The Queendom of Hillsburrow
Geography
The Queendom of Hillsburrow lies nestled between the majestic Dwarven mountains of Dorgesh-Kaan to the east and the enchanting Elven realm of Cirith Ungol to the west, in a picturesque valley with rolling green hills and charming villages. The landscape is divided into four distinct regions: the Golden Downs, a gentle hillside perfect for sheep grazing and horse breeding; the Honeybrook Valley, where the capital city Honeybrook is situated; the Brindlemark Hills, a chain of rolling hills dotted with villages, orchards, and farmland; and the Woldwood, a dense and towering mountain range bordering Cirith Ungol.
Honeybrooke, the capital, is built into the hillsides of the Honeybrook Valley, with round doors, chimneys, and gardens that evoke a sense of warmth and welcome. The city's central square features the famous Honeybrook Fountain, surrounded by ancient trees, the Great Inn of the Golden Honeycomb, and the bustling Market of the Green Hill. The Great River Honeybrook flows gently through the valley, providing water and transportation. The Amethyst Mountains cut through the majority of the central portion of this nation, standing and shimmering majestic on the horizon.
The Queendom's natural beauty is punctuated by notable features such as the Golden Oak of Brindlemark, an ancient, majestic tree revered by the inhabitants, and the Woldwood's Heart Tree, a glowing, ancient tree at the mountainous forest's center, said to hold mystical energy. The climate is mild, with warm summers, gentle rains, and vibrant colors in spring and autumn.
Hillsburrow's borders are shared with the United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan to the east and Cirith Ungol to the west. The sea known as The Starfall Expanse dances along it's northern banks. This strategic location fosters a rich cultural exchange and strong alliances with neighboring realms.
National Flag
National Flower
Giant Rainblossom
Giant Rain Flowers, or "Skyblooms," are majestic, ephemeral plants that burst forth in vibrant colors after heavy rainfall. Reaching diameters of up to 30 feet, these colossal blooms produce nectar-rich petals and pollen, serving as the primary food source for Giant Honeywing Bees. Skyblooms' unique, iridescent petals reflect and amplify sunlight, attracting pollinators from afar. Their fleeting appearance and scattered distribution make them highly prized by beekeepers and adventurers seeking to harness their nutritional value.
National Animal
Golden Hare
Capital City: Honeybrooke
Estimated Population: 976,000
Unique To this Capital
Points of interest in this nation
The Gravelands of Harmony
The Gravelands of Harmony, nestled within the rolling hills of the Queendom of Hillsburrow, serves as a sacred site and final resting place for the revered Knights of the Order of the Golden Acorn. Founded by Sir Thistlewaite, a halfling knight, this ancient order united human and halfling Templars in a bond of brotherhood and chivalry, forging an unbreakable alliance between the two races.
At the heart of the Gravelands stands the Grand Mausoleum of the Golden Acorn, an imposing structure housing the Tomb of Sir Thistlewaite and the Crypts of the Fallen Knights. Adjacent to the mausoleum lies the Chapel of the United Swords, where knights gather to reaffirm their oaths and seek guidance. The majestic Harmony Oak, symbolizing unity and strength, towers above the grounds.
The Order of the Golden Acorn remains dedicated to protecting the innocent, defending the realm, and upholding chivalry and honor. Its human and halfling members embody the values of courage, loyalty, and compassion, inspiring reverence throughout the land.
Knights from across the realm journey to the Gravelands to pay respects to their fallen brethren and seek solace in the sacred surroundings. The Gravelands of Harmony stands as a poignant testament to the transformative power of unity and the enduring legacy of the Order.
The Golden Hive
The Golden Hive of Hillsburrow, situated within the heart of the Queendom, is a marvel of nature and industry. Spanning over 500 acres, this gargantuan golden hive is the world's largest and most revered honey producer, yielding 10,000 tons of the prized Golden Hillsburrow Honey annually. Home to over 35,000 giant honeywing bees, the hive is renowned for its unique, golden-hued honey with subtle floral notes that have captivated palates globally.
The Golden Hive is not only an economic cornerstone but also a source of national pride, employing 5,000 skilled beekeepers and honey artisans who tend to the hive's intricate social structure. Dubbed "The Golden Heart of Hillsburrow," "The World's Sweetest Wonder," and "The Hive of the Ancients," this natural wonder has become synonymous with the Queendom's rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.
Everflow Spring
The Everflow Spring, nestled in the Hillsburrow Queendom, is a sacred site revered for its mystical connection to Kyrios, God of Water. Legend has it that Kyrios blessed the spring, infusing its crystal-clear waters with his divine essence. This ancient source of healing and renewal is said to heal wounds and ailments, grant vitality and rejuvenation, inspire creativity and wisdom, and connect seekers to Kyrios' wisdom.
The spring's serene surroundings feature the Grotto of Reflection, a tranquil cave, and the Pool of Renewal, where devotees bathe in ritual ceremony. Ancient rune-inscribed stones, known as Kyrios' Tears, hold secrets of the past. Daily prayers to Kyrios, water blessings for travelers, and moonlit ceremonies honor the God, bridging the mortal realm with divine power.
As a sanctuary, the Everflow Spring draws pilgrims seeking solace, healing, and guidance. Its waters are believed to carry Kyrios' gentle touch, soothing the afflicted and awakening the spirit. Those who drink from the spring are said to be blessed with clarity, courage, and wisdom.
In the hearts of Hillsburrow's people, the Everflow Spring remains an enduring symbol of Kyrios' benevolence and power.
Amethyst Mountains
The Amethyst Mountains form a majestic, sprawling range that divides the Queen of Hillburrow, stretching across its central region. The mountains' rugged silhouette is set ablaze with amethyst, lavender, and plum hues at dawn and dusk, as if infused with the essence of precious gems. Crystal-studded slopes glitter with crystalline formations, reflecting the light and casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the surrounding landscape.
Rolling hills and valleys weave through the mountains, providing fertile ground for the halflings' renowned gardens, orchards, and vineyards. Crystal-clear streams and rivers cascade down the mountainsides, creating picturesque waterfalls that supply the Queen's rivers and canals. The Amethyst Mountains are said to hold ancient secrets, whispers of the land's history, and mystical energies that resonate with the halflings' innate connection to nature.
Notable locations within the range include the Amethyst Spire, a towering crystalline peak rumored to hold ancient artifacts; the Luminous Grotto, an iridescent cave system; and the Starlight Meadows, rolling hills cultivating rare celestial-blooming wildflowers. The halflings deeply revere the Amethyst Mountains, believing they hold the secrets of their ancestors and the land's ancient magic.
The Amethyst Dragonborn revere the Amethyst Mountains as their ancestral birthplace and spiritual homeland. According to their lore, the mountains hold the essence of their draconic heritage and ancient magic. The crystalline structures resonate with the dragonborn's innate connection to the earth and cosmos, amplifying their magical abilities and allowing them to tap into the land's ancient energies.
To read more about the complexity of the Amethyst Mountains and the Amethyst Dragonborn please click here.
Stone Valley
Stone Valley: A Land Frozen in Time
Tucked between the majestic Woldwood and Amethyst Mountains, Stone Valley serves as a vital passage connecting the elven realm of Cirith Ungol to the halfling Queendom of Hillsburrow. This scenic valley bears a name that reflects its unique curse – the relentless presence of rust monsters. These subterranean creatures, infamous for their corrosive touch, have rendered metal useless within the valley's borders.
Over time, the halfling inhabitants of Stone Valley adapted to this peculiar environment, forsaking metal tools and embracing a lifestyle reminiscent of the ancient Stone Age. Their homes, crafted from rough-hewn timber, blend seamlessly into the rugged landscape. The air is filled with the sounds of chiseling, scraping and hammering as residents rely on primitive yet effective methods to till the land, hunt and craft.
Travelers traversing Stone Valley are struck by the seemingly anachronistic sights: wooden plows, stone axes and primitive hunting spears. The valley's isolation from the outside world has preserved an ancient way of life, untouched by the advancements of neighboring nations. Despite its challenges, Stone Valley's rustic charm and resilience have fostered a tight-knit community, where tradition and ingenuity thrive in harmony.
The Starfall Crater
Deep within the southern peninsula of the Queendom of Hillsburrow lies the majestic Starfall Crater, a testament to the celestial forces that once shaped this portion of land. This ancient impact site, born from a meteor's fiery descent, has become an revered sacred place for the halflings of Hillsburrow.
For generations, halflings have revered the Starfall Crater as a symbol of their connection to the cosmos and the divine. They believe the meteor's descent brought gifts of knowledge, fertility and protection, nurturing the lush landscapes and guiding their ancestors.
At the crater's center lies the Heartstone, a glowing, crystalline formation said to hold the essence of the meteor. Halflings pilgrimage to the Heartstone, seeking guidance, healing and inspiration.
During the annual Starfall Festival, halflings gather to commemorate the meteor's arrival, reenacting the celestial event with fireworks, music and feasting.
Unique to this Nation
Giant Bees
Giant Honeywing Bees are majestic creatures of immense size and strength, boasting wingspans of up to 20 feet. Despite their ferocity, skilled beekeepers and adventurers covet these giants as prized mounts. However, taming them is an extraordinary challenge, requiring exceptional skill, patience, and a deep understanding of their complex social hierarchy.
Giant Honeywing Bees are known for their fierce independence, resilient hide, and venomous stingers, making them formidable companions. Only 1 in 100 taming attempts succeed, and bonds are formed through trust, loyalty, and pheromone resonance. Successful riders must possess masterful beekeeping skills, high strength and agility, and specialized equipment, including pheromone masks.
As mounts, Giant Honeywing Bees offer unparalleled aerial superiority, enhanced speed and agility, and venomous stinger defense. Their honey produces unique healing properties, valuable for medicinal purposes. Riders must be prepared for the risks and rewards of partnering with these powerful creatures.
In the wild, Giant Honeywing Bees inhabit lush forests and floral landscapes, building sprawling colonies with intricate social structures. Their behavior is a fascinating blend of cooperation and competition, with dominant queens ruling over thriving hives.
Waterdrop Mushrooms
The rare and coveted Waterdrop Mushrooms thrive in humid, aquatic environments, growing on submerged logs and riverbanks. These delicate, gilled fungi possess a remarkable property: a single serving quenches thirst for a full day, regardless of physical exertion or environmental conditions. Prized by travelers, adventurers, and athletes, Waterdrop Mushrooms are highly sought after for their ability to sustain endurance and enhance hydration.
Stained Glass Corn
Stained Glass Corn is a cherished crop and one of its most popular exports. This unique corn has kernels that glisten like polished gemstones, coming in a dazzling array of colors, from deep purples and blues to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. Each ear of Stained Glass Corn looks like a mosaic of multicolored glass beads, which gives the corn its name.
Though the kernels appear almost too beautiful to eat, Stained Glass Corn is entirely edible, with a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that adds a burst of color to any dish. The corn is often ground into a vibrant cornmeal, used in traditional halfling baking to create everything from colorful breads to stunningly speckled pastries. It’s also popular in decorative forms, woven into harvest wreaths, dried and displayed in homes, or even strung together as festive garlands.
Farmers in Hillsburrow take immense pride in cultivating this extraordinary corn, selecting and breeding each generation for even more striking colors and patterns. The fields of Stained Glass Corn are a breathtaking sight, with rows of shining, multicolored ears gleaming under the sun, attracting both traders and travelers from far-off lands who come to witness the spectacle and bring a piece of it home.
Beyond its beauty, Stained Glass Corn holds cultural significance for the halflings of Hillsburrow, who believe each kernel represents a blessing from the earth. During their annual Harvest Moon Festival, they exchange the corn as a symbol of prosperity and gratitude, celebrating the bounty of their homeland.