The Southeastern Ashlands
Documented by Clan Kov’Gra’Sek and Scholars of Linlea
Linlea
A cold and rainy wind hits any traveler seeking sanctuary in the grey islands of the Moors. It’s located underneath the Volcanoes of the Ashlands and the frosty north. Its bustling port and harbor compliments the noisy atmosphere whilst the outer rims of the land give way to more peaceful zones. ..Un-welcoming to strangers, but appealing to those who wish to quietly live away from turmoils of their past and begin anew.
Lek’zrink - Obsidian Mines
Aided by hired Guards, the Lek'zrink Mines sprout a new settlement for fresh resources in mining for the Capital of Kov'Gra'Sek. This location finds itself n the crook of the Ashlands corners and surrounded by a Bay of Obsidian and Ashen shards. Where once it was plagued by spiders and slaver bandits, it has since been cleansed of fire and webs. Now it begins its new foothold to become the leading resource in the Obsidian market.
Bandits & Slavers
Scattered around the Ashlands, there are said to be hidden locations of bandits and slavers within camps, caves and catacombs. There are two noticeable groups that have been discovered. One group carries a mark of an Iron fist. Another mark found is that of a blooded print of an open hand. There is little correlation discovered between the groups, save for a few points. Among the use of slaves as forced miners, these slavers and bandits have been capturing wild animals for games. The Lek’zrink mines uncovered a pit where creatures and slaves were pitted against one another around a seating area. There may be more yet to record.
Green-eared Settlers
A few have tried to claim settlements inside the Ashlands near the south-eastern side, though none have stayed long. Records are still fresh in recording them.
The Rift
Although far off the grid from the Southeast Ashlands, the Rift is a viable source of materials needed for the growth of towns here. Linlea, especially, excavates into the Nether with groups of miners to seek Quartz and netherwartz. Its dangers have reached ears here, for there is an inkling that the Nether's heat is similar to the lands here.
Climate & Weather
Large eruption columns from active volcanoes inject ash particles and rich gases into the air. These clouds can move within weeks. The small ash particles decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the surface of the ground and lower average temperatures. Therefore, lands around the Ashlands that are not close to active volcanoes, are actually cooler than anticipated, much like a sand-less desert during the night. Especially if the falling ash isn’t a deterrence. The air still tends to lack much water and is dry. (ooc: The temperature ranges from as low as 40 degrees to high 70s-100s.)
Closer to active volcanoes, or lava pools, the air thickens with heat. (90s-120s degrees)
Lava and Magma are very hot and one would die on direct contact. (About 600-1000 degrees.)
Ashclouds
Ashclouds appear directly overhead a volcanic spout, magma trapped below the ground rises and gas bubbles form, creating a violent molten froth that needs to escape. The Ash is composed of small shattered fragments of rock and volcanic particles. When gas or water vapour expands dramatically within, the magma rocks are blown to pieces by the sudden expansion- an eruption. (Ashclouds are hot and can range around 400C)
Ashstorms
A less condensed form of Ashclouds that encompasses a farther radius with more intense ash, gas and debris- Ashstorms are similar to storms that rain down on normal terrain. Ash is, however, less friendly to mortals than rain. Inhaling during an Ashstorm may cause breathing issues and heavy coughing. Sight is also minimal due to the air and sky being covered by a dark-grey blanket. Ashstorms actually lower the temperature of the land as it covers the heat of the sun. The cooling effect can last for days, weeks to months depending on how long it remains in the air. Ashstorms are predicted from heavy rumbles in the earth from a nearby volcano, giving indication of their coming arrival.
Ashstorms closer to the seas bring in heavy waves and a more moist storm. Rarely does an Ashstorm come at the same time as a thunderstorm, but in the chance it does, it is predicted to only occur around the volcanoes near the seas.
Volcanic Fog
Vog is a visible haze composed of gasses, other unknown particles and acidic droplets created when gases emitted from a volcano chemically interact with sunlight and the atmosphere. A whitish haze drops down to the land below and around, giving off odd scents that would water the eyes but be otherwise unfettering if in them temporarily.
Eruptions
Eruptions of the active volcanoes in the Ashlands have not been recorded as of yet. Anticipation of one is expected, with frequent marks of Ashstorms and Ashclouds fuming in rhythmic intervals.
Beasts
+Obsidian Drake - Witnesses, a group of hired warriors, entail a drake with dark, black and purple skin had been spotted around the bandit's cave. The creature was said to be violent. There is a ban on hunting the creature in Linlea by Ashna Kov'Gra'Sek upon hearing of it, and the guards discourage any who try to head out to hunt it, for the creature is a rarity and dragons are said to be intelligent creatures. It is yet to be known if this one is of the same nature. If claims rise of its violent nature, there is, of course, no choice in the matter for the safety of the settled lands nearby. But its quietness has settled the matter for the time being.
(There is lore behind the creature, but a lot of it is 'undiscovered'. I'll double check later what is good to post, unless it goes elsewhere)
+Giant Arachnids - Giant Spiders seem to be living in natural caves and catacombs beneath the land. One cluster has been discovered and burned out.
+Ashhounds - Wild howls are heard in the distance to those with a keen hearing. At night, one can spot a duo of torchlights flickering between the ridges of the Ashlands around the area.
+Giant Reptilian (Drakodo)
Records list of possible reptilian creatures. Little is known of them, save for their large appearance.
+Crooning Siren (Crooner)
Although they have not been spotted inside the lands themselves, the Crooning Sirens have been found near it, huddled in a cave below the water's surface. There may be more nests around the waters near the land.
+Small Game
Bats, Rats, Rabbits
Insects -
Lava Crickets, Beetles, Worms, Larvae
Flora
Undiscovered
Trekking the Ashlands is no easy feat. The dangers of the land come with health risks the longer one is vulnerable to its terrain. Light clothing that covers the skin and ample resources for travelling and medication is always recommended. Full armor is discouraged.
[Chances of]
Respiratory issues - 30%
Dehydration - 60%
Hot Flashes / Heat Waves - 40%
Malnutrition - 40%
Credit:
Me. Google for temperatures/climate stuff. Giving the Ashland playground I DMed in with some written life for reference or use for other people.
