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The
northern Arwondel Plains encompass the kingdoms
of Loldar, Torindal, Valgarn and Barinorr, with
their capital cities of Muthrid, Goranved, Yrwendel
and Baringshall respectively. The region is largely
a large flat grassy expanse, though there are
gentle rolling hills in northern Torindal and
Valgarn, and towards the western end of Torindal
and Loldar, at the foothills of the Gordawir mountains.
Many buildings on the plains are constructed from
the locally quarried cream-colored limestone,
though a less suitable white chalk is all that
is available further south.
The wide Mordaen River runs along the northern
borders of Torindal and Valgarn, and defies both
bridge and navigation for most of its length.
Indeed, it is fast and rough with many rapids
as it flows between steep cliffs south of the
dwarven town of Dalven Slope and the Lesser Oukra
Woods on the northern bank. By contrast, a wide
and peaceful stretch at Valgarn’s most northern
point has allowed a rare ferry crossing to become
safely established, contributing significantly
to the economy of the local area and to Valgarn
at large.
The northern Arwondel Plains region is fertile
and agriculturally versatile, supporting both
diverse crops and animal pastures with ease. Cereal
is particularly common, and the flat plains are
ideal for the numerous windmills that dot the
landscape. However, the chalk downs in the southern
part of the region drain less well, making sheep
and goat pastures the more likely land use choice.
There are some dotted woodland areas remaining
in parts of Barinorr and Torindal, but the plains
have largely been long since deforested. This
has made the timber from these areas something
of a desirable commodity.
The climate is temperate. Although rain can occur
at any time of the year, snow and a prolonged
freeze in the winter is unusual, as is an extended
drought in the summer. However, strong winds are
fairly common, and are all the more noticeable
as the flat landscape offers no relief from them.
Humans make up the vast majority of the population
in the region, and hold a great majority of the
positions of power, with little regard for most
of the other races. However, some of the larger
towns and cities - particularly the kingdom capitals
– are a little more cosmopolitan than the
rural settlements.
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