Barren Heights
The Barren Heights are a series of semi-arid, rolling hills located in the southern portion of a large island off the coastline. The hills are rugged, with steep slopes and deep valleys. The landscape is dominated by rocky outcroppings and sparse vegetation, with patches of dry grass and scrubby bushes covering the slopes.
Despite its name, the Barren Heights are not entirely devoid of life. Within the valleys and crevices, small pockets of fertile soil and underground springs sustain a variety of plant and animal life. The hardy flora includes tough grasses, prickly shrubs, and hardy bushes, while the fauna ranges from rabbits, foxes, and wild dogs to larger predators like mountain lions and wolves.
As you travel further into the hills, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and inhospitable, and only the most tenacious creatures can survive in these harsh conditions. But for those who are willing to take the risk, the Barren Heights offer a rich bounty of natural resources. The rocks and minerals that make up the hillsides are full of valuable metals and gems, and the hardy plants and animals provide a source of food and materials for those who know how to harvest them.
Despite the challenges of living in the Barren Heights, there are those who have carved out a life for themselves in this harsh environment. Nomadic tribes have crafted settlements and villages found along the top ridge within a series of caverns and caves. These tribes are numerous but all follow The Earthmother in some fashion.
For the brave and daring, the Barren Heights offer an opportunity for adventure and exploration. Deep within the rugged hills, there are rumors of ancient ruins and lost treasures, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to seek them out. And for those who are willing to risk the dangers of the hills, the rewards can be great indeed.
The Barren Heights are also home to a variety of dangerous fantasy monsters that roam the hills and make their lairs in the caves and caverns. Some notable inhabitants are:
- Hill Giants : These enormous humanoids roam the hills, preying on unsuspecting travelers and raiding settlements for food and supplies. They are often armed with crude weapons like clubs and boulders, and their immense strength makes them difficult to defeat in combat.
- Manticores : These fearsome creatures have the body of a lion, the wings of a bat, and the tail of a scorpion. They are known for their venomous stinger and their ability to shoot a volley of spikes from their tail. Manticores are territorial and will attack any intruders that enter their domain.
- Hippogriffs : These majestic creatures have the body of a horse and the wings and head of an eagle. They are intelligent and proud, and are often used as mounts by powerful wizards and knights. However, wild hippogriffs can be dangerous to those who cross their territory.
Localized Phenomena
One unique localized phenomena found in the Barren Heights is the mysterious "Whispering Wind." This strange natural occurrence happens on calm, clear days when there is no discernible wind present. Suddenly, a soft whispering sound can be heard in the air, seemingly coming from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The sound is difficult to locate, but seems to be louder near the tops of the hills and ridgelines.
Many local tribes believe that the Whispering Wind is a supernatural occurrence by The Earthmother , and that it is the voice of the spirits of the land speaking to those who are worthy. Scholars and surveyors believe that it is simply a natural phenomenon, caused by a combination of temperature and pressure differentials in the air.
Whatever the cause, the Whispering Wind is a source of wonder and mystery for those who live in the Barren Heights. Some travelers have even reported hearing the voices of loved ones who have long since passed away, speaking to them on the Whispering Wind. Whether these are the whispers of the spirits or simply a trick of the wind, the phenomenon continues to fascinate and intrigue those who experience it.
Climate
The climate in the Barren Heights is semi-temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. The area is situated on the southern portion of the island, which means it is protected from the harshest weather patterns that can come from the north. The region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, which is enough to sustain the hardy vegetation that can be found on the hillsides.
On the coast, the excess rainfall creates powerful rivers that run down from the hills and across the lowlands. However, on the rain shadow side of the Barren Heights, where the hills block the moisture-laden winds, the rivers that flow through the valleys are much smaller and more intermittent. During the dry season, the rivers can dry up completely, leaving behind only a dry and rocky riverbed.
But when the rains do come, these dry riverbeds can turn into powerful torrents, carving deep channels through the rocky hillsides and sweeping away everything in their path. This can make the crossing of the river dangerous for travelers and settlers, as many of the barbarian nomad tribes have learned through the years and ensure their settlements remain far away from flood zones.
Fauna & Flora
The Barren Heights are home to a variety of hardy flora and fauna that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the semi-arid climate:
Flora
- Yucca plants: These spiky, succulent plants are well-adapted to dry conditions and can be found in abundance throughout the hills.
- Agave plants: Similar to yucca, these spiky succulents can be harvested for their sap, which can be fermented to make a potent alcoholic beverage.
- Prickly pear cactus: This edible cactus produces a juicy fruit that can be harvested and eaten, and its pads can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
- Sagebrush: This fragrant, drought-tolerant shrub is common throughout the hills and is often used for medicinal purposes.
- Desert bighorn sheep: These agile, sure-footed animals are well-adapted to life in the hills and can be found grazing on the sparse vegetation.
- Coyotes: These cunning predators are common throughout the region and are known for their distinctive howl.
- Giant Rattlesnakes: These large venomous snakes can be found basking in the sun on rocky outcroppings and are best avoided.
- Giant Bats: Several species of bat can be found in the caverns and caves that dot the hill ridgeline, where they roost during the day and emerge at night to feed on insects.
- Blind salamanders: These small, pale salamanders are adapted to life in total darkness and are found in underground streams and pools.
- Giant cave locust: These large insects can be found climbing around on the floor and walls of the caverns, where they feed on decaying organic matter.
- Giant cave spiders: These large, venomous spiders can be found in the shadows of the caverns, where they spin webs to catch their prey.
Type
Rolling Hills
