Difference between revisions of "Map B.02 - Lapland"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[File:B.02 - Lapland.jpg|right|680px|thumb]]
 
[[File:B.02 - Lapland.jpg|right|680px|thumb]]
Sub-arctic region reaching from 77.22°N south to 62.96°N, including the northern part of Scandinavia, as well as Karelia, between the shores of the Barents Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia and the White SeaWhile [[Kingdom of Sweden|Sweden]] controls the eastern edge of the map, the lands shown are predominantly occupied by elves and gnomes.
+
The '''Lapland''' map shows lands of Scandinavia between the Barents and the White Seas, and the Gulf of Bothnia.  Within these lands, dominion is primarily held by [[Elf Race & Physiology|elves]] and [[Gnome Race & Physiology|gnomes]], with [[Human Race & Physiology|humans]] and other races inhabiting the peripheral regionsContemporary political entities encompass [[:Category:Places in Norway|Norway]], [[:Category:Places in Sweden|Sweden]], [[:Category:Places in Finland|Finland]] and [[:Category:Places in Russia|Russia]].  Latitude ranges from 77.22°N south to 62.96°N.  The map's hexes are 20 miles in diameter. The total area is about 366,000 square miles.
 +
__TOC__
 +
This remote and enigmatic terrain is a land where the supernatural and folklore hold sway, with kingdoms that are near-mystical in their extent through the vast wilderness.  Fantastical creatures inhabit hidden enclaves deep in the dense forests, beneath the roots of ancient trees, and within the craggy, snow-capped mountains.  The peoples here have a rich tradition of storytelling that is steeped in polytheism rather than belief in a single god, shaped by Norse gods and other pantheons.
  
Hexes are [[20-mile Hex Map|20 miles]] in diameterTotal area depicted equals 366,450 sq.m.
+
The elvish principality of [[Ulthua]] acts as a benevolent guardian over the region, whilst the gnomes prioritize the riches of the earth over political expansion. Only at the outskirts of this tranquil domain do ambitions for warfare and conquest ariseThe unforgiving winter, however, renders such endeavors nearly insurmountable.
  
 
== Features ==
 
== Features ==
 +
A range of natural land and water formations comprise the area, mostly made of northern forests and shield land.  The coasts are rocky and notable for their deep fjords, which are warmed in the winter by the furthest reaches of the North Atlantic Current.
  
==== Barents Sea ====
+
=== Hydrographic ===
A portion of the Arctic Ocean, stretching northward from [[Thann of Finnemar|Finnemar]] and [[Great Thann of Aenaria|Aenaria]]. The sea is named after Willem Barents, who mapped the sea in the 16th century while searching for the Northeast Passage to China; it is called '''Edhellen''' by elves. The depth of this part is no more than 80 fathoms.  Eddies and currents are numerous and complex, which contributes to the warm waters brought from the North Atlantic drift, so that the portion within 20-30 miles of land never freezesBergs are common beyond this passage. Although water temperatures vary from year to year, they are coolest in April and warmest in OctoberExcept during this period, the remainder of the sea shown is frozen.  Haddock, cod and plaice are plentiful and caught in large numbers.
+
'''[[Bothnia (gulf)|Gulf of Bothnia]].'''  A northern arm of the Baltic Sea, the gulf is brackish and experiences extreme seasonal variations, with ice covering its surface during harsh winters, sometimes used as a vital ice road for transportationIn summer, the gulf is a source of livelihood for coastal communitiesTrade with the Baltic is strategically important for the timber and furs that are exported to all of Europe.
  
==== Gulf of Bothnia ====
+
'''[[Barents Sea]].'''  This vast part of the Arctic Ocean extends from Scandinavia to the archipelago of Svalbard.  Characterized by its extreme cold, icy conditions, and relatively high salinity compared to other Arctic seas, the Barents is home to a diverse marine ecosystem, including seabirds, seals, and various fish species; monsters include [[Kraken|kraken]] and [[Sea Serpent|sea serpents]].  Naught travels beyond the sea's coast except whaling ships, while few ships enter the sea's small Norwegian and Ulthuan ports.
An extension of the Baltic Sea northward, separating [[Principality of Ulthua|Ulthuan]] and [[Duchy of Lansi|Lansi]] on the east from [[Kingdom of Vastenjaur|Vastenjaur]] and [[County of Angermanland|Angermanland]] on the west.  The gulf is 60 mi. at its narrowest and about 350 mi. long.  The gulf is covered by ice for 4 to 5 months a year, owing to the low salt content of the water; fresh water empties into it from many large rivers.  The ice has been strong enough in some cold years to permit armies to move across it from Knollslan to Lansi.
+
 
 +
'''[[White Sea]].'''  Located as an arm of the Barents Sea, the sea is bordered by the rugged coastlines of the Kola Peninsula.  Due to its unusually low salinity, the body of water is a unique brackish environment.  In winter, it freezes over, creating a breathtaking ice-covered landscape that is both picturesque and challenging for navigation.  A far-reaching trading route connects the sea with England and Holland.
 +
 
 +
=== Topographic ===
 +
'''Fennoscandian shield.'''  Spanning nearly all the land on the map, this ancient landscape is dominated by boreal forests, countless lakes, and countless rivers, including the mighty River Kemi. This area is a remote and sparsely populated frontier.  The varied wildlife population includes reindeer, brown bears, gray wolves, wolverines, arctic foxes, lynxes, moose and beavers; monsters include [[Troll|trolls]], [[Giants|giants]], [[Treant|treants]] and [[Worg|worgs]].  The topography is a mix of taiga, coniferous forests and tundra, with permafrost and extremely harsh weather conditions. 
 +
 
 +
'''Scandinavian mountains.'''  A dramatic and rugged natural barrier that stretches along the western border of Vastenjaur, dividing it from the fjords of [[Troms]] and [[Nordland]], reaching into [[Finnemar]] and [[Laponia]].  With imposing peaks, deep valleys and pristine alpine landscapes, these are particularly striking during the winter months when they are covered in snow.  The highest peak in this range is Mount Galdhøpiggen, standing at 8,100 ft., making it the highest mountain in both Norway and Northern Europe; peaks like it are characterized by rocky terrain and are often capped with glaciers and snowfields, especially during the colder months.
 +
 
 +
'''Khibany mountains.'''  A prominent mountain range located in the Kola Peninsula, distinct for their striking topography and unique geological composition.  The mountains are notable for their steep, rocky slopes and unusual rock formations, amid a rugged, craggy terrain, deep valleys and numerous alpine lakes.  The highest peak is Yudychvumchorr, which reaches an elevation of about 3,940 ft.
  
There are fringing islands surrounding the gulf.  The shores consist of sands and loams, which are covered with a growth of speckled alder in the climate of long, cold winters and short, warm summers, with almost continual daylight.  Timber from the taiga or the subarctic forest of conifers, found on the shores, is cut and floated down the rivers to ports, where it is converted into lumber and shipped to all parts of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] seaboard.  The Swedish market port of [[County of Lulea|Lulea]], an outpost negotiated with the gnomes of Vastenjaur, transships iron ore that is mined in [[Earldom of Fieldlan|Fieldlan]].
 
  
==== White Sea ====
 
A southern extension of the Barents Sea, situated in the heart of Ulthua, in northeastern Europe.  It washes the peninsula of Aenaria on the north, of [[Thann of Egreliia|Egreliia]] on the west and the [[Colony of Archangel]] on the south and east, connecting with the Barents Sea between Aenaria and the Kanin Peninsula on the northeast.  Covering an area of 93 hexes, its average depth is approximately 54 fathoms; it is known to be home to numerous subsurface humanoids, notably sahuagin.  The sea includes three large bays or gulfs: Kandalaksha on the northwest, Onega on the south and Dvinsk on the southeast.  Owing to the large influx of fresh water from rivers, the salinity of the sea is low.  Since the relatively warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift don't find their way into the White Sea, it freezes early in October and remains frozen until June, typically a total of 200 days per year.  This greatly reduces its economic value as a waterway, but during the warmer period there is a frenzy of navigation, principally ships taking on timber cargoes.  Fishing, particularly herring and cod, is also active in summer.
 
  
 
[[File:Political B.02 - Lapland.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Political B.02 - Lapland.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]

Revision as of 19:05, 2 November 2023

B.02 - Lapland.jpg

The Lapland map shows lands of Scandinavia between the Barents and the White Seas, and the Gulf of Bothnia. Within these lands, dominion is primarily held by elves and gnomes, with humans and other races inhabiting the peripheral regions. Contemporary political entities encompass Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Latitude ranges from 77.22°N south to 62.96°N. The map's hexes are 20 miles in diameter. The total area is about 366,000 square miles.

This remote and enigmatic terrain is a land where the supernatural and folklore hold sway, with kingdoms that are near-mystical in their extent through the vast wilderness. Fantastical creatures inhabit hidden enclaves deep in the dense forests, beneath the roots of ancient trees, and within the craggy, snow-capped mountains. The peoples here have a rich tradition of storytelling that is steeped in polytheism rather than belief in a single god, shaped by Norse gods and other pantheons.

The elvish principality of Ulthua acts as a benevolent guardian over the region, whilst the gnomes prioritize the riches of the earth over political expansion. Only at the outskirts of this tranquil domain do ambitions for warfare and conquest arise. The unforgiving winter, however, renders such endeavors nearly insurmountable.

Features

A range of natural land and water formations comprise the area, mostly made of northern forests and shield land. The coasts are rocky and notable for their deep fjords, which are warmed in the winter by the furthest reaches of the North Atlantic Current.

Hydrographic

Gulf of Bothnia. A northern arm of the Baltic Sea, the gulf is brackish and experiences extreme seasonal variations, with ice covering its surface during harsh winters, sometimes used as a vital ice road for transportation. In summer, the gulf is a source of livelihood for coastal communities. Trade with the Baltic is strategically important for the timber and furs that are exported to all of Europe.

Barents Sea. This vast part of the Arctic Ocean extends from Scandinavia to the archipelago of Svalbard. Characterized by its extreme cold, icy conditions, and relatively high salinity compared to other Arctic seas, the Barents is home to a diverse marine ecosystem, including seabirds, seals, and various fish species; monsters include kraken and sea serpents. Naught travels beyond the sea's coast except whaling ships, while few ships enter the sea's small Norwegian and Ulthuan ports.

White Sea. Located as an arm of the Barents Sea, the sea is bordered by the rugged coastlines of the Kola Peninsula. Due to its unusually low salinity, the body of water is a unique brackish environment. In winter, it freezes over, creating a breathtaking ice-covered landscape that is both picturesque and challenging for navigation. A far-reaching trading route connects the sea with England and Holland.

Topographic

Fennoscandian shield. Spanning nearly all the land on the map, this ancient landscape is dominated by boreal forests, countless lakes, and countless rivers, including the mighty River Kemi. This area is a remote and sparsely populated frontier. The varied wildlife population includes reindeer, brown bears, gray wolves, wolverines, arctic foxes, lynxes, moose and beavers; monsters include trolls, giants, treants and worgs. The topography is a mix of taiga, coniferous forests and tundra, with permafrost and extremely harsh weather conditions.

Scandinavian mountains. A dramatic and rugged natural barrier that stretches along the western border of Vastenjaur, dividing it from the fjords of Troms and Nordland, reaching into Finnemar and Laponia. With imposing peaks, deep valleys and pristine alpine landscapes, these are particularly striking during the winter months when they are covered in snow. The highest peak in this range is Mount Galdhøpiggen, standing at 8,100 ft., making it the highest mountain in both Norway and Northern Europe; peaks like it are characterized by rocky terrain and are often capped with glaciers and snowfields, especially during the colder months.

Khibany mountains. A prominent mountain range located in the Kola Peninsula, distinct for their striking topography and unique geological composition. The mountains are notable for their steep, rocky slopes and unusual rock formations, amid a rugged, craggy terrain, deep valleys and numerous alpine lakes. The highest peak is Yudychvumchorr, which reaches an elevation of about 3,940 ft.


Political B.02 - Lapland.jpg

Adjacent Maps

A1: Greenland Sea A2: East
Spitsbergen
A3: Jotunheim
B1: Lofoten B2: Lapland B3: Yak'Margug
C1: North Sea C2: Baltic C3: Lithuania-
Poland
C4: Upper Volga


See Sheet Maps