The basic lay of the land can be summed up in one word: Diverse. Aetheria, being quite the old world, has undergone several changes and has been exposed to the elements. One can liken its geography to that of the planet Earth in that one can expect to see such things as vast mountain ranges, lush forests, deep oceans, expansive plains and barren deserts as far as the eye can see. Of course, what makes the landscape of Aetheria so unique is that one is able to experience all of these natural wonders on one continent. Throughout the ages, the planet has been battered by severe storms of intensities so great that one can only imagine the effects. Tidal waves have pounded the coastlines, leaving the rocks smooth and rounded in some locales, and scarred and jagged cliffs in others. Ice ages have lead to the formation of deep lakes and caverns all throughout the land, save the desert areas.
Areas can be classified and divided into groups for easier reference and organization. Below are the names and locations of each of the major areas on the continent, followed by a short description of each. A more detailed description will be given in the specific geography packet. The purpose of this geographical overview is to provide a general background to keep in mind while reading about the races. It will help to explain why some of the customs and developments have come about the way in which they have. Cultural development has so much to do with environment, that to not explain it would be doing a great disservice to one self when it comes to truly understanding the particular culture.
The Karavandian Mountains
Located in the southern part of the continent, the Karavandian Mountain range rises high above the coastline. Many of the peaks rise from about 15,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level. That fact alone tells just how old this land really is. It takes millions of years for plate tectonics to form mountains that high. Most of the peaks, despite being so high, are rounded off at the top. This is due to weather and erosion. However, the landscape is basically all solid rock. Soil has eroded away, leaving nothing but the bedrock. This makes farming on these mountains impossible. Sure, there are scattered areas of grass and trees in the lower altitudes, but there is not enough farmable land to sustain and support a population. Various lakes are spotted throughout the area, having been formed by the receding and melting glaciers of the last ice age.
None of these mountains are volcanic, though it would seem logical seeing as how they are costal mountains. The rocky environment is enough to make them barely habitable. The Karavandians are home to a specialized animal population.
In terms of climate for the area…the weather is often rather cold. Peaks of the high mountains are snow-capped. Harsh winds are constantly blowing, often reaching speeds in gusts of over one hundred miles per hour. Rain is also fairly common. Despite that, winters on the lower peaks are often mild and relatively snow-free. Temperatures generally range from 40 to 60 degrees in the lower altitudes depending on the season. In the high altitudes, the temperature can reach a drastic –50…and that’s without factoring in the winds!
The Zandari Plain
The Zandari Plain is centrally located on the continent. It is the great lowland that facilitates trade between all regions. Many of the people of Aetheria call it “The Gateway” because it allows communication with peoples and places whom without which, would have no way of knowing about. It also should be noted that this area is very large and resembles a large circle on the map.
On the plains, life is good. Crops are plentiful due to very rich and fertile soil. A great river, known as the Renshi, cuts straight through the middle of the Zandari Plain. Rich silt deposits have left the banks of the river and the land closest to it, the most desirable place to live in this area, and perhaps in all of Aetheria. Temperatures remain fairly nice here – warm summers and cool winters. Seldom will it drop below freezing. There are frosts sometimes that jeopardize crops, but those are few and far between.
Rainfalls can be threatening. The Renshi River floods more frequently than people would like – about every thirty or so years. That is the price of living in such a fertile area. Because of this, many homes in the area are built on stilts. Farmers have come to accept these floods as a way of living on the Zandari Plain, though.
The Quenrelle Forest
It has often been thought that this land is imbued with some magical powers. A thick mist that many people associate with some kind of guardian force surrounds the forest-covered land off to the east. Tall deciduous trees form a lush canopy through which the sunlight filters. This forest looks like many that are in the northern United States. It is a typical deciduous forest. However, the climate is warmer here than in that kind of environment. Average temperatures are around 80 degrees. There is no winter here.
Many animals live here in the thick underbrush, as do a great number of people. Small rivers and creeks meander through the trees and shrubs, providing the region with easily accessible water. Here, self-sufficiency is a way of life. The land is also pretty flat with the occasional hill and cliff.
One of the premiere features of this land are the great numbers of caves. These caves go deep into the earth. Many of them have never been explored. Why that is, is not really going to be discussed in this section. The caves that have been explored have proven to be full of amazing sights – underground waterfalls and rivers, massive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as precious metals.
The Phir’shar Desert
Perhaps even more harsh of an environment than the Karavandian mountain range is the Phir’shar desert. There is virtually no water here to speak of. Area-wise, the sands occupy just about all of the western coastal area of Aetheria.
Climates here are practically intolerable to most life. Temperatures reach a blistering 120 degrees during the day time and drop below freezing at night. It is almost as if there is no atmosphere over this land to retain heat. Vegetation is limited to cactus-like plants and others specially adapted to surviving on almost no water. Sandstorms and tornadoes are commonplace.
There are a few oases scattered around. Small civilizations have sprung up around them, but most that have tried to establish permanent homes here have died due to the heat or lack of water…or a combination of both. Very few travelers dare to pass through the desert. As of right now, it remains largely unexplored.