# Region: The Heartlands > [!info] Quick Facts > | | | > |---|---| > | **Type** | Region | > | **Continent** | [[Continent - Auken\|Auken]] | > | **Capital** | [[City - Silverwall]] | > | **Ruler** | King Thomas of House Garrik | > | **Known For** | Fertile farmlands, culinary tradition | > [!map] View on Map > [Open Interactive Map →](https://hawksrepos.github.io/elvensong-map/?location=The%20Heartlands) ## Overview 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. ## Capital The capital is the storied city of [[City - 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. ## Geography The geography of the Heartlands is characterised by: - **Vast, rolling grasslands** and an endless patchwork of fertile farms - Provides the primary sustenance for much of central Auken - Interior is largely low-lying - Horizon framed by rolling hills and jagged mountain silhouettes ### Northern Border > [!abstract] Lake Fern & Mount Taralest > To the north, the grasslands terminate at the pristine shores of **[[Location - Lake Fern|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**. ### Major Trade Route **Skinnert's Pass** - a wide valley basin creating a massive natural corridor between two mountain ranges, facilitating the flow of goods, culture, and armies from east to west. ## Major Cities | City | Role | |------|------| | [[City - Silverwall]] | Capital, seat of King Thomas | | Mar | Trade hub, link to the west | | Wistingham | Trade hub, link 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 [[Nation - Prosperia|Prosperia]]. ## Society & Culture The social fabric of the Heartlands is a unique tapestry: - **Predominantly human** but heavily influenced by High Elves, Wood Elves, Gnomes, and Dwarves - **World-renowned culinary tradition** - famous food culture and prestigious culinary schools - Many culinary schools originate in Silverwall - Blends hearty produce of central farms with refined noble tastes ## Military & Protection The region is protected by: - **Order of the Silver Scale** - devout protectors - **[[Faction - Brothers Guild|Brothers Guild]]** - pragmatic veterans ## Connections - Part of [[Continent - Auken]] - Capital: [[City - Silverwall]] - Borders [[Nation - Prosperia]] to the west - [[Location - Lake Fern]] to the north --- *See also: [[Regions]]*