Geography of Aedeland

The geography of Aedeland refers to the diversity of its lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena. Aedeland covers the western third of the Stoldavian landmass, extending from the Straits of Andlát in the west to the limestone cliffs that define its border with Vittmark in the east. This vast area includes a changing configuration of broad plains, lofty mountain ranges, and large areas of dense forest. The Zeeæbngten separates southern Aedeland from the Thultanniam sub-continent and its southern neighbor Hallis, while to the north lies the frigid Dlreucu Sea.

Physical Geography

Lesser Stoldavian Range

The Lesser Stoldavian Range, known as the Neuarfellkjede, forms a backbone that divides Aedeland's northern and southern watersheds. The highest point in this range is the Mestrhorn, at 4,884 meters (16,023 ft), located near the nation's center. The Mestrhorn is noted for its steepness and glaciated features, making it one of the world's most challenging climbs. This massif also includes Skjenfjell (4,810.45 m / 15,782 ft), Høygaffjel (4,545 m / 14,911 ft), and Jomfruer (4,158 m / 13,642 ft). The southern face of the range is renowned for high-quality Aedelant cedar.

The Lesser Stoldavian Range is characterized by large recumbent folds and gigantic thrust faults formed by tectonic pressure. The region was shaped by glacial movements, leaving behind an Arctic-like wasteland of barren rock and gravel and large granite boulders scattered throughout the landscape. The interior is rugged and considered impassable apart from three critical passes known as Tre Fjelloverganger: the Himlar Pass, the Skrekk Pass, and the Trange Pass. These passes connect various regions within Aedeland, providing vital routes for travel and trade.

Åstillevatn Basin

Aedeland's longest river, the Rúkrinná, runs through one of the world's deepest gorges with sections reaching depths of 7,900 ft (2,407 m). The river's source is Vievattn, a massive hot spring producing 1.2 billion gallons (4,500,000 m³) per day. The upper river flows southeast to Åstillevatn, Aedeland's largest lake, which divides the Rúkrinná into upper and lower sections. The river is navigable up to the Seven Sisters waterfalls, a series of significant waterfalls that impede further navigation. These waterfalls, such as the Flottefoss, Hjortfoss, Skóstafoss, Svandalsfoss, Fossen Blå, Høyfoss, and Dødstalismanenefoss, are dramatic natural features that add to the region's rugged beauty.

Dyner

The Dyner are peculiar and picturesque silt dunes that characterize the Grunnrland region of northern Aedeland. Formed during glacial periods, these dunes consist of random humps and hollows with steep slopes facing the northeast. The region's largest river, the Snake River, is navigable in parts and is crucial for irrigation, electricity production, and flood control.

Sigyn

The northern ridge of the Lesser Stoldavian, known as the Austhúls, descends into the Villand Piedmont, a region known for its karst topography. This landscape features approximately 3,100 tall quartzite sandstone pillars, some over 2,625 feet (800 meters) in height. The region is also known as the White Marches due to its limestone cliffs and limited surface water.

Skjold Peninsula

The Skjold Peninsula is formed by the rugged Western Auiagrhals Ridge, which constitutes the western terminus of the Lesser Stoldavian Range. The peninsula's coast is deeply serrated with numerous fjords, including the largest, the Bay of Knivene.

Aryas

South of the Skjold Peninsula lies the Aryas region, known for its inviting coastline along the Thuaid Sea Vestsjøen. The region is characterized by its fertile piedmont known as the Dales, which abruptly meet the towering western face of the southwestern face of the Auiagrhals. The Forheksede, Aedeland's second-longest river, flows through the Dales before making its way through the treacherous Forheksede River Gorge to the Gulf of Aryas.

Mildeland

The Mildeland is a relatively flat and fertile strip of land at the southernmost base of the Lesser Stoldavian Range. It includes the northern highlands known as the Wolds and a heathland known as the Sandlings. The region is well known for its pleasant climate, more typical of central Anaria than Stoldavia.

Climate

Aedeland's climate has four distinct zones:

• Northern Zone: Includes the Åstillevatn Basin, Dyner, and Sigyn, characterized by a harsh climate similar to neighboring Vittmark.
• Central Mountain Zone: Features a typical alpine climate.
• Eastern and Southern Zones: Includes the Skjold Peninsula, Aryas, and Mildeland, moderated by the warm waters of the Thuaid Sea Vestsjøen.

All of Aedeland is forested, with the western and southern regions receiving extensive rainfall, creating a temperate rainforest.