Haerglayde



The most densely populous province, it is also the strangest. For some reason known only to the Gods, much of the land here is desolate and infertile, unable to bear crops or even grass in some areas. All but rainwater is corrupt and dangerous to drink, and there are odd pools of a tar-like substance scattered about the province. All but the coast, the mountains, and the far south is utterly uninhabitable by civilised people.



The Rithwyn mountain range splits Ortosis in two, from south to north, where it meets with the Himrist mountains that border Dacura. It is to the west of these snow-capped peaks that most of the Haerglaydian settlements are found - little pockets of civilisation and tranquillity in amongst the harsh, grey lands. There is precious little drinkable water at sea-level in Haerglayde, so all permanent water sources must come from mountainous springs.

 Dark Elves are the reigning inhabitants of Haerglayde, with over 70% of the province's population consisting of these people. The Haerglaydian Dark Elves were a hardier people than other Dark Elves. This was essential if they were to survive in these harsh lands, and live through the bitter Haerglaydian winter. There are other peoples inhabiting this province - as Haerglayde borders every other main-land province, there is quite a melting pot of humans and elves alike.

 The capital of Haerglayde is called Haerglayde City, placed as though by the Gods on a plateau midway up the highest mountain in the Rithwyn chain. The city itself is built in a radial fashion around the ancient settlement of Tol’Haer, upon whose ruins the royal palace has been built. The palace itself is carved of bluestone, and lined with ebony wood. Its lavish architecture represents the nation's wealth - what they lack in crops and livestock they more than make up for in precious gems and metals. Unlike the rest of the nation, the capital is lush and full of life. There are fields of poppies on the outskirts of the city - opium being another major export of Haerglayde - and inside the city’s walls, the streets are lined with cherry trees. The Royal Gardens are also home to maples, elms, oaks and thousands of wildflowers collected from around the continent. It is said that the Royal Family has a pact with an Earth Spirit, which is what keeps this city so fertile.

 The city is laid out in a radial, tiered fashion. The palace and its elaborate gardens, the third and highest tier, is set against the mountain face, and all other tiers sprawl out in semicircles from there. The second tier is home to nobles, the theatre, and higher class merchants. The first tier is home to citizens and middle to lower class merchants and the temples. Ground level but still inside the walls is the Foreigner’s Tier, where travelling merchants, paupers, and all unregistered visitors to the city reside.