly any household in the region has a collection of poetry and instruments regardless of familial talents. Because of the region's history of conflict, valuable jewelry is worn by all and often used in the place of coin.

**Climate & Geography**

Overall, the region has hot, dry summers and mild, fairly wet winters. Temperatures tend cooler in the western parts of the region and become semi-arid as one approaches the badlands of New Loraen. The climate supports a broad range of flora and fauna. Mixed forests and grasslands characterize the region's western third. Not only does the region become drier heading east but hills, terraces, canyons and plateaus become more common. A number of small mountain ranges break up weather patterns from the south and the winds coming from the D'aria.

The southern shores are warm beaches and seaside cliffs with islands and coral throughout the sea. The islands between Baia Chiara and the Bay of Sharks shelter a large region of salt marsh.

**Economy**

The people of Tieralto produce agricultural products and trade goods in abundance. Farms and ranches produce grains, meat, dairy products, as well as olive and fruit products. Textiles are made from high quality cotton, linen, wool and silk. These products take advantage of a wide range of dyes made in the region and have a unique style. Craftsmen produce jewelry, instruments and glass items famous the Continent over. Ships from port cities have brought goods from the Merchant Sea since the Age of Kingdoms. Though fishing is common, it provides little commercial trade with other areas.

Out all its products, Tieralto is most famous for its horses. The ranches of the region produce animals of exceptional quality for all uses. Riding horses from Tieralto being of particular note for their swiftness and agility. The mera have strong bonds with horses and learn to ride as soon as they can sit in the saddle. To them the horses are as close as family and consequently horse theft is the gravest of crimes in the region.

During the Reign of White Castle, the region was considered part of that empire. Taxes were heavy and nobility was required to insure a steady flow of goods and coin. During the Rise of New Loraen, widespread destruction entirely disrupted the economy of the entire region. Harried survival became the daily focus of those among the living and consequently crops and animals were lost in abundance.

**Government**

Cities and villas in Tieralto form the seats of government for surrounding areas of land. These are ruled by Marquis/Marquesa with minor nobles who act as stewards, landlords and knights for them. During the early part of the Age of Kingdoms conflicts were common. The King of Loraen was able to negotiate peace among the rulers of Tieralto. After which they were ruled over by a Prince of hereditary title. A position ended by White Castle that was never reinstated. The region has since been a bit flippant about nobility, though ancient Loraen is still remembered by the people with nostalgic fealty. In general nobles function more to maintain military structure, deal with crisis and settle disputes.

**Landmarks**

*Valle Della Pace* - This valley is not from the city of Slettovi among rolling hills. A supernatural force causes any who enter the valley to leave their weapons stuck into the ground and lose any desire for conflict within the roughly 50 square miles of area. These weapons rust among the abundant wildflowers of the valley. Locals give credit for this phenomenon to a minor goddess called "Signora Della Pace". The valley has acted as a sort of safe haven for the city when under attack.

*Valle de la Meseta* - In the southwest of Tieralto mesas and buttes of gray rock rise up among picturesque rolling hills. The area is home to numerous farmers and ranchers. They tell tales of giants and monsters dwelling in hidden caves only reachable from the tops of the formations.

*Forest of Bones* - This swamp in the center north of the region borders Feylan Wood. Getting its name for the bleached white and leafless trees native to it. Even in the hottest parts of summer a chill hangs over the area encouraging thick fog. All manner of horrors are said to populate the swamp and it was here that the Necromancer was raised up.

*Bay of Sharks* - The warm waters of the bay have numerous large coral reefs and sea caves. Here dwell many breeds of shark as well as vicious sahuagin.

*The Isle of Lechones* - This large island off the western coast is home to unusual pigs. The tiny swine are said to have all sorts of magical powers and the ability to fly.

*The Painter's Palette* - This is an area of travertine pools in an eastern valley of Tieralto. Concentrations of various minerals give the water filling these pools vivid and varying colors. These pools are used as a source of the necessary ingredients for a number of high-quality pigments.

*Valley D'aria* - As one follows the plateaus and mesas toward the badlands, roads are forced through this valley. Named for the fierce winds that blow through from the elemental energies of the lands beyond.