Handraria

Handrania, the smallest region in Arailia, is a relatively flat and open area characterised by practicality rather than dramatic natural features. The landscape is modest yet purposeful, shaped by centuries of influence from various races and its role as a centre for agriculture, trade, and military significance. Its terrain consists predominantly of flat plains and low-lying farmlands, with no significant hills or mountains. This accessibility has made it ideal for settlement development and agricultural activities, reinforcing its pivotal position in Arailia’s history.   The region is sustained by its vital waterways. The Redwater River flows through Handrania, originating near the Blood Field and serving as both a historical landmark and a practical source for farming and trade. To the west, Handrania borders the Ascian Ocean, granting access to maritime trade routes and fishing grounds. Coastal settlements like Irrilan Pier thrive on this connection, playing a crucial role in the region’s economy and defence.   While lacking dramatic landscapes, Handrania possesses a quiet charm. The Blood Fields, a solemn yet iconic area, have been transformed into the Rebirth Gardens, a space symbolising resilience and renewal. The gardens’ greenery and tranquil paths provide a stark contrast to the grim history of the land. The farmlands, with their golden fields of grain and grazing pastures, add to the region’s understated beauty. Along the coast, the rugged shoreline and sandy coves of the Ascian Ocean offer a serene escape, with breathtaking sunsets over the water.   Handrania enjoys a mild maritime climate, with warm but not overly hot summers and cool winters often accompanied by mist rolling in from the ocean. Rainfall is steady throughout the year, ensuring fertile conditions for crops and livestock. The flat landscape and open skies create expansive vistas, with the Redwater River meandering through the plains and the ocean stretching to the horizon in the west. This simplicity lends Handrania a subtle elegance that complements its historical and cultural significance.

Handrania is home to a unique and legendary material known as Bloodstone, a remarkably strong and durable stone with a striking appearance. Distinguished by its deep, crimson veins coursing through a dark, iron-grey base, Bloodstone is said to have been formed during the cataclysmic Battle of the Unliving in the Draconic Age. This material owes its existence to the immense loss of life during the battle, as the blood of countless fallen warriors and dragons seeped into the earth, mingling with the iron-rich soil and solidifying over centuries into an extraordinary mineral.   The stone’s exceptional strength and resilience make it highly sought after for use in weaponry, armour, and fortifications. It is rumoured that weapons forged from Bloodstone retain a sharpness and durability unmatched by conventional materials, while its inherent iron fragments are thought to carry faint traces of magic from the Draconic Age. Many believe the stone is imbued with the essence of those who perished in the battle, lending it an almost supernatural quality.   Bloodstone is primarily mined in Bloodstone Village, a small settlement located near the Blood Fields. The village thrives on the extraction and trade of this rare material, and its blacksmiths are renowned for their skill in crafting Bloodstone artefacts. The mining process is both arduous and meticulous, as the stone is incredibly dense and resistant to conventional tools. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized commodity, reserved for only the most elite craftsmen and noble families.   Legends surrounding Bloodstone also contribute to its mystique. Some claim the stone resonates faintly when touched, as if echoing the voices of the past. Others whisper that it serves as a protective ward against the lingering shadows of the Unliving, adding to its value as a defensive material. While these stories remain unproven, they underscore the deep connection between Handrania’s history and the enduring legacy of the Bloodstone.

Handrania enjoys a mild and temperate climate, shaped by its proximity to the Ascian Ocean and its relatively flat terrain. The region experiences gentle seasonal shifts, with no extreme weather patterns, making it one of the more hospitable areas of Arailia.   Summers (Solithar) in Handrania are warm but rarely hot, with cool breezes drifting in from the ocean, providing relief from the sun. The air is fresh and invigorating, and the long daylight hours encourage bustling activity in both the fields and towns. Farmers take advantage of this period to cultivate crops, while coastal settlements see increased trade and fishing.   Winters (Thanyre) are mild and crisp, with occasional frosts in the early mornings. Mist often rolls in from the ocean, lending a mystical quality to the plains and rivers. While the temperature rarely drops to freezing, the colder months bring a slower pace to the region, with townsfolk gathering around hearths and telling stories of the past.   Spring (Vernathar) is perhaps the most vibrant season in Handrania. The landscape awakens with a burst of greenery, as the plains and pastures come alive with blooming wildflowers. Rivers swell slightly with gentle rains, nourishing the farmland and creating a sense of renewal. This is a time of festivals and outdoor gatherings, as the region celebrates its prosperity and resilience.   Autumn (Pyraenyre) sees the plains turn golden with ripening crops. The season is characterised by cool, comfortable days and crisp evenings, ideal for the harvest. The coastal winds grow slightly stronger, bringing with them a tang of salt that mingles with the earthy scents of freshly tilled soil.   Rainfall in Handrania is steady throughout the year, ensuring fertile conditions for agriculture and preventing the harsh droughts that other regions may face. The ocean’s influence tempers the climate, creating an environment that is pleasant and stable. Handrania’s mild weather makes it an ideal place for both settlement and agriculture, contributing to its reputation as a peaceful and prosperous region.

Handrania’s history is deeply intertwined with some of the most pivotal events in Arailia’s past, earning it a reputation as a land of resilience and sacrifice. Once a modest region of fertile plains and small settlements, Handrania rose to prominence during the Draconic Age, when it became the stage for the legendary Battle of the Unliving. This cataclysmic conflict saw the forces of Arailia, bolstered by dragons and brave warriors, triumph over the Unliving hordes of Mescryea. The battle left the land forever marked, with the Blood Fields serving as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made.   In the aftermath, the survivors founded Eryndor, the region’s capital, as a monument to the fallen. Built directly over the blood-soaked battlefield, the city became a beacon of courage and remembrance, with its Eternal Flame burning in honour of those who gave their lives. Over time, Handrania developed into a strategic and cultural hub, drawing strength from its historical significance and geographic position along key trade routes.   During Arailia’s political upheavals, Handrania remained loyal to the crown, its leaders often seen as staunch defenders of the 'rightful heir'. The discovery and mining of Bloodstone, a rare and powerful mineral formed in the aftermath of the battle, further cemented the region’s importance. Bloodstone became both a symbol of Handrania’s enduring legacy and a valuable resource that contributed to the kingdom’s prosperity.   Today, Handrania is a region of quiet strength, balancing its storied past with its role as a vital part of Arailia’s present. Its towns and villages stand as living tributes to the bravery and resilience of its people, while its landscapes, from the Blood Fields to the Ascian Ocean, whisper tales of a history that shaped the kingdom.