The Ice Region - Eiri

Overview

Eiri is a vast, frozen expanse in the far north, shaped by frigid winds and relentless cold. Though harsh and inhospitable, it boasts a rich history stretching back to ancient times.

The Shards, a rugged landscape of frozen cliffs and valleys, are home to hardy beastfolk who have long endured the region's brutal conditions. Meanwhile, elves from distant lands ventured to Eiri in search of new hunting grounds, eventually establishing a mighty kingdom deep within the mainland.

Along the icy coasts of the Kirsi Archipelago, resilient communities survive by fishing, hunting seals, and harvesting the ocean's bounty. Life in Eiri demands unity and resourcefulness, as the land’s colossal beasts and ferocious fauna pose constant threats. These creatures, larger and more fearsome than any elsewhere, prey on one another and the unwary, dominating the unforgiving wilderness.

Climate

Eiri is a cold region, far enough north that warm ocean currents from the south lose their heat, bringing snow instead of rain. The southern coastline, encompassing the Edurne Flatlands, is one of the few navigable waterways into inland Eiri. This area extends into the Kirsi Archipelago, where summer temperatures and sunshine keep the waters passable and sustain evergreen forests. Further north, temperatures drop, and the land rises into mountains and taiga, eventually giving way to glaciers and steep peaks in the far north, home to Eirilys and the Shards.

Natural Resources

Eiri, despite its remote and harsh environment, thrives by extracting valuable resources from its snowy landscapes. Boreal forests in the lower regions and Kirsi Archipelago supply abundant lumber. Coastal fisheries yield fish and seals, while migrating elk roam the snowy forests and plains. Hunters target bears and dire wolves, while coal supports home heating, and special materials like Iskar Glass are crafted into weapons like arrowheads and spear tips. The most prized resources come from Eiri’s great beasts, whose furs, horns, tusks, claws, and organs are carefully harvested and traded locally and internationally.

Society

Eiri is a harsh, frozen expanse, home to the notable city of Eirilys. Nestled in a deep ravine, its structures are carved into the icy walls or built on the ravine floor, with snow-lined pathways adorned by intricate sculptures. The Queen’s castle, an elegant masterpiece reflecting elven culture, overlooks a compact city of stone, ice, and remnants of colossal beasts. For snow elves, Eirilys is one of the most common places of origin. Beyond the city’s safety, hunters face wild monsters, making monster hunting a respected and unique profession in Eiri. Human, and elven villages and towns dot the Edurne Flatlands and it's coastline. The Shards, considered a micro-nation since the Khiravi alliance's founding, include the five founding tribes and numerous distinct beast folk clans and villages, each with its unique identity. As a collective, they rival the power of Eirilys, and it's beastkin citizens thrive in the frigid and dangerous lands of the Shards.

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