Editing WS:Ambria (section)

==THE LAY OF THE LAND==

Ambria varies greatly in terrain and climate, as its northern extreme borders the icy wastes of Talarak, and its southern edge borders balmy Irolo.

Ambria is primarily covered by rolling hills, though the regions surrounding Stormshaven Bay and the Ruined March are fairly flat. These hills gradually become larger as one moves inland, finally culminating in the Grand Range. The climate is temperate, with the areas closest to the sea receiving the most rainfall. Ambria's driest region is the desolate plains around the city of Trell.

Most all of Ambria's land is quite fertile. The flatlands around the bay are especially well suited for farming, and the relatively warm climate makes for a long growing season. Most of Ambria's people live in these farmlands, scattered about in small villages and hamlets. Many small, winding rivers drain this area, but the only river of any size completely within Ambrian borders is the Druidwash. Ambria's inland hills are home to shepherds and cattle-raisers. Fewer people live here, and raids by bandits and monsters from the mountains are not unknown. Consequently, the local lords are given more freedom by the Lord Regent to deal with these problems directly. Castles and fortified manor houses are more common in this region.

Three great forests lie in the shadow of the mountains: the Witchwood, Thimblebark Forest, and the largest of all, Greatwood Forest. Few humans live in these regions; the Thimblebark because it is the home of the Halflings, the Greatwood because of the Elves' border watch (lifted only in recent years) and the Witchwood because it is rumored to be haunted. Consequently, most of Ambria's lumber comes from smaller forests nearer the sea. Ambria is home to many creatures, both domestic and wild.

Nearly every type of beast common to temperate climates can be found somewhere within its borders. Large wild beasts become more common the further east one goes, but true monsters are not seen in any number outside of the forests or the Grand Range. Occasionally, a single Dragon, Gryphon, or a small group of orcs and ogres will stake out a territory within Ambria, however, and the local militias have not always been successful in killing them or driving them away immediately.