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Mountains |  |
Jungle |  |
Trade Route |
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Wooded Hills |  |
River |
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Ancient Albany |  |
Land of Dwarves |
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New Orc City |  |
Pyramid, Well of Souls |
Lothar is a warm world, and jungle-like environments are the rule. However, differences in elevation, prevailing weather, and latitude create gradations. In the Albany Area, the region just south of Albany all the way to New Avalon is dense rain forest. Overland travel is slow and difficult, which is why the river is such an important highway. The region just north of Albany is a cooler and less dense rain forest, transitioning into wooded hills at higher elevations, finally giving way to actual mountains.
This difference in ecology south and north of Albany is crucial to an understanding of the history of the region. Agriculture in the former Cam Empire is dependent on crops that only grow at higher elevations -- but not in the dense, hot jungle to the south. That's one reason why the Cam Empire never established itself south of Albany.
The farming people of the highlands developed into the Mountain People. Other humans, originally of the similar stock, remained hunter-gatherers and populated the southern jungle, albeit sparsely.
Most recently, the Party encountered the new rulers of Albany, foreigners who have captured the former New Avalon garrison and entrenched themselves.
Humanoids are a growing threat. The Orcs at New Orc City are growing richer on the lifeblood of trade. And other humanoid armies have come down from the mountains to fight for terrain and power. The Party found itself at the site of such a battle not too long ago.
The Party has heard of a nation of dwarves on the northern side of the mountains. Evidently they are profitting from trade as well.
The Druids are an important regional power as well. Although they tend to be more interested in events to the south, lately shifts in the balance of power (first Sheemish's conversion of the orcs, then the takeover of Albany) have focussed their attention northwards.
Of course, the Eternals themselves are quite potent, especially with Tim established in Shoal. The whole area has seen a lot of upheaval lately!
Site Map | 14 April 99
copyright © 2001 by Michael Moran Alterio, Michael Babriecki, Harry Ching, Stephen Martin, and Donald R. Parrish III (all rights reserved)