The West

Overview

The western coast of Ardentis — bordered by the impassable Tempest Tides — is one of the wildest and least civilized regions on the continent. Cold air from the north collides with warm, humid air from the south, producing near-constant wind, heavy precipitation, and dramatic weather. During drier seasons, sandstorms and small tornadoes rake the shoreline. The sunsets, however, are legendary.

Climate & Terrain

• Wild, windy, and wet year-round
• Myriad of hills and rivers with small jungles thriving between them
• Dry season brings sandstorms and coastal tornadoes
• The Tempest Tides render the western shore useless for large-ship navigation

Fauna

• One of the few remaining regions on Ardentis where dinosaurs still roam
• Giant birds patrol the skies
• Winged humanoids nest in the cave networks of the Teeth

People

The west is home to ancient humanoid tribes who predate recorded history. They live hidden within the jungles between the hills and rivers, largely avoiding contact with the wider world. Small explorer settlements exist in oasis-like pockets where the land becomes briefly generous.

Civilization is scarce. The main north-south route on Ardentis runs through Nordwall to the east — the west is considered too hostile and unreliable for regular trade.

Key Locations

North Tooth & South Tooth

Twin mountain peaks that rise unnaturally high relative to the surrounding terrain. Vegetation is scarce at elevation. The cave networks riddling their interiors are home to winged humanoids who live among the summits. Rarely visited, poorly mapped.

Mount Freedom

A rugged, imposing mountain that marks the western boundary of the Ulek Empire. Named by the first modern human settlers who arrived from across the Dark Sea — the mountain was deemed the edge of what was settleable. Beyond it: the dry, furious coast, hostile swamp to the east, and nothing useful enough to justify the crossing.

The mountain is too rugged for easy passage. To its east lies the Latan Swamp. Its name carries the symbolic weight of the settlers' decision to stop here and build rather than push further.

Beyond Mount Freedom, the reach of the Ulek Empire ends.

Connections

• East of the Teeth: Latan Swamp
• South along the coast leads eventually to Prince Eltram Landing and Lighthouse Island
• The Tempest Tides are home to aquatic creatures inhabiting underwater caves along the coastline