# Introduction The **Northern Pass** is, as the name implies, the northernmost pass between the **Central Trifecta Range** and the **Northern Trifecta Range.** It connects the north-eastern corner of the **Kingsmill Plains** to the **Upper Coil**. The **Northern Pass** holds the **Khoran Cities** closest to the **Aldbine Imperial Republic.** # Statistics - Capital: [[Luminova]] - Land Area: 45,000 sq.km - Population: 200,000 - Military force: 2 battalions of city guards (1 each in **Luminova** and **Ravenroost**) # Climate ## Landscape The **Northern Pass** is a **steppe**, with a **coniferous forest** to the west leading into the **Elphyne Coil**. ## Weather The weather in the **Northern Pass** is rather typical, although the snowy weather lasts a bit longer. The problem is the acidic rain that comes in sporadically as a result from **Luminova**'s experiments. The acidic tinge has proven to begun affecting the local wildlife. ## Fauna Dragonlings in the area are more likely to be venomous, and chupacabras are becoming more frequent. The miasma from the toxicity in experiments is not yet a danger, but it has become an increasingly worrying trend that some have noticed. # Regional History ## Golden Era The **Northern Pass** was once a key part of the **Aldbine Empire.** It connected the Empire's primary breadbasket to its heart. Luminova was founded in this era, and named for its ability to "shine light on the stars". It was a town centered on astrological observations. ## Silver Era During the **Silver Era** and the decay of the **Aldbine Era**, **Luminova** was one of the last cities to be included during **The Khoran Pact.** In 2019 SE, the negotiations were complete and signed, and a majority of the gnommish negotiators occupied the city, along with the smaller **Sylvangard.** **Lumenport** was soon founded not long after as **Luminova** began to take on an industrial bent. # Social Class ## Proletariat The common tongue is Sylvan. Despite the years, the influence of the Aldbine Empire is still felt throughout the region. The proletariat believe in class mobility, more or less. It's understood to be just as much luck as skill, but in the Khoran Cities, there is hope that, through hard work and perseverance, even a Commoner can rise to a Gentry. ## Bourgeoisie The Bourgeoisie also believe in class mobility, but see it only as a detriment. There is an awareness that their position is always precarious. Thus, they are slightly cut-throat and always in search of the next big innovation. They sponsor promising commoners to attend Luminova University, getting brilliant minds under their employ before they can be a threat to their position in high society. ## Maverick The criminal enterprises in the Northern Pass is primarily smuggling, getting illegal or expensive parts past the import checkpoints in the Khoran Cities. The scene is varied though, and most criminals can find a place in the underground economy. There are no organizations; the legal system is mostly uncorrupt, and criminals mostly work independently with their trusted contacts. # Social Circles ## Martial Luminova is a popular choice for adventurers beginning their Trifecta circuit, with its proximity to [[Ishiate Inn]] and the university usually being a treasure trove of quests that need to be fulfilled for researchers gathering obscure research materials. Other than adventurers, the martial circle is pretty small. There is not much more than basic city guard duty that occupies the area. ## Art and Culture The Northern Pass celebrates Luminova's aesthetic of brass pipes and cogs and these are plastered everywhere in the area. Orange and browns are common colors. The stories told are usually based on the stories of adventurers that have passed through and their exploits. There is a lot of focus on humor and cleverness, while drama and morality is usually downplayed. ## Mercantile **Luminova** is the primary touching point between the north circuit and the central circuit. This means that a lot of [[The Bolornead|Bolornead]] goods get traded here for [[Himinjoðyr]] goods. [[The Khora|Khoran]] goods also make their way up to **Luminova** via [[Lumenport]], thus making Luminova a main trading hub in the region. ## Industrial **Luminova** is mostly researching development, and does not actually manufacture most of its inventions. Lumenport, which does have a fishing scene, is mostly focused on feeding its people and not a primary exporter. Sylvangard is a small farming town, only supplying the nearest towns with supplemental food, which leaves Ravenroost as the surprise industrial exporter in the region. Ravenroost is primarily chicken farming and game hunting. There is a notable amount of weavers as well, and they import cotton to weave into fabric that sells rather well. ## Law and Order **Xenia** is in full force throughout most of the area, where violence is rare. **Sylvangard** gets harassed on occasion by raids coming out of [[Aravancii]], but most of the time things are relatively peaceful, despite the polis governments. The governments in the area believe in retributive punishment. ## Community The general populace is loosely connected. There is a carelessness that could only be found in times of peace. People are fairly disconnected from central causes, but there is no generally held mistrust. In general, curiosity and an adventurous spirit are the two top qualities that are held in high esteem. People prize heroes and individual achievements, and look for those who can tell good stories. The good times roll, and people mostly want to do anything to keep it that way. ## Academia Because education is so highly prized, and the gentry are constantly looking for intelligent commoners to patronize, commoners are afforded school for a full eight grades of school in Luminova, and Lumenport and Sylvangard enjoy six grades of school. Ravenroost, not being part of the Khora, does not have the extensive level of free education, but instead has the average three years of study for children to learn their letters and numbers. Luminova Academy offers both college and university courses for various fields, but is very much a school geared towards engineers and inventors. It funds various projects that are sometimes considered inane, such as the flying machine (The Jabberwock), the deepest tunnel project (The Moonshaft), and the smallest golem pneumatic designs (Blue Screws Tumbler). # Locations ## Cities and Towns - [[Luminova]] - [[Sylvangard]] - [[Lumenport]] - [[Ravenroost]] ## Landmarks - [[Lumen Lake]] ## Other - Other