Winhem
Table of Contents
Geography
Winhem is a vast and diverse landmass, primarily composed of temperate grasslands. The western coastline of Winhem features a long and inviting sandy beach that transitions seamlessly into the Great Plains, a picturesque green grassland that stretches as far as the eye can see. Throughout the Great Plains, numerous lakes are scattered across the landscape, connected by small rivers and creeks that weave through the grasses. Of these bodies of water, Glancing Giant Lake stands out as the largest and most notable, situated roughly in the middle of the plains.
In the heart of Winhem lies the sprawling White Wood Forest, a dense and beautiful expanse of trees with distinctive white trunks and green leaves. Though traversing the forest can be a challenging endeavor, it is a breathtaking sight to behold. East of the White Wood Forest, the grasslands continue but with fewer bodies of water. Trees and shrubs dot the landscape more frequently than in the Great Plains, and the land gradually rises in elevation, creating gentle hills that roll across the terrain.
To the northwest of Winhem are the Triangle Lakes, a trio of large and prominent bodies of water that sit close to one another. These lakes are fed by rivers that flow down from the northern coast. In the southwest, a sizeable and noteworthy lake can be found, which empties into the southern coast via a meandering river.
On the eastern coast of Winhem, the terrain becomes more rugged and hilly, with cliffs that plummet dramatically into the sea instead of sandy beaches. The coastline is lined with a lush green forest that stretches from north to south and dominates the region’s eastern edge. Overall, Winhem is a land of contrasts, with expansive grasslands, dense forests, rolling hills, and rugged coastal cliffs that make it a fascinating and dynamic region to explore.
Weather
Winhem’s weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. During the summer months, temperatures soar and can easily surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a challenging season to endure. In contrast, winters are harsh and cold, with temperatures plummeting as low as -20 degrees at the worst. While snowfall is not severe, it tends to linger on the ground for long periods.
Rainfall in Winhem is moderate, ranging from 40-60 inches annually, with most precipitation occurring in the late spring and early summer months. The fertile soil in Winhem, particularly in the Great Plains, allows for crops to be grown year-round. However, the combination of mild rainfall and high summer temperatures can create dangerous wildfire conditions. Due to the sparse vegetation in the Great Plains, fires can burn quickly and fiercely, making them challenging to control.
Winhem is also susceptible to drought, which can be devastating and life-threatening. Overall, Winhem’s climate is a study in contrasts, with scorching summers, bitter winters, moderate rainfall, and the potential for wildfires and droughts.
Population & Settlements
Winhem is a land inhabited by both Humans and Hellbends. The Humans have established two major cities within the Great Plains, Lysium and Brickwell, with numerous towns and villages scattered throughout the grasslands. Meanwhile, the largest Hellbend city, Avakaron, is situated north of the Triangle Lakes, with a few supporting villages located in the vicinity.
Trade is common between the two races, and they share a friendly relationship. In the Great Plains, Lysium Military Outposts are strategically placed to guard and patrol the continent under the orders of the capital city of Lysium. Moving away from the Great Plains, settlements become less frequent on the eastern side of Winhem, although there are still a few scattered across the land.
Overall, the population of Winhem is estimated to be around 260,000, with approximately 200,000 Humans and 60,000 Hellbends residing in cities, towns, and smaller settlements. To explore the location and descriptions of all known settlements in Winhem, refer to the Winhem Settlements page.
Great Plains
The Great Plains of Winhem cover the vast expanse of land east of the White Wood Forest, stretching as far as the eye can see. The name Great Plains is aptly given as the landscape is relatively uniform throughout, with undulating hills covered in a mix of tall and short grasses, and punctuated by small rivers and ponds. While lacking in dramatic features such as cliffs or bluffs, there is one notable exception – the Glancing Giant Lake, the largest body of water in the grasslands. As one travels towards the north, west, and southern coasts, the plains gradually taper off into a continuous stretch of white sandy beach, making for breathtaking ocean views. Despite the apparent simplicity of the Great Plains, they hold a unique beauty and sense of tranquility that is unmatched by any other region in Winhem.
Eastern Steppes
The Eastern Steppes comprises all of the Winhem lands located to the east of the White Wood Forest. Unlike the Great Plains, the Steppes feature a diverse landscape with rolling plains, rising cliffs, and towering hills. While rivers and ponds are less common in this region, it is home to several notable lakes, including the Triangle Lakes. The land gradually rises in elevation from west to east, with the altitude starting near sea level and culminating in the high Eastern Bluffs. The coasts of the Eastern Steppes are characterized by steep and plunging cliffs, rather than white sandy beaches.
Glancing Giant Lake
The Glancing Giant Lake is a vast water body located in the heart of Winhem’s Great Plains. As the largest body of water in the entire continent, it stretches for miles and is a prominent feature of the landscape. The lake is primarily fed by the Tawley River, a meandering waterway that originates from the northern Gordon Strait and flows through the Great Plains. Despite its size, the Glancing Giant Lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of just 10 meters. Its shallowness makes it an ideal breeding ground for a variety of fish species, which in turn support the local ecosystem and provide a vital source of food for the surrounding settlements. The lake’s serene beauty and abundant natural resources make it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities among both locals and tourists.
White Wood Forest
The White Wood Forest covers a vast area in the heart of Winhem, extending from the northern Harrion Ocean coast to the southern Yimera Ocean coast. The forest is characterized by the abundance of Birch Trees, which have distinctive white bark and pale wood, giving rise to the forest’s name. The dense forest houses a significant river that runs through its middle, originating from the northern coast and flowing all the way south, a few miles from the southern coast. The thick vegetation and rugged terrain make navigating the forest a challenging and time-consuming task, with potential hazards without proper supplies and precautions.
Tawley River
The Tawley River is a significant waterway that runs through the heart of Winhem, stretching from the northern coast of the Gordon Strait to the southeastern Great Plains. It is the longest and largest river in the region, and its name honors Anthone Tawley, the intrepid explorer who successfully navigated its entire length using the first boat ever built for this purpose. The river flows southward for miles before it divides into two branches, one heading southwest and eventually joining the Glancing Giant Lake, and the other branching out into a small fork that gradually peters out deep into the eastern Great Plains. The Tawley River is fed by the Gordon Strait in the north and is a crucial source of freshwater for the various settlements scattered throughout the Great Plains. Its meandering currents and wide banks provide a thriving habitat for diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, and it remains an important part of the cultural and ecological landscape of Winhem.
Marivelli River
Located in the northern Eastern Steppes of Winhem, the Marivelli River is a unique and mystical body of water. Unlike other rivers in the region, which flow southward, the Marivelli flows northward and even uphill, albeit slowly. Some consider it a magical phenomenon, and it is said to be a gift from the goddess of flow and water, Marili. The river is fed by two of the Three Triangle Lakes and empties into the northern Gordon Strait via a magnificent waterfall. The area surrounding the river is lush with vegetation, and wildlife thrives along its banks.
Eastern Bluffs
The Eastern Bluffs is a notable coastal cliff range located on the eastern coast of Winhem. The cliffs stretch from the southernmost tip of Winhem’s tail, curving up the coast and ending at the city of Avakaron. These cliffs vary in height, with some reaching towering heights, while others are shorter, gradually tapering down to meet the sea. The constant pounding of the waves against the base of the bluffs means that no beaches or shores exist in the area.
In addition to the cliffs, the Eastern Bluffs is also home to a large forest that rims the cliffs from the southern tip to the northern edge of the continent. The forest is dense and full of life, providing a habitat for many species of animals and plants. As the cliffs reach their northernmost point, the forest begins to thin out, giving way to the open plains beyond. Despite the beauty of the Eastern Bluffs, traversing them can be dangerous and requires caution, especially in areas where the cliffs are particularly steep.
Triangle Lakes
Located in the Northern Eastern Steppes, just to the east of the White Wood Forest, lie three expansive lakes in close proximity to each other. These interconnected lakes are famously known as the Triangle Lakes, aptly named due to their location from each other, resembling the points of a triangle. The two northernmost lakes serve as the primary source of water for the Marivelli River, which flows north and empties into the Gordon Strait. These lakes are primarily fed by rainfall, runoff, and groundwater, making them a vital source of freshwater for the surrounding area.
Hooded Bluffs
The Hooded Bluffs are a picturesque cliff range located along the northern border of Winhem, adjacent to the White Wood Forest. Despite being smaller in height and length compared to the Eastern Bluffs, they are no less stunning in their natural beauty. The cliffs begin at the western edge and stretch towards the eastern edge of Winhem’s northern neck, before gently tapering off into sandy beaches on both sides.
The Hooded Bluffs offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with the forested areas of the White Wood stretching out to the south and the vast Harrion Ocean to the north. The cliffs are home to a diverse range of wildlife, with many rare and exotic species making their homes in the cliffs and forests around the bluffs. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the cliffs, providing spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
Hindsight Bay
Located at the southeastern tip of Winhem, the large bay is a picturesque natural formation with three small islands dotting its waters. The bay’s serene and warm waters attract visitors looking to enjoy the calm and swim in its pristine blue waters. The area is also home to a large coral reef, teeming with an array of colorful marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers alike. Whether one wants to relax on the sandy beaches, explore the coral reefs or take a boat trip around the bay, this location has something to offer for everyone seeking to enjoy Winhem’s natural beauty.
Living Lake
Located in the southwestern portion of the Eastern Steppes, the Living Lake is a remarkable body of water that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem. The lake is primarily fed by rainwater and small creeks that flow throughout the steppes, and it is called the Living Lake due to its teeming and varied flora and fauna that are unparalleled by other water bodies in the region. The lake’s ecosystem is so rich that it supports an abundance of life, ranging from colorful fishes and water plants to aquatic mammals and rare species of birds. The Living Lake is also known for its dual outflow into two small branches of the Trial River.
Trial River
Located in the southern Eastern Steppes of Winhem, the Trail River is the largest river in the region. It begins as two separate branches fed by the Living Lake and quickly merges into one powerful river that flows southeast, eventually emptying into the Triiping Sea. Due to its size and strength, the Trail River plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Eastern Steppes, providing water for a variety of plant and animal life, and serving as a transportation route for trade and travel.