Post by Varekai on Nov 26, 2010 22:56:38 GMT -7
Nestled in a lonely yet beautiful valley of the American northwest is where Wilderland takes place. In this lush an varied landscape there can be found all manners of terrain, wildlife, and plant life. The scenery is as varied in its makeup as is the amount of diverse species that can be found living within it. Both coniferous and deciduous forests make up a large portion of the valley floor. There are also lush grasslands that attract all manner of grazing animals. As well there are the rocky foothills to the mountains that enclose the valley. There is also the remains of what was a human plantation nearly a century old located in the midst of the overgrowth. All of this centers around a larger central lake as well as a smaller lake that branches off into a churning river with several small creeks.
The Packlands:
The Lunitari packland is located in the heart of the coniferous forest on the outskirt of the smaller lake. There are many kinds of needle-bearing trees that make up the whole of the forest. More of then then not the forest is shaded and the morning brings a soft cover of fine silvery mist. The density of the trees means the sunlight filters down through the trees in soft golden beams casting golden dapples on the forest floor. Most of the year the forest is cool and pleasant but the winter brings much snow to the branches and they often drop dollops of powder on the forest floor. There are many places for the forest-dwelling creatures to hide including thickets, fallen trees, and underground dens.
The Elenath packland is located in one of the few treeless grasslands just past the border of the coniferous forest. Spring through fall is prime grazing time for the larger herbivores though the coyotes diminutive size means their stomachs favor more size appropriate food. The early morning and twilight hours are the best times for rabbits and rodents who venture out into the grasslands and eat the succulent shoots and clovers. During the winter there is usually a thick blanket of snow or ice and most of the smaller critters keep to their burrows. There are coyote dens dotted along the edges of the meadow where the pups can play in relative safety.
The Aryante packland is situated in the rocky foothills of the largest peak that overlooks the whole of the Wilderland valley. The ground is hard and there are great gray boulders intermingling with the grass all throughout the base of the mountain. Up higher on the more jagged outcroppings small herds of American bighorn sheep and mountain goats make for a dangerous prey source. Toward the base rodents, chipmunks, and pika are a more common source of food. The wind blows nearly year-round though during the summer it is warmer than the bitter gales of the winter. Winter also makes the rocky slope treacherous and icy for unwary travelers.
The Ninniach packland can be found on the edge of the deciduous forest and what is left of a wide orchard dotted with many varied fruit trees. Just inside the deciduous trees, located beneath a few large cedars is the remains of an old stone manor that was once the heart of the plantation. Long since abandoning it's been sitting, slowly being reclaimed by the wilderness. The front door stands open, hanging off its hinges and the old and dusty house is a quiet private sleeping place for the dogs that choose to curl up in it, holding on dearly to any part of their pasts that may have been human. During the winter it is a welcome shelter from the bitter blowing storms.