Ysgard (Asgard)
The Heroic Domains of Asgard are a region of extremes. Its mountains scrape the sky, its caverns reach the purest stones, its rivers run swifter than the wild horses that run on its wide open plains.
Geography
Overall, the surface of Ysgard is mountainous, composed of huge, rocky peaks which stretch higher into the sky than perhaps any other in the Realms. Between these are verdant valleys of crashing rivers, rolling and wild hill countries, and broad plainslands.
Ysgard also boasts two distinct subterranean regions. A particularly volcanic range of its surface mountains sits over the fiery realm of Muspelheim, where the divine realm of Surtur sustains a constant presence of magma below the earth. The underground of the rest of Ysgard is generally agreed to be part of Nidavellir, and boasted enormous ballroom caverns as well as narrow, fantastically-deep chasms.
Localized Phenomena
Central to the surface of Ysgard and reaching down through its subterranean regions of Muspelheim and Nidavellir, is Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Both a plant and a highway, this magical structure connects not only the realms of Ysgard through its trunk and roots, but all the Realms of the Crossroads through its branches. Some strange, organic combination of plant and portal, the specific workings of Yggdrasil defy the understandings of wizards and botanists both.
Climate
Ysgard is a temperate land which experiences a full range of weather patterns, but always sees the extreme form of each. No mild drizzles, but only pouring rain, no stiff breezes, only gale-force winds and hurricanes. Its snow days are always blizzards, and its summers are comparable to Ignian winters.
Fauna & Flora
A region of varied biomes, Ysgard is home to a huge variety of plants, though due to the mountainous majority, species which flourish at high elevations are found in especially plentiful numbers. Several species of evergreen, most notably spruce and pine, as well as willows and aspens make up its forests. Moose wander its coastal regions, and reindeer, foxes, wolves, oxen and lynx prowl its inland regions. Golden eagles, puffins, and ravens soar its skies, and whales, seals, and otters swim its waters. In addition, Giant variations of beasts are especially common in this realm.
In addition to natural beasts, chimera, manticores, rocs, harpies, hippogriffs, hydras, wyverns, and other monstrous species are more numerous here than on Prime, perhaps due to the chaotic nature of this realm.
Natural Resources
The forges of Muspelheim forge world-class armaments much sought-after in other Realms. In addition, the plunder of Ysgard's Giant Beasts and the notoriety of succeeding in their hunting draws many to the Realm.
Tourism
A land of extremes, many thrill seekers and adventurers travel to Ysgard seeking glory and adventure.
Alternative Name(s)
Gladsheim
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