The San-Sil
The San-Sil encompasses the southwestern region of The Crescent, where dry grasslands give way to extremely fertile farmlands before surrendering to colossal sand dunes. Even before the rise of Selvainnar and Velindale, this region was considered the breadbasket of The Crescent. This region's defining characteristic is its arid climate punctuated by remarkable oases of fertility and civilization.
The Old King's Road terminates at the magnificent Drelspire Bridge, which spans the treacherous Naerthain Gorge and provides passage toward Ecleptara, the region's crown jewel.
Lake Hethsura
Lake Hethsura, fed by the Hethsura River - itself a branch of the mighty Thur Velind - creates an oasis of lush vegetation in the southern portion of the region. This lake and its surrounding fertile lands complement the larger agricultural zones found in the region's center.
Beyond the lake's influence, the landscape quickly transforms into the harsh San-Sil Desert for which the region takes its name.
The Naerthain Gorge
The Naerthain Gorge is a vast canyon system carved by the Thur Velind River. Massive spired rock formations line one side of the canyon, creating a dramatic and treacherous landscape. The gorge represents a significant obstacle to travel and trade.
The colossal Drelspire Bridge spans this gorge near its beginning, where the Old King's Road reaches its terminus. This engineering marvel was constructed around the same time as Ecleptara's founding and remains one of the most impressive architectural achievements in The Crescent.
Blackspine Mountain
Rising from a large plateau in the northern parts of the San-Sil region, Blackspine Mountain dominates the region's skyline. This imposing peak harbors secrets beneath its stone - the ruins of the forgotten duergar homeland of Bhal Qhaargrim lie buried within the mountain's depths.
The Qhaargrim Expedition maintains an encampment near the mountain's slopes, where duergar workers toil to excavate and reclaim their ancestral halls, grumbling constantly about the blazing sunlight and exposed conditions.
Settlements
Major Cities: Ecleptara
Outposts: The Qhaargrim Expedition serves as a duergar mining camp focused entirely on excavating Blackspine Mountain. The duergar here maintain minimal contact with other settlements, preferring to work their excavations and complain about surface conditions.
Regional Characteristics
The San-Sil represents a study in contrasts - fertile abundance surrounding Lake Hethsura gives way rapidly to harsh desert conditions. This geography creates distinct economic zones: rich agricultural lands near the lake, pastoral grazing in the northern grasslands, and virtually uninhabitable desert to the south.
Ecleptara serves as the cultural heart not just of the region but of The Crescent itself, setting fashions and tastes that spread throughout the realm via their extensive skyship networks. Despite its isolated location, Ecleptara has become renowned for producing some of The Crescent's most skilled skyship navigators, rivaling even Cairune in overall aerial expertise - though where Cairune sailors are known for raw skill and daring, Ecleptara's strength lies in their vast experience and masterful navigation techniques.