Cattìr

A view of Cattìr

Cattìr, also called the Cattìr Moors, is an area in The Lowlands province, which encompasses the Imperial county of Chrichheim.

The area is incredibly sparsely populated. The largest single settlement in the area, Slate Pit, only has a population of about 160 people. As well as Slate Pit, Cattìr is only settled by a few tiny farming communities - which mostly focus on sheep-rearing and the wool trade - and quarrying outposts.

Cattìr has a temperate climate (which lingers on the colder side), complex geology, rugged terrain, and many low, rolling hills. In terms of pure land area it is one of the smaller areas in The Lowlands.

Humans have lived in Cattìr as far back as recorded history goes. Pre-Imperial tribes, Old Chrich clans, the Kingdom of Albran, and finally the Empire of Man have all controlled the area at some point. It is also probable that orcs and/or goblins also occupied the area in early history - but there is no physical evidence to prove this. Within the last century or so, trade has improved noticeably in Cattìr, however it's influence on trading markets still remains mostly local.

The local culture of Cattìr reflects its Old Chrich traditions, with its own festivals and a strong musical tradition - particularly with the fiddle. Many of the landmarks and locations in the moorlands have Old Chrich origins. The sparse and unique landscape of the moors have led to the development of several notable variants of flora and fauna. The two most famous are the Cattìr pony and Cattìr sheepdog, but there are also variants of cow, sheep, duck, goose, and pig that can be found here.

## **Geography**

Cattìr is quite a bit smaller than many of the other areas in The Lowlands, about half the size to be precise. The largest settlement is Slate Pit, with a population of around 160 people. Most of Cattìr is uninhabited wild frontier, but even then the land is dotted with natural landmarks and ancient ruins from pre-Empire times.

All of Cattìr is comprised of rocky, marshy moorland. The ground is often damp and muddy - with the only consistently solid ground being the numerous geological features. Indeed, the geology of Cattìr is complex, with much of the terrain covered by rocky landmarks such as outcrops and faults.

Cattìr has a climate comprised of long cool winters and short warm summers. In the winter, average temperatures hover at around 0-1 °C, whilst in the summer average temperatures rise to about 14 °C. Frost is consistent here, with the only truly frost-free season comprising of about three months. The general weather of Cattìr is wind and cloud. Rain and fog is also common. Snow, on the other hand, is surprisingly not and often doesn't settle.

## **Economy**

The main economic producers in Cattìr are quarrying and livestock agriculture.

Quarrying is central to the area's economy. Over half of the local quarrying industry comprises of minerals used in construction and road-paving - such as sandstone and slate. Other notable products include talc, peat, limestone, and small but vital deposits of copper and iron.

Farming is primarily isolated to the rearing of sheep - particularly Cattìr sheep, a local breed known for their fine wool. In this vein, knitwear and wool products are important to both the economy and culture of Cattìr. Crop-based agriculture include very small plots of oats or barely, however the cold windswept terrain has proven less than ideal for most plants.

Cattìr's agricultural products are primarily (though not exclusively) sold locally. Typically cuisine for inhabitants of the area include locally-reared beef, lamb, and mutton. Local ale is brewed from barley. The Cattìr Blue is a type of potato with a dark blue skin and indigo flesh markings.

## **Wildlife**

With much of the area being unsettled wilderness, Cattìr is particularly biodiverse.

### **Flora**

The landscape of Cattìr is marked by herds of grazing species and harsh conditions, which has limited the growing and spread of local plant species. Native trees such as rowan and crab apple are only isolated to a few specific locations. The flora is dominated by wildflowers, mosses, and lichens - including spring squill and roseroot, the latter of which is used in traditional medicines.

### **Fauna**

Cattìr is home to a high number of moorland birds, including curlew, lapwing, and snipe. Rats and mice are somewhat commonplace, as one might expect, but are surprisingly limited in their spread due to the harsh conditions.

Larger mammalian species include a variety of indigenous breeds, including the Cattìr pony, Cattìr sheepdog, Cattìr cattle, and Cattìr sheep. All of these species have been domesticated. The grice is a species of indigenous pig that also inhabits the area. Believed to be related to the wild boar, they are known for their habit of randomly attacking lambs. Though it is possible to somewhat domesticate a grice, they prove to be only semi-domesticated at best in an overwhelming majority of cases - and so are not a popular choice for livestock.

### **Monsters**

Monsters and other non-typical species that can be found in Cattìr include nuggles, trow, hags, and (though rarely) giants.

## **Settlements and Landmarks**

* **Slate Pit -** a hamlet and the largest settlement in Cattìr. It was constructed only about 150 years ago and exists solely for the purpose of mining slate. The area in which it is built experiences a peculiar day-night cycle depending on what season it is.