Brishire Highlands
The Brishire Highlands biome is a low mountainous region with elevated plateaus and a noticeable lack of trees besides the occasional patch of spiky firs. Atop the plateaus extend out vast and thick grasslands brought on by the lack of cover and the constant sun above. No trees can grow at these elevations and leave a fairly opened field save for the occasional scrub brush or wild berry bush. The altitude tends to increase precipitation and cooler versions of climates in the nearby lowlands. Traversing up to one of these plateaus is a strenuous task that is not taken likely nor is there any true purpose to it besides bragging rights. Off beaten pathways and carves stone stairways from an ancient society might be found but normally are cut off from overgrowth or a century old collapse of the rock wall structure. Still, one might wonder if these steps were in tact and path was clear, who or what used to live near the tops and to what purpose.
A multitude of small, natural springs can be found dotting the grassy plains. Many of these springs become flooded during the rainy season and the smaller ones are prone to drying out in the summers.
Localized Phenomena
The plateaus in Brishire Highlands can have quite the effect on the wind climate. The valleys below can increase the wind speed by 'funneling' regional flows and may even generate valley-wind circulations. The cold air sometimes drain from the higher elevation into these valleys to create 'frost pockets' in some of the lower laying valleys. In a few rare pockets, palsas of peat moss, ice sheet streams, and water channels that flow from cold springs through the valleys cause rock faces and the subsurface soil to undergo a state of permafrost. These frigid areas of extreme temperature drops are bastions during the summer months by the various fauna of the region. Some lower cavern entries found at the base of the plateaus have froze over and restrict any travel downwards into the earth.
Fauna & Flora
The type of flora that grow in the Brishire Highlands is a mix of thick grasses, wild flowers, and spiny shrubs, eventually no vegetation at very high elevations. The timberline is a clear elevation line that divides where trees are able to survive from areas that are too harsh for them to live. Uncommon bushes of deep red berries known as Jigo berry bush can be sometimes found on top of the plateaus, thriving in the sun and even better during droughts. The fauna of the region depend on the elevation and the surrounding area. Typically, one would find goats and sheep, mountain lions and leopards, griffons, elk, wolves, raptors, and various smaller mammals.
Halfling tribes of nomadic wanderers populate the Brishire Highlands, particularly near the elevated plateaus and down within the grasslands near the slow flowing river channels. While each tribe has their own sets of customs and traditions, one predominant feature of these tribes is the utilization of canine mounts. Scholars and historians refer to the tribes with a blanket term of "Shirehill Pawtoes" but in truth each tribe carries their own surname that defines their area they live within along with breed of canine they utilize. While a peaceful and friendly people, the nomadic tribes of halfling are currently at war with large clusters of spider riding goblinoids led by several bugbear generals that also vie for the land's resources.
In rare and sometimes unlucky circumstances, the silhouette of a bird can be seen in the grasslands. As the raptor descends, the unearthly size becomes terrifyingly clear and the several hundreds of feet wingspan shade its prey before snatching it up. A Roc is a titan of the skies and wild rumors that one of these creature lives in the land and has been hunting indiscriminately for centuries. While never confirmed, the story of this monstrosity vary. Some that have traveled the minor highway along the The Carmine Savanna have remarked seeing a massive raptor swoop down to snatch on prey such as elephants or rhinos. Whether these stories are true or not, the titan seems not to bother anything smaller than its normal prey.
Halfling tribes of nomadic wanderers populate the Brishire Highlands, particularly near the elevated plateaus and down within the grasslands near the slow flowing river channels. While each tribe has their own sets of customs and traditions, one predominant feature of these tribes is the utilization of canine mounts. Scholars and historians refer to the tribes with a blanket term of "Shirehill Pawtoes" but in truth each tribe carries their own surname that defines their area they live within along with breed of canine they utilize. While a peaceful and friendly people, the nomadic tribes of halfling are currently at war with large clusters of spider riding goblinoids led by several bugbear generals that also vie for the land's resources.
In rare and sometimes unlucky circumstances, the silhouette of a bird can be seen in the grasslands. As the raptor descends, the unearthly size becomes terrifyingly clear and the several hundreds of feet wingspan shade its prey before snatching it up. A Roc is a titan of the skies and wild rumors that one of these creature lives in the land and has been hunting indiscriminately for centuries. While never confirmed, the story of this monstrosity vary. Some that have traveled the minor highway along the The Carmine Savanna have remarked seeing a massive raptor swoop down to snatch on prey such as elephants or rhinos. Whether these stories are true or not, the titan seems not to bother anything smaller than its normal prey.
"If we can get to the top before nightfall, we will have a breathtaking view of the sun's rise while we wait. No my dear, you are in safe hands. As long as your parents come up with the coin, not a hair will be displaced on your pretty little head"
-Calius, former bandit and kidnapper, deceased
-Calius, former bandit and kidnapper, deceased
Inhabiting Species
