Lothor

Lothor is a vast province set on the eastern coast of Svirun. It has been the homeland to the Kells since their days as the Dagda came to an end in 510 ADA. Lothor is made up of wild temperate forests, tall coastal cliffs, steep hills, and murky bogs, and is full of overgrown ruins and mystical groves.

Geography
Lothor is bordered to the North by Valkendur, separated only by the magnificent Skjoldr Mountains. Just east of the Sibellan River, which flows south from the aforementioned mountain range, lies The Grot that separates Lothor from Draven. Southwest of Lothor is the untamed lands of Norstrei, separated by the Dragon Wall, of which now lies in ruin. The entire western border of Lothor overlooks the Ionad Sea.

Most of Lothor's landmass is covered in dense coniferous and broadleaf forests, spanning both the northern hills and the southern flatland. Many species of trees are found in Lothor, from towering pine trees to pale birch trees, and even several examples of hickory and lowland willow. Many species of vines, flowers, shrubs, and moss grow here too, especially around the Kiben and Sibellan Rivers. The northwest coast of Lothar is defended by a series of tall cliffs, supposedly formed during the Great Divide that marked the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment in Agara. Portions of these cliffs are over 600 feet tall, and dip directly into the ocean. Some cave systems have been carved out of the stone by the ocean, used by all sorts of creatures, from seals and sea birds to savage bandits.

Lothor has two major freshwater lakes, and one saltwater one. The first freshwater lake is Lake Kiben, located in northern Lothor, at the base of the Kiben River, where it splits off from the Sibellan. It is quite large, and estimated to be around 80 feet deep in it's darkest trenches. It is populated by a variety of local fish, and is surrounded on almost all sides by tall pine trees. The second freshwater lake is Lake Sibella, which is located towards the southern end of the Sibellan River. Emptying into both the Ionad Sea through Gollour's Bay, as well as Lake Dulles. Lake Sibella is not as deep as Lake Kiben, reaching a maximum depth of around 35 feet. In the northern section of the lake, the water is so shallow that one could ride through it on a horse without risk of getting wet. Lothor's saltwater lake is the famous Lake Dulles, named after the long-dead Dullahan tribe that lived and died there, and now haunt it as a form of cursed undead horsemen. The seems to be fed by Lake Sibella, but is actually supplied by an underwater cave system that connects it to the Ionad Sea, known as the Dulles Sea Caves. So much saltwater comes in from these caves, that the freshwater from the north is kept out, and instead flows out southward of Lake Sibella.The marshes of The Grot that separates Lothor from Draven are quite hard to traverse, primarily due to the monsters and disease that lies within. Having been the location of many famous battles, necromancers are often brought there in search of lost souls and corpses. Lothor trolls and troglodytes are common in this area, and stalk the roadways in search of easy prey.

Just across the Noric Channel to the west of Lothor, is a large island known as Aldeun. Once disputed territory between the Kells and the Skald following the Skald Spirit War, the island became part of Lothor in 334 AE thanks to the negotiations of Duncan the Bard. The island is mostly flat, with many rocky outcrops and several small birch groves. Many ruined Kell fortresses dot the land, all remnants of their war with the Skald, as well as the wars against the Dracae.

Locations
For full article, see: Locations (Lothar)

Flora
Main Article: Flora (Lothor)

A vast number of types of flora are found throughout Lothor, mainly due to it's rich soil and moderate climate. Flora such as Credne Berries and Spruce Mirriam are found all across the region, as well as many more common plants, such as blueberries, apples, northern moss, and many different types of flowers.

The mysterious caverns of Wight Hollow, located in Dunspeur Forest, is home to many species of mushroom and vines, including the rare Ghost Fungus; a sought-after ingredient in many elixirs.

Fauna
Main Article: Creatures (Lothor)

A number of animals and monsters can be found in Lothor. These include wolves, elk, wild horses, and bears. Elk are one of the most common creatures in Lothor, and are one of the main food sources for those living there. The streams and ponds of the region provide many different species of freshwater fish.

Government
Ever since the fall of the Dagda Empire, Lothor's governing system has been made up of the high priests of the many Kell tribes. Speaking among themselves whenever a major event affects the region, each tribe follows their own set of rules, and are only aligned by their common ancestors and religion. In times of war, the high priests often order their tribes to set aside their differences in order to protect their land.

Foreign Relations
The Kells of Lothor do not pick battles with outside forces. Ever since the Skald Spirit War, the Kells have chosen to remain neutral on most affairs. So far, most other governing bodies of Agara have chosen to respect their wishes. While they are not united under one banner any longer, the Skald clans remember and uphold the Salt Circle Agreement, and thus hold the Kell in high regard, some even considering them allies. The Griswulf, though they have previously tried to invade Lothor on several occasions, currently have no quarrel with it's people.

The Arenese Empire has made several offers to the Kell High Priests in the hopes that they will allow them to form strongholds in their land during their campaign against the Tarragon. However, the High Priests have since denied this request for a variety of reasons. This has caused many Arenese politicians to consider the Kells as foolish and unwilling to make changes for the greater good.

Economy
Lothor is not an especially wealthy region of Svirun, though it receives most of it's imports from it's neighbors, Valkendur and Draven. As for exports, Lothor trades with many through their alliance with the Skalds, using their boats to ship plants and food to other parts of Agara.

Before the Skald Spirit War had forced The Salt Circle Agreement to be signed, Lothor was in a very bad place, economically. With few foreign allies, and even less knowledge of what existed beyond their borders, the Kells relied on trading within their nation. However, in recent years it has become much more prominent in worldwide trading.

However, the only thing holding Lothor from being one of the world's top exporters of food and plants is their agreement to not involve themselves in the affairs of the Arenese Empire. Independent merchants often take their shipments from Lothor to Petrides to evade these restrictions, making extra along the way.

Lothor uses the Tori as currency.