Not to be confused with The Falderian Empire, which is settled in the south of Falderia.
Geography of Falderia
Falderia is a vast continent characterized by dramatic geographical diversity, stretching from the frozen arctic wastes in the north to the arid southern deserts. The continent is dominated by a central mountain range that serves as both a geographical and political divide, with distinct climate zones and ecosystems throughout its expanse.
Northern Regions
The Quiet Lands
The northernmost reaches of Falderia are dominated by The Quiet Lands, an endless expanse of solid ice and snow that represents the continent’s arctic frontier. This frozen wasteland is largely uninhabitable, serving as a natural barrier to the north.
Borea
South of The Quiet Lands lies Borea, a vast coniferous forest region bordered by formidable snow-capped mountains. This region features a winding river called the Borea River that flows through dense forests before emptying into the Karazak Gulf. Notable settlements include Gavelheim Overlook, Sprucetip, Hammerston and Shorthole, with Halfhill marking its southern border that overlaps with Eschenfeld.
Karazak Peninsula
Extending eastward from Borea, the Karazak Peninsula is a rugged, mountainous region perpetually covered in snow and ice. The peninsula features Hovehelm at its eastern tip and borders the Karazak Gulf, a bay filled with ice floes called The Floes of Karazak, and is home to mysterious serpentine creatures.
Central Mountain Range
The Cardlemounts
The Cardlemounts form the central spine of Falderia, wrapping The Lethysian Sea in the northern portion of the continent. These massive, rugged mountains are predominantly barren rock with snow-capped peaks, serving as a significant geographical barrier that influences both climate and political boundaries.
The Lethysian Sea
Nestled deep within The Cardlemounts, The Lethysian Sea is a large, circular, warm water lake. At its center stands Kulkystion, a colossal ancient tree with massive exposed roots, surrounded by swirling mist. This mystical landmark represents one of Falderia’s most significant natural wonders.
Western Regions
The Eroan Wilds
Located northwest of The Cardlemounts, The Eroan Wilds is an extensive, dense coniferous forest that stretches to the western coastline. This forest is home to the Elvish population, and the nation of Sylvana.
Gannelore
South of The eroan Wilds, Gannelore is an inland sea formed after The Race Wars. The region has a complex coastline with numerous inlets and contains a large internal body of water. Key landmarks include Gessna Bridge and Seserex Fortress on the coast, with the Molvania woods to the south east, serving as a border to Elvenwatch.
The Duchy of Parzelon
A large, fertile region south of Gannelore, The Duchy of Parzelon is characterized by mixed deciduous forests, extensive farmlands, and several settlements. Castle Parzelon serves as the region’s capital, with other notable settlements including Hallathay, Terethenzia, and The Goatfields. The region borders the western coast and terminates at The Hjolrak Gorge.
The Departing Isles
The south east is home to The Departing Isles, a set of unexplained floating islands in a bay to the west of The Old Thonham Wasteland.
Central-Eastern Regions
Eschenfeld
East of The Cardlemounts and south of Borea, Eschenfeld is a large region with mixed forests, numerous rivers, and several settlements including Halfhill, Sprucetip, Hogfoot, Northbridge, Southbridge, Propermill, and Tidewall. The region borders the intricate Salinax Bay to the south.
Northern Marches
South of The Cardlemounts and west of Eschenfeld, the Northern Marches is a rugged, forested region with hills and smaller hills including The Barrowhills. Notable locations include Hennick’s Quarry, Sawwell, Heviston, Hovel, and The Old Bridge which crosses The Gannelore River to Terethenzia.
Alfwyld Forest
A dense forest situated north of the Northern Marches, Alfwyld Forest borders The Cardlemounts and serves as a transition zone between the mountainous regions and the more temperate areas to the south.
Salinax Bay
A large, complex bay system on the southeastern coast, Salinax Bay features numerous small islands, inlets, and estuaries. Fort Salinax and Embersail are significant coastal settlements within this bay system.
Southern Regions
The Old Thonham Wasteland
Located in the southwestern part of the continent, The Old Thonham Wasteland is a vast, arid desert with sparse, scrubby vegetation and rocky formations. Sal’Taq serves as a coastal settlement in this harsh environment, with The Hjolrak Gorge marking a prominent geographical feature to the north.
The Falderian Empire
The central-southern region of Falderia is dominated by The Falderian Empire, which encompasses diverse landscapes from forests to farmlands. The empire’s capital, New Thonham, is a heavily fortified, walled city located on the southeastern coast. Other significant settlements include Orenston, Littlepool, Piety, Feldale, Crenhof, Holywell, Finnsgrave, Rootfield, Barleyroad and Seywald. The empire also includes the Violet Mire, a dark, swampy region in the southwest characterized by dense forests and darker vegetation.
Eastern Archipelagos
Eastern Archipelago
A large collection of islands off the eastern coast of The Falderian Empire, far south of the Karazak Peninsula and at the exit of Salinax Bay. This archipelago includes the Orcish Territory, a cluster of rugged, reddish-brown islands inhabited by orcish populations, with Reina’mak serving as a major settlement.
The Isles of Matallaxos
A vast, scattered archipelago extending far to the south and east, consisting of many small, forested islands. Orenston and New Thonham serve as a coastal settlement on the mainland facing these islands.
Major Waterways
Falderia is crisscrossed by numerous rivers that originate in the mountain ranges, particularly The Cardlemounts and the mountains of Borea. These rivers flow through various regions, supporting settlements and enabling trade. The most significant waterways include The Gannelore River, which serves as a major north-south trade route, and the Thonham Gulf, which functions as a central maritime trade hub. The River of Lethysia runs from The Lethysian Sea into Salinax Bay through Eschenfeld. The Gannelore River runs from The Gannelore Sea through The Duchy of Parzelon and ends in the Violet Mire.
There is also a two foot deep inlet between the Violet Mire and The Old Thonham Wasteland, allowing traversal with specific vehicles with large specialized wheels.
Climate Zones
Falderia exhibits a clear progression of climates from north to south:
- Arctic: The Quiet Lands and northern Borea
- Subarctic: Southern Borea and Karazak Peninsula
- Temperate: Central regions including Gannelore, Eschenfeld, and The Falderian Empire
- Arid: The Old Thonham Wasteland and southern regions
This geographical diversity has shaped the continent’s political landscape, with different regions developing distinct cultures, governance systems, and economic focuses based on their environmental conditions and available resources.