> [!success] Integrated > This lore drop has been processed and integrated into the vault. > See: [[Region - The Heartlands]] **LOCATION - Gryth - Auken - The Heartlands** **THE HEARTLANDS** The Heartlands serve as the central gateway of Auken, a sprawling territory that acts as the vital connective tissue between the continent's diverse nations. While traditionally recognised as a human-controlled realm, its strategic and geographic importance has seen various regions fall under the influence of Dwarves and Gnomes throughout the past several millennia. The capital of this vast territory is the storied city of Silverwall, the seat of King Thomas of House Garrik. This ancient capital, with its namesake enchanted walls and vertical architecture built against Mount Talvar, stands as a shimmering monument to a millennium of stability amidst the shifting powers of the continent. The geography of the Heartlands is characterised by vast, rolling grasslands and an endless patchwork of fertile farms, which provide the primary sustenance for much of central Auken. The interior is largely low-lying, though the horizon is often framed by rolling hills and the jagged silhouettes of mountain ranges that define its outer borders. To the north, the grasslands terminate at the pristine shores of Lake Fern, a landmark of both beauty and legend. Near this water's edge stands the solitary peak of Mount Taralest, home to the Keepers Temple of Silver and whispered to be the nesting ground of the legendary silver dragon Vombraxx. In addition to the capital, the region is anchored by the significant cities of Mar and Wistingham. These urban centres serve as critical hubs for the Heartlands' robust trade network, bridging Skinnert's Pass. This wide valley basin creates a massive, natural corridor between two mountain ranges, facilitating the flow of goods, culture, and armies from the east to the west. While Silverwall has resisted the fast-paced globalism of the modern era to preserve its traditions, Mar and Wistingham have flourished as essential links to the west, connecting the historic strength of the Heartlands to the burgeoning trade centres of Prosperia. The social fabric of the Heartlands is a unique tapestry, predominantly human but heavily influenced by a significant mixture of High and Wood Elves, Gnomes, and a substantial Dwarven community. This diversity has birthed a world-renowned culinary tradition, with the region's famous food culture and prestigious culinary schools, many of which originate in Silverwall, blending the hearty produce of the central farms with the refined tastes of the nobility. Though the region is currently enjoying a period of relative peace, it remains protected by the devout Order of the Silver Scale and the pragmatic veterans of the Brothers Guild, ensuring that the heart of Auken remains secure. ![[Pasted image 20260201192522.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260201192532.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260201192539.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260201192545.png]] ![[Pasted image 20260201192551.png]]