Eastmarch

East of the towering Greyspires and beyond the shadowy embrace of Lunebrook Forest, the land opens into a sprawling, sunlit region filled with rolling plains, shimmering lakes, and woodlands that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. This is the breadbasket of Vel'Nathar, and its people are fiercely proud of their farms and their land. Eastmarch feels as if it has been plucked from a storybook; a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and meadows crisscrossed by sparkling streams and dotted with tranquil ponds where ducks and swans glide lazily under the sun. Crops grow abundantly here: golden wheat, plump vegetables, and lush orchards heavy with fruit.

A Land of Rolling Plains and Gentle Rivers

This part of Vel'Nathar feels brighter, more vibrant, and alive, as though the land itself is breathing, nourished by the crystal-clear rivers that snake through the landscape. Herds of wild horses roam freely, galloping across the plains, while great herds of elk and aurochs move through the tall grasses, grazing in the early morning mist. The air here is cooler than in the Lowlands, crisp with the scent of the forests and the ever-present breeze that flows down from the mountains.

The River Silvermere, a slow and meandering river that cuts through Eastmarch like a silken ribbon, provides a lifeline for many of the towns and villages along its banks. The soil, rich and dark, seems to hum with a quiet magic, encouraging crops to grow larger and faster than anywhere else on the island.

The Folk of Eastmarch

The people of Eastmarch are an industrious and resourceful folk, a blend of humans, halflings, and gnomes who have long shared this bountiful land. Unlike the halflings of other regions, the Marcher Halflings are known for their wanderlust and adventurous spirit. They live in villages and towns alongside their taller neighbors, often acting as guides who know the hidden paths better than anyone. Many halfling families are also expert brewers and winemakers, their small hilltop vineyards producing fine meads and wines.

The gnomes of Eastmarch commonly dwell in small, hidden communities within the forests fringing the plains, their homes camouflaged within tree roots or hills. Revered as herbalists, alchemists, and woodcarvers, their creations often carry subtle enchantments drawn from the land's magic. In spring, their secret groves fill with the scent of rare flowers and herbs unique to Vel’Nathar.

The Southern Gateway

Emerging from the cool darkness of Lunebrook, the road northward winds gently through fields of tall grass and wildflowers, painting the landscape green and gold. The air is sweet with wild lavender, heather, and thyme, accompanied by the distant rustle of wind across the plains. Villages here are lively and welcoming, centered around cobblestone squares with bustling markets spilling over with fresh breads, honey, and hand-stitched tapestries. Halfling bakers boast the most delicious pies and cakes, their scents drawing visitors from miles around. Every day feels like an intimate celebration of life’s simpler joys.

Briarhill, a quaint town nestled between two streams at the southern edge, serves as a warm welcome. Known for its farms and vibrant marketplaces, it hosts the Blooming Light Festival each spring, where lanterns released into the night sky create a cascade of twinkling lights among the stars.

Heading northwest, fields yield to orchards of apple, pear, and cherry trees tended by cheerful gnomes. The town of Glenbrook nestles at the foot of a gentle rise, where the Orla River winds gracefully. Glenbrook is home to the Great Barn, a massive structure serving as both storage and a community gathering place, alive on weekends with laughter, music, and roasting meats, where local bards perform tales of heroes and land spirits.

Heart of the March

Continuing eastward leads to Elmsworth, a larger city renowned for knowledge and scholarship. Nestled between hills around a shimmering lake, Elmsworth is a cultural hub with grand libraries chronicling Vel'Nathar's history. Humans and gnomes work side by side, exchanging lore with reverence for the past. The respected Academy of Natural Philosophy resides here, studying the natural world, magical anomalies, and ancient secrets. The Elmsworth Symposium, held every five years, draws the brightest minds from across the continent.

Further northwest of Elmsworth, the land opens into broader fields. The heart of Eastmarch, Greenglen Vale, is a vast, fertile plain dotted with farming villages. The town of Everglade, named for its lush surroundings, serves as the center of Eastmarch's agricultural industry, with bustling markets where farmers trade goods. Gnomes settled among humans and halflings here nurture the land with an innate understanding, ensuring crops flourish. Famous for hospitality, halfling villages like Willowshade and Brambleshire are found within the vale, known for hearty feasts and lively music around bonfires, often welcoming travelers late into the night.

As one travels northward through Greenglen Vale, the hills rise gently to reveal the Silvermere river. Valenhold, a city at the river’s junction, flourishes as a trade hub where merchants peddle wares and travelers rest. Flowering vines adorn homes, and market stalls line cobbled streets. Serving as the unofficial capital of Eastmarch, Valenhold's history is steeped in harvest festivals and folk songs. The autumn Feast of the Moonlight Harvest draws travelers far and wide to celebrate with carved gourd lanterns, dances, music, and storytelling, including legends of a hidden grove where the Goddess Yssarel first sowed seeds.

Coastal Hub

To the far east, where the plains meet the distant Sea of Winds, sits the bustling port town of Greyharbor. Though newer than Stormhaven’s docks, Greyharbor is known for skilled shipwrights and strong sailing traditions. The Sea of Winds, named for its frequent and unpredictable squalls, is treacherous for all but the most seasoned sailors. 

Gnomish Woods & Marshlands

Further northeast, the plains give way to low-lying forests and gentle hills, home to the Gnomes of Mosswillow Wood. The settlement of Willowcroft, tucked beneath towering oaks and ash trees, is nearly invisible, with homes dug into the earth and roofed with moss and wildflowers. These gnomes are skilled herbalists and druids, guardians of ancient groves, said to have an affinity with forest spirits. Mosswillow Wood is a place of deep magic, pulsing with life, attracting pilgrims seeking wisdom in healing, growth, and sacred groves.

Just east lies the Willow Marsh, a sprawling wetland rich with flora and fauna. Gnomes and halflings gather herbs and medicinal plants within its labyrinth of twisting waterways. Legends speak of will-o'-the-wisps dancing over the waters at night, guiding or misleading travelers based on their intentions.

Northern Vale & Foothills

West of Mosswillow, nestled in foothills bordering the northernmost plains, lies Harebrook, famous for its halfling population living in cozy hillside burrows and stone cottages. A place of warmth and hospitality, Harebrook halflings are renowned for their agricultural skill. Centuries ago, during the War of the Wildfolk, the peoples of the eastern vale united here to fend off hill giants and trolls at the Battle of Willowford. An annual festival honors the heroes, whose statues stand by the River Nara ford as a reminder of unity.

To the west, nestled among the eastern edge of the Greyspires, is Brighthollow. Built on old elven ruins centuries ago by the human House Aldaren, it's a city where old and new meet. Crumbling fort ruins overlook stone walls etched with forgotten runes. Inside, cobbled streets wind through markets, and great stone towers, once elven watchtowers, now serve as guild halls and arcane colleges. Governed by an elected council, Brighthollow is also a place of learning, home to the Halls of the Verdant Circle, scholars and druids preserving lore and magic, with ties to Mosswillow gnomes and Lunebrook druids.

Further northeast lies the bustling town of Amberfell, named for its golden autumn leaves. Built on the banks of the River Nara, it's known for skilled artisans producing beautiful textiles and crafts. The lively marketplace offers everything from intricate tapestries to vibrant dyes. Despite commercial success, Amberfell maintains a strong community spirit, with storytelling nights by the riverside preserving history and heritage.

Continuing northward, Eastmarch gradually transforms as the Greyspires loom closer. The landscape becomes more rugged. The Aelen Vale, a large valley beneath the peaks, is rich with history, once sacred ground for ancient druids. Now dotted with quaint villages, descendants maintain harmony with the land. The village of Halden, perched at the edge of the Greyspires, is renowned for apple orchards and vineyards producing fine ciders and wines. Its inhabitants, a mix of humans, halflings, and gnomes, share their bounty at community gatherings and offer refuge to adventurers, keeping ancient druid legends alive.

Border Towns

As one moves further north, gentle slopes rise into the Northern Highlands. Before reaching them, travelers find Seldaine, known for silversmiths crafting intricate jewelry reflecting the landscape's beauty. Sitting at the confluence of several small rivers, the town is surrounded by hills dotted with sheep farms worked by humans and halflings.

Winding further upward towards the Highlands, villages become sparser. In the shadow of the towering Greyspires lies Stonewatch, named for the cliffs behind it. A resilient community, it serves as a crucial supply hub between the highlands and lower Eastmarch. Known for sturdy stone buildings crafted by resident dwarven masons, the people are warm and welcoming, often gathering at the Blazing Hearth Tavern to share stories and warmth, including legends of lost treasures and ancient beasts in the mountains.