Harn

Harn is a rough, hazy, forested island off the northwest coast of the continent of Lythia.

The seas around Harn are notoriously rough, calm waters, which are rare, can build swiftly into

terrible storms.  A lack of good roads and rough terrain combine to make travel difficult,

especially in winter.

The island's watery heart is Lake Benath, a deep, freshwater expanse roughly 60 by 40 leagues, drained by the flood-prone

Thard river into the Gulf of Andurien.  Harn's longest river is the Kald, which drains the eastern interior, and plunges over

several high waterfalls during its two hundred league journey to the sea.

Much of Harn is hilly.  There are four major mountain ranges; the Felshas dominate the eastern shore of Lake Benath and

boast Mount Wynan, the island's highest peak at nearly 10,000 feet; the Rayeshas run along the top of Lake Benath; the

Sorkins parallel the east coast; and the Jahls in the far north, isolate Orbaal from the rest of Harn.  These highland areas

are populated by wild tribesmen and fearsome beasts.  Few sane Harnians venture there.

Weather and Climate.

Harn is blessed with cool summers and mild winters.  Moist southwesterlies bring plenty of rain.  Winter snow and sleet

occur mainly in the north and at high elevations.  The moist climate supports rich vegetation, mostly summergreen deciduous

forest and woodland.  There are some needleleaf forests, alpine tundra, and permanent snowcaps at higher elevations.

Heathlands are common along exposed western margins.

Barbarian Nations.

The Harnic wilderness is home to numerous barbarian nations.  They support themselves by hunting and gathering, and

sometimes by rudimentary agriculture.  Most tribes are warlike; some practice head-hunting and cannibalism.

Kingdoms of Harn.

There are nine civilized states on Harn, seven human and two demi-human cultures.  Five of the human states are feudal,

one is tributary, and the other is a plutocratic republic.