The Scar

What used to be a region-wide forest is now a craggy wasteland with lava streams vented from Sopka, an active volcano located in the Cartamundi Mountains, running through the land to the seacoast and causing constant pockets of steam that get blown throughout the region, and obsidian-edged pieces of coastline. Streams of water run down from the mountains as well, providing much need nourishment for the life that grows within the scar. A few lakes exist in the region, heavily populated by hardy and slow growing fish,as well as other aquatic creatures such as turtles, crocodiles, otters, and several types of algae that come in varying colors.

Hot and humid throughout the year, herds of bison graze along the edge of grassy growths stemming from magma streams while boar gather around the more wooded areas, using the shade and shrubs as cover. Jackrabbits dart across the land while looking for edible root plants and cragberries, and birds flock in the trees and along the coastline. Predators like packs of wild dogs, worgs, and Crag bears roam the badlands as well, seeking shelter in the many small caverns or under rocky overhangs. The rich volcanic-infused soil promotes rapid growth in most of the plant life, including nutrient rich algae which covers huge sections of the lakes located here, which in turn help the aquatic life survive. Crocodiles haunt the banks of these, looking for unsuspecting prey when they come to quench their thirst. Several species of fish such as perch, bass, and catfish can be found in the lakes and rivers here, which feed into the sea.

The local ecosystem is steady all year because of the lack of major temperature changes, however, during the later months, the bird population is largely increased because of migration out of other regions around Prateria.

Dust storms occasionally rise up and blow across the land, which is a problem in itself, but when they come into contact with or cross a lava stream, they can turn into horrific forces of nature as they can become pure fiery destruction or become infested with hundreds of pieces of molten rock and obsidian, which shoot out with tremendous speed. Vents of steam are also constantly released from the lava rivers and coastline, causing choking clouds that can get blown across the region for up to several hours before dissipating.

Due to the vented heat from the lava streams, the region's temperature ranges from warm to scorching hot all year round. During the hotter seasons, lightning storms are frequent which, if striking a lava stream, can create fiery explosions that splash lava all over the immediate area.

Boar and bison are populous here, as well as a hardy species of jackrabbit. All of which sustain themselves on the low growing shrubs and flowers of the region.   The predators of the Scar are mainly worgs, wild dogs, and crag bears, along with a few species of hawk and eagle. Around the lakes, crocodiles are frequent, and some species of fish are known to be carnivorous, such as lamprey and tigerfish.   Plant life is mainly low to medium height trees with few lower branches and wider canopies, shrubbery and grass that blooms widely out from around the volcanic streams, and brightly colored flowers of many varieties add splashes of color throughout the wasteland.   Several subspecies of vipers live in The Scar, hiding amongst the rocks or in holes along the ground, and all are known to have varying degrees of venomous properties.   Creatures unique to the Scar include:

• Crag Bear - a huge species of bear, these ursine creatures are domineering in stature standing at almost 15 feet upright, with heavily muscled builds and thin fur, very few creatures leave a meeting with one alive. It is said their claws can cut through rock almost as easily as wood, making them sought after by adventurers and weapon craftspeople as materials.
• Magma Mussel - a species of mussel which thrive along the sides of lava rivers, one must be able to withstand the fiery liquid to obtain them, making them extremely valuable to culinary connoisseurs for their naturally smoky and fire roasted taste.
• Burst Algae - a type of algae which thrives in the phosphorous rich waters of the regional lakes, this rapid-growing algae is known to be extremely flammable and can spontaneously combust on hotter days, setting patches of the lakes on fire.
• Crag Viper - a species of viper which hide amongst the rocks with their stone-like scales. Reaching lengths of up to five feet, they are widely known for their powerful venom, which can paralyze almost any species of humanoid with a single bite and weakens the target's constitution, making the venom glands a dangerously obtained and prized material for alchemists and assassins.

Rich in natural minerals, gems, and wild animals. Obsidian is also plentiful here, and a few veins of rare metals are lined in the terrain near the mountain range.

For hundreds of years, Wald Hygge was a magnificent lush and magical forest considered to be the Capital of Elven society. Populated by members of all elven races, it had huge districts specialized for each and catered to their preferences, down to region specific wildlife and plants. A marvel of elven society across the world, unfortunately it was destroyed during the Cataclysm when a group of miners captured by some of Tiamat's agents excavated large holes in the side of Sopka, spilling the lava forth across the landscape, burning the forest to cinders and destroying all that stood within. Renamed the Scar after the horrific event, it is now a badlands populated by goblinoids, standing as a mockery to what it once was.