Square Ranges

The Square Ranges are exceptionally mountainous, with the occasional broad, deep valley, the largest of which was the cradle of Mountain Khettadine civilization.   There are two ranges which make up the Square Ranges, running in parallel. Four of the largest mountains in the range form a rough square around the principal valley, giving the region its name.   The northern range is fairly mild by the western sea, but then becomes dramatically more rugged as it moves east, bordering the eastern sea in sheer cliffs and rocky slopes.   The southern range is more evenly distributed and has less dramatic difference between its valleys and peaks, but the whole range is at a higher altitude. This region is particularly rich in minerals and was turned over to industrial manufacturing.   Shurnovisk Lenebas ("Lifeblood River") runs a course roughly between the two ranges, with various lakes filling entire valleys year round and sometimes merging with the river when the winter snow melts and flows towards the western sea.

The mountains are vibrantly alive, with many native varieties of brilliantly-colored flowers filling the mountain meadows which dominate the valleys, and gracing the rugged slopes wherever their hardy roots can find purchase. One such flower, the adilys, was adopted as the national symbol of The Mountain Republic.   Most agriculture is based in either the northern range or in the valleys between ranges where they are fed by the central Shurnovisk River. Along the path of this river, there are some small lakes which sometimes fill entire valleys, merging with the river when it swells with the spring thaw. Several of these have been dammed or even artificially created and turned into locks designed to control the flow of the river, allowing the manipulation of how much water floods through the river and reducing the risk of flooding.   In the southern ranges, agriculture is not as easy due to the even lower average temperatures, and so mining and industry took prominence. However, both coasts are dotted with fjords which provide excellent fishing grounds.

By winter, the Shurnovisk River is significantly depleted and flows much more slowly. Most parts freeze for at least two months out of the year—most of the winter season. When the spring thaw comes, the river swells dramatically.   In eons past, the Khettadine would store up food for the winter, then retreat indoors and rarely go out except to hunt, gather firewood, or take care of farm animals, but with the rise of modern conveniences this is no longer necessary and they are able to live comfortably year-round, making no significant changes to their usual behaviors or routines to accomodate the changing seasons.

As the "father mountains" of the Mountain Khettadine, their history is inextricably entwined with that of the Ice-Khetts.   They were uninhabited until exploratory expeditions were dispatched by Cent-Khetts displeased with their government. These reported back on the wonderful sights they saw, and soon a settlement was formed by Cent-Khett immigrants ferried by Shoreborne merchant ships.   These settlers would govern the fate of the mountain lands, turning it into a powerhouse of industry and trade that rivaled the prosperity of the Shoreborne's Scoresti League.

Tourism is a thriving industry in no small part because of the conservatism of the Mountain Khettadine, who preserve not only their classic architecture and traditions, but also their environment, taking great pains to keep their air clean, their water pure, and their plants healthy.   Many jobs exist specifically for the tourism industry, with entire districts of some cities set aside for historical displays, and any holiday or festival is an excuse for reenactments and displays of traditional apparel or practices.   Guided tours through the mountains are also quite popular, with certain national or state parks being kept in as "original" a condition as possible to give a snapshot of what the settlers first saw when coming to the new land. The natural beauty of the mountains are broadly touted as unparalleled, and while that may be an overstatement, the Mountain Khettadine culture serves to give them an extra air of mystique and enchantment.