Selvainnar
Selvainnar occupies the central territory of The Crescent, characterized by the dramatic mountain range known as The River Crowns and the rich valley surrounding the lake Daeth Myral. This region transitions from lush western valleys to semi-arid eastern hills, creating diverse landscapes that support both agriculture and trade.
The Old King's Road passes through Selvainnar, connecting Illyndra to the eastern cities. The region's central location makes it a crucial crossroads for commerce and communication throughout The Crescent, though the eastern territories pose significant dangers to travelers.
The River Crowns
The River Crowns form a distinctive mountain range that encircles Lake Daeth Myral and extends along both sides of the Thur Selvain river system. These mountains create the region's defining geography, with their peaks visible from great distances and their slopes supporting various communities. The western slopes receive abundant rainfall, creating lush forests and fertile valleys, while the eastern ranges transition into drier terrain.
Daeth Myral
Daeth Myral is the large lake at Selvainnar's heart, fed primarily by waters flowing south from The Stormfont. The lake serves as the source for three major river systems: the Thur Selvain flowing eastward toward the coast, the Thur Velind flowing southward, and the Zhorikai river that feeds into the western jungles. Illyndra sits on the lake's shores, taking advantage of both the fresh water and the mysterious underwater ruins.
Velindale
Velindale encompasses the extremely lush mountainous territory south of Illyndra, bounded by the converging Thur Selvain and Thur Velind rivers. This fertile region supports extensive agriculture and vineyards, benefiting from rich mountain soil and reliable water sources. The favorable climate and abundant rainfall make Velindale one of The Crescent's most productive agricultural areas.
Valthorien's Folly
Valthorien's Folly lies southwest of Illyndra, a relatively flat and fertile area dotted with crumbling elven ruins. Named for a pre-Black Empire ruler who attempted to establish a great settlement here, the region was once considered extremely promising for colonization. However, the original inhabitants vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind only crumbling structures and cautionary tales. Due to its relative disconnect from the main road system, travel through this region is extremely limited.
Thar'sindale
Thar'sindale occupies the central portion of Selvainnar, consisting of semi-arid hills that pose significant dangers to travelers. This region is home to manticores, ogres, and other hostile creatures that regularly threaten Old King's Road traffic. The massive native Tharspire tree dominates the forests here, towering over the common pine and cypress that coexist with it.
Unlike many monsters that avoid settlements, ogres frequently approach roadside communities, making Thar'sindale particularly hazardous for merchants and travelers.
Mralith
Mralith is a towering lighthouse constructed during the Black Empire's height, originally built to guide ships on the Writhebay. The structure has been repurposed as part of a navigation system for skyships traveling between Cairune and Illyndra, with its elevated position and magical enhancements making it visible from great distances.
The Hundred Hearths
The Hundred Hearths is a massive inn complex strategically located along the Old King's Road between Illyndra and Cairune. Built to accommodate thousands of travelers, the inn provides well-defended lodging in the dangerous Thar'sindale region. Heavy fortifications and professional guards protect guests from the ogres and other threats that plague this section of the road. The inn charges relatively high rates, but most find this trade off worth the trouble.
Settlements
Major Cities: Illyndra
Towns: Edgehaven sits on the northern mountain slopes northwest of Illyndra, featuring terraced farms and houses built into hillsides. Stonebridge spans the Thur Selvain river southeast of Illyndra with its elegant whitestone bridge and vertical settlement design. Velmiris serves as a fortified outpost near the geographic center of The Crescent, providing services for monster hunters and wilderness guides, as well as walled protection against the worst of Thar'sindale.
Regional Characteristics
Selvainnar represents The Crescent's geographic and economic heart, where the most productive agricultural lands meet crucial trade routes. The region's diverse climate zones support different communities and activities, from mountain farming in Velindale to dangerous but profitable monster hunting in Thar'sindale.
The western valleys around the lake Daeth Myral enjoy mild conditions ideal for agriculture and settlement, while the eastern territories become increasingly arid and dangerous. This geographic transition creates both opportunities and challenges for the region's inhabitants.