Heen (Realm)/Elementary Essay on the Heenite Geography

As I requested geographic information of other lands of the continent where I had never been before, it was to my surprise how few other documents than maps my scribe presented to me. Maps that gave nothing away but the main roads and the borders, but no knowledge about the factual geography. It was then that it struck me that Heen was left just as unknown to others as the largest part of the continent was to me. Therefor I took hold of my quill once more.

The Realm-Specific Geography

It must be said that there are two very opposite views concerning the Heenite desert. There are those who describe it as a desolate, barren pace. Those are mostly prisoners of war who are held in their forlorn cells in the midst of the desert, or those who simply cannot cope with a warm climate for long. Others have found the beauty in this land. A literally radiant beauty.

The general Environment and Landscape

The Heenite geography primarily exists of desert land, but this is not the case everywhere. The frequency of the sandy dunes is broken by various oases or small desert forests. At places a dry grassland covers the horizon, just as some green irrigated patches of land. Those who claim that Heen is build on a barren, dusty region know few about the actual situation. The regions that aren't far away from water and further inland suffer more from drought and only those regions can be described as the true stereotype desert, apart from the occasional springs and oases.

The Evolution of the Desert

In the more fertile strips of land, where the soil could easily be cultivated and developed, the three cities, Heen, Latlan and Joppo, arose and the main part of the population was centered there. Later on a stronghold was build in the desert, now called Taghalez, to offer shelter for traders and protection against invaders. These four points in the desert hold most of the production of luxury goods because even in the most dry of regions the population had managed to grow the necessary food and goods over the years by using improved techniques of irrigation. Heenite engineers were found to be very crafty on this subject and are regarded as one of the best on the continent.

The population density has therefor spread out more equally over the desert, as the growing cultivation provided new opportunities. It is still notable that regions that produce luxury goods, such as Heen, Latlan, Joppo and Watto -that are know to produce specific liquors and perfumes just to name a few- are significantly heavier populated. Those denser areas are defined by sturdier houses that are predominantly made of stone. Elsewhere the farmers live in smaller villages. A third group of the population, the nomads, dwell through the desert and halt at unknown locations for unknown periods of time.

Travelling through Heen

When travelling through the desert where roads are scarce, it is advised to wear light but covering gear. It is very important to follow the routs that are dotted down by indicatory piles of rocks. It would not be the first time that foreigners are only returned from the desert as bleak bones; this is not only the case when they wander off but also when a Heenite catches them moving one of those rocks. A lot of foreigners have disappeared after moving a rock. Formally the Heenite government denies this, but this isn't a formal document.

The desert is filled with underground caves and cliffs. Sandsubsidence and sandavalanches are continues threats when you leave the inhabited area. Sandstorms and minor whirlwinds can be avoided when accompanied by experienced guides. Fortunatrly because of the reorganization after the civil war no desert robbers dwell these lands anymore, whereas they are to be reckoned with all around Beluaterra. But in Heen no more.

The Region-Specific Geography

I must admit that a general view is not correct enough to describe the entire Heenite Geography. Therefor I included several reports about the Heenite region's geography I found. I myself will add missing information.

The badlands of Apokh

From the region's description, I quote:
"On the west coast of Beluaterra, Apokh is being considered by its inhabitants as the most beautiful and cosy region on the continent. What would seem dry because of the deserts surrounding it, is not: the Apokh Bay on the border with Sotrebar and the fresh sea-wind blazing over it from the west provides the land of fluid air, which makes it a nice place to live or visit. The earth is fairly dry, which makes that agriculture is not as profitable as elsewhere, but the people don't seem to be bothered by that, as they like to fish as well. And tourism, especially around the Apokh Bay, gives the region a very high income."

In addition, Apokh links Heen with the rest of the desert, namely the wastelands of Joppo. It is used as an important crossing-route from the Heen inland desert to the larger city of Joppo. Because of continuous neutrality between Mesh and Heen, the merchants have fared well, although no military detachment has crossed the border because of vigilant patrols of Meshian militia in Sukk and Kraake. Also read the Soil Non-Transgression pact with Mesh on this matter.

The city of Latlan

From the region's description, I quote:
"Latlan
Latlan is one of the smaller cities on the continent, but what it lacks in populace it gains in character. The Rolling Sand dunes can be seen for miles around the city, with only two ways to gain access to its inner ring, the city itself is a stone Goliath unconquerable by the weak.

Latlan stands as monument to passed civilizations and many cultures that have tried to claim it as their own. The truth being that Latlan can never truly be ruled as its barren lands are harsh to all, unrelenting and unmerciful.

Based on the outskirts of the Desert lands, it is sandwiched in between the terrible sand storms of the desert and the torrential waves of the ocean.

Local Information and sites
The most popular drink in the city of Latlan is called the sea maidens ale, this was created by a local barkeeper who had retired from his life at sea to follow his dream of becoming a well known storyteller and landlord. His success was a legendary story, and since his death at the hands of the undead, his ale has become all the more famous and coveted.

Latlans History: A tale of war & heroics.
Latlan has a vast history, It has seen many wars, and just as many invaders looking to plunder its limited bounty. Most recently a plague of undead spread through the surrounding area, plundering and ravaging the locals, this forced many of the population to leave or suffer the consequences of which many found to be far too dire."

In addition, Latlan holds a reputation for being the core city of the Desert. Surrounded by the cities Joppo and Heen, as well as the stronghold Taghalez, all desert roads do -in fact- lead to Latlan. The city is still very renowned for its variety in beliefs, including the only recently extinguished Hedonism.

The woodlands of Kif

From the region's description, I quote:
"Geography of Kif
At the far north of the Western Badlands of Beluaterra can be found the region of Kif. The majority of the region is dotted with trees growing in small woodlands. Being one of the least fertile regions on the continent it is not surprising that its net food production is low.

Situated to the East of Heen city, Kif is a busy through-road to other cities on the continent and as such, many foreign traders can be seen stopping by in one of the few taverns in the local villages. The villagers are particularly friendly with the nobility and enjoy the visits from everyone to their humble market places.

The region has a long stretch of beach towards the North-West, but the beaches are not the cleanest around. Boats wishing to harbour at Heen pollute the seas and as a result, fishing in the area isn't so great.

Flora and Fauna of Kif The region is famous for its production of a soaplike substance from the roots of a small white flower with tiny round pale green leaves. The roots are mashed in with water and a slightly oily liquid forms, with when lathered up can work the grease out of any item of clothing or body part. As a result, the nobles from Kif are amongst the most cleanly on the continent.

It is also the only place in the desert lands where the wild Tulaberry grows, a flavoursome red berry which the locals turn into both jam and pie-filling. Its sweet/sour flavour is a delicacy in the capital and the locals are keen to barter a high price for the conserve."

In addition, Kif links the desert to its great ally, the Theocracy of Sint. It's rare combination of woodland growth and desert climate have odd growth as result, such as mentioned above. However, several unidentified types of trees can still be found in this region, reaching tremendous heights or bustling up in low, dense packs. Because of the shadow of the trees and the local specialities, it is a suitable place for noble families and rich merchants to buy an additional mansion to stay in for the warmer periods of the year.

More will come soon...

By the quill of Martana Curs, the second Monarch, Queen of Heen.