Steel Valley
The Steel Valley is a large river valley region nestled between the mountain ranges known as the Verdant Peaks and the Dwarven Reaches. With the Golden River running through it, the valley is considered one of the richest regions of the mainland. Towns, villages, cities, and trading posts dot the fertile landscape and give rise to many societies that vie for dominance. Politically, the Steel Valley is sandwiched between the spheres of influence of Ayrith, Daeriun, Vurturum, and Shanrao, with loyalties shifting frequently. The region has always been considered hard to tame due to the parochial nature of its people. Folk here often have more attachment and loyalty to their city and the power of coin than any far-off king or emperor. The largest cities in the Steel Valley would be Bascana and Cranktown. The region is very diverse, containing significant pockets of Droth, Gnomes, Halflings, Orcs, Dwarves, Dark Elves, Goblins, and many others.
Geography
As a river valley, the central areas of Steel Valley are fertile and arable, featuring many settlements. As one ventures north and south, the mountainous regions are more rocky, hilly, and, in the north, forested. These rocky areas are rich in goods to be mined. Iron, steel, precious gems, and magri. Fresh water is abundant in this region due to the dual mountain ranges surrounding the valley. Far to the west and east, there are shores leading to the ocean.
Localized Phenomena
Floods are frequent in Steel Valley. Due to the excessive reliance on rivers, settlements in this region are often built specifically to defend against flooding, which happens irregularly and sometimes to catastrophic levels. Local legends tell of an apocalyptic flood that wiped out the previous civilizations that called this valley home. Ruins, relics, and signs of the past are sometimes found by archeologists, explorers, and adventurers.
Fauna & Flora
Spruce trees are the most common tree in the region, particularly in its northern reaches. Many types of plants and flowers grow under the spruce trees as well, including rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris, holly, and mahonia. Larger herbivores such as elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep roam the highlands, kept in check by fearsome mountain lions. Closer to the river and flatter areas, travelers are often warned to steer clear of bears that can be found in the lowlands. Due to their prominence, the region is sometimes jokingly called Bear Valley by its residents.
Natural Resources
The mountains, hills, and mines of the region provide ample access to steel, iron, precious gems, and the fabled metal known as magri. Magri is a type of metal naturally infused with magical essence, known for making superior arms and armor, as well as other lucrative implements. Magrian items can usually only be made by experienced smiths from this region and are prized around the world for their quality. Magri mines are rare and are often a guarded secret, lest they turn into a hot point of a conflict, as many in the region would happily draw steel to claim such a lucrative source of power and income.
Beyond that, the spruce trees of the region are suitable for lumber, which acts as a common building material alongside the abundant stone. Spruce cones are a common ingredient in tea native to the region. Its people have also been known to harvest a special resin and amber from local trees to create many medicinal implements.