56. Regions — Brightland Steppes
56. Regions — Brightland Steppes
Brightland Steppes is situated to the east of the continent, centred by a vast grassland expanse populated by large vines that have found their way across the region. These vines have raised rock formations in the surrounding areas, forming an array of floating structures surrounding the central valley as the rocks eroded.
Map
Brightland Valley
Brightland Valley is a lush green valley surrounding the Obelisk. Ponds and boulders are scattered around this area, predominantly an extensive grassland. However, the grass in various parts of Brightland Valley grows much higher in some parts, sometimes higher than the player. The most prominent of these is Razorstem, which has grass so high it obscures vision.
The wind dominates the valley and pushes giant clouds that roll across the landscape, creating a surreal effect. Plants sway in the breeze, and tiny flowers release seeds swept around by the wind. The giant roots that dominate the surrounding areas of Brightland Steppes have not yet breached this part of the region. Still, they are visible from the perimeter, twisted around large rock formations.
Brightland Valley is one of the lowest elevation points in the region. Water streams make their way down to this area. Climbing the roots and rock-like formations to the surrounding areas is a challenge.
Lorem Ipsum
View from the exit of Ripcage Cavern — entering Lorem IpsumEntrance from Brightland Valley — to Lorem Ipsum — Through Ripcage Cavern
To the east of Brightland Valley is access to Lorem Ipsum. From one direction, a steep climb; from the other, a deep descent. The underground passage to Lorem Ipsum is Ripcage Cavern, a pathway formed from a giant ribcage.
Pillars of rock, overgrown with grass, moss, and roots, fill Lorem Ipsum. The roots have squeezed and formed the rocks to their own will creating a maze of floating formations that characterise this area.
Natural waterways wind down the steep slopes and cliffs, creating beautiful but violent waterfalls cascading from the sky. Climbing the pillars gives a better view of the area. However, waterfalls and roots block some pathways, and if not careful, one might make their way down a path that drops into the sky.
Underneath the overhanging formations in Lorem Ipsum, glowing mushrooms known as Small Stars light the walls. These dot the tentacle roots and simulate the night sky in the darkness.
Below the ‘roof’ of Lorem Ipsum are darker areas that allow you to travel underneath the rock formations.Travelling through Ripcage Cavern.The entrance to Ripcage Cavern from Brightland Valley.Underground passage — Ripcage Cavern
The Two Towers
North of Brightland Valley is access to the Two Towers. A large, naturally formed stairway created by roots that have lifted the rocks out of the ground. These steps are predominantly made from root and moss instead of anything solid, making it tricky to ascend as they wobble and move from the slightest weight shift. Surrounding these steps are what appear to be the beginning of two new root structures which could very well one day usurp the Two Towers.
The Two Towers get their name from two root structures that have grown and twisted into the sky. Partially covered with clouds, strong winds ravage these massive structures, slowly swaying them. This dance is unnerving and brings into question the structural integrity of the towers and the region as a whole.
The view from Brightland Steppes leading to the Two Towers.
Falrose Plateau
Falrose Plateau is the coldest area of Brightland Steppes and one of the windiest. A haunting whistle can be heard as the wind ravages between the pillars and enormous clouds roll across the land. Pollen and condensation sweep across this area as strong wind blows from the west. When the clouds dissipate, mist fills the region.
Small puddles and bright flowers fill the area. The winds sometimes blow them away, but they quickly reform unnaturally fast. One rarely sees any roots other than what’s there to hold up rock formations in this area. Due to the cold winds, ice forms atop the grass, only to melt as the sun rises.
Barons Throne
Barons Throne is a unique area within Brightland Steppes as it is only accessible through further exploration via the Falrose Plateau or The Mausoleum. This area has the highest amount of biodiversity in the region due to the protective barrier provided by Falrose Plateau, giving it cover from the destructive winds. A thick wet fog surrounds this area, making it ideal for plants and fungi, specifically the majestic Parachute Shrooms. Pointy roots jut from the ground, suspending a hexagonal prism of rock above, giving Barons Throne its name.
Parachute Shrooms populate the land, illuminating the thick fog.‘Barons Throne’ gives the region its name.Many things appeared to have died in this area — creating nutrient-rich soil for the biodiversity to thrive.
The Mausoleum
Accessible from Brightland Valley is the Mausoleum; its name derived from the countless fossilised leviathan bones and mysterious sculptures in the landscape. Water flows between the structures creating an aquatic echo that resonates throughout the area. Few parts are accessible, as everywhere demands a treacherous climb. Even the plateaus and rocks are sloped, making safe landing challenging at the best of times.
An amazing sight in the Mausoleum is the giant bubble roots which produce countless reflective bubbles that float throughout. Many small colourful flowers cover the slopes and rocks, giving this difficult to traverse place a sense of wonder.
Many things appeared to have died in this area — creating nutrient-rich soil for the biodiversity to thrive.The Battle board in the MausoleumMausoleum sketches
Exilon
Entrance into Exilon.Access to The Mausoleum and Exilon.
Exilon — also called the Forest of Brightland — is ironically an area with few trees. However, the structures created by the roots mimic a living forest between which small waterfalls flow. Some parts are so dense that light struggles illuminate these areas. The area is so densely packed that it can prove challenging to navigate.
Towards the forest roof is a collection of giant teeth and bone sticking from the top of the trees, with clouds moving over them. The tops of these trees are tilted and hard to stand on due to their sloped nature.
The roof of the forest
56. Regions — Brightland Steppes was originally published in Illuvium on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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