Yirsaad

Yirsaad is the large central province of the subcontinent of Mirau within the continent of Onthukhan, which has historically always been located in Anglunia. It consists of the icy and mountainous central region which holds the large holy city of Rezuraia and the port town of Apriney. A large ice lake forms part of a river that runs from mid-Yirsaad to right the way through Saint's Port and Ashenvale.

History
WIP

Geography
Yirsaad is the central province within the subcontinent of Mirau. To the South and center stretches a vast mountain range hosting the tallest peaks in Anglunia namely Mount Arros and Mount Kyshar. This mountain range has often formed historic borders between nations and provinces, currently separating the regions of Yirsaad and Andor. Over most of the region is is a tundra filled landscape, with large spruce forests to the North and East. In the most North Western area of the province it begins to transition to more moderate climates featuring oak and birch forests. Yirsaad borders the sea on both sides, hosting large ports in the towns of Rezuraia and Apriney on the coast of the Velstmorad Sea to the West. Northwards is the river border with the towns of Rannikko and Isaz that runs along the Aulera River. To the East is the vast Axauth Bay. In the South Westerly direction you can find the island of Redowl, which is separated by the Eyira River.

Climate
The climate of Yirsaad is reflected by its biome geography. In the much of the area it reaches sub-zero temperatures for most of the year, however in its most North Western points it gives way to slightly more temperate climates.

Flora
The flora of Yirsaad is often adapted to the cold climate and can be seen its characteristics.

Aeyya'yuhi (Lunar Rose)
The Lunar Rose is a plant that will only flower in moonlight, most typically on a full moon; on which they must be harvested. These plants are commercially grown all over Mirau and a form the economic basis for many towns and villages. The flower itself only can only be used as a decoration, and because of its difficulty to transport it is fairly expensive.

The plant as a whole is not completely useless; the flower can be made into dye. The dye will give a rich blue, and due to the scarcity of this extravagant hue it is considered a luxury product. The stem of the plant contains a powerful hallucinogen, to ward off grazing herbivores that would eat the Lunar Rose in the wild. The drug is typically consumed orally by people, though it can also be absorbed through contact with the skin. Farmworkers must wear gloves while working to avoid hallucinations. Rich Anglunians will often bathe in water with the drug dissolved in it to become intoxicated.

Bitterberry
Bitterberry shrubs are found in small clusters, often found growing together at the roots of trees. The leaves have a gentle green color, are rich in nutrients, and bear useful oils. Bitterberry oil has properties that makes it ideal for making ointment, commonly used by Anglunians to alleviate rashes and burns.

The berries themselves are a glossy deep purple. They have a bitter taste, hence the plant's name. Skilled cooks and bakers can use these berries to make dishes; they are used to make jam and pastry fillings. Bitterberry tea is produced from dried berries, and many local Mirauans are fond of the tea's bitter taste.

Ar'xanlyma
The Ar'xanlyma (Clipeus limedactis) is a member of the Bovidae family, its common name when translated to Traveler's Tongue means 'shield cow', a rather direct description of its appearance. Throughout the years having been adapted to strong predators of northern Mirau such as its dragons, the Ar'xanlyma has a shield on its back as protection. This makes it one of the most invulnerable animals to predators not big enough to overpower it. Herds of Ar'xanlyma are commonly found in the North Western region of Yirsaad.

Aellyi'hykka
The Aellyi'hykka (Spelunics Gelida), giant ice spider in Traveller's Tongue, is a member of the Araneae order, while similar in appearance to other more common species, Aellyi'hykka are large ambush predators, covered in a thick layer of white fur. Aellyi'hykka have adapted to live in the cold darkness of the caves, they greatly prefer ambushing creatures that find themself close to their caves entrance, sometimes to find sustenance they're needed to leave their lairs and search for food elsewhere. These large spiders are similar to tarantulas in both movement and sensory capabilities, except Aellyi'hykka have a special layer of fur covering the tips of their pedapalps that allows them to percieve the presence of other creatures in the surrounding enviroment, almost paragonable to sharks electroreceptors.

Snow Leopards
The snow leopard is a species of large cat native to the snowy mountain ranges across Eldham and Rathnir. The snow leopard's fur is whitish to grey with black spots on the head and neck, with larger rosettes on the back, flanks and bushy tail. Its muzzle is short, its forehead domed, and its nasal cavities are large. The snow leopard shows several adaptations for living in a cold, mountainous environments. Snow leopards are of particular importance to House Rezuraia who feature them in their coat of arms.

Polar Bears
The polar bear is a large bear native to tundra climates and its surrounding areas. It is closely related to the brown bear, and the two species can interbreed. The polar bear is white- or yellowish-furred with black skin and a thick layer of fat. It is more slenderly built than the brown bear, with a narrower skull, longer neck and lower shoulder hump. Its teeth are sharper and more adapted to cutting meat. The paws are large and allow the bear to walk on ice and paddle in the water.

Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is a small fox native to tundra climates and commonly found in Northern Mirau. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage.

Stoat
The stoat is a mustelid commonly found in tundra and forested regions. In Anglunian society they are commonly kept as pets.

Vazhein Hounds