The Scorched Lands

@New Austin is a vast, arid state at the southern border, a land of harsh deserts and unforgiving scrubland. New Austin lies between Nuevo Paraíso to the south and West Elizabeth to the northeast. The state comprises four distinct regions: @Cholla Springs, @Gaptooth Ridge, @Hennigan's Stead, and @Río Bravo.

South of New Austin, the San Luis River acts as a natural border to Nuevo Paraíso. New Austin is also bordered to the east by @Flat Iron Lake, which connects to the @Lannahechee River, providing important water links to the rest of the country. To the north, the Redemption Mountains form a formidable boundary, while the @Sea of Coronado and additional mountains border it to the west, contributing to the region's isolated and remote feel.

The Regional Climates of New Austin

Gaptooth Ridge: The Rocky Outcrop

  • Overview: This region is characterized by jagged canyons, winding trails, and rocky terrain. The climate is hot and dry, with little vegetation and constant sunshine. The lack of water makes it a difficult and dangerous region for all but the most prepared travelers.

  • Seasonal Breakdown:

    • Spring: A brief, dry period with little rainfall and rising temperatures.

    • Summer: Extremely hot and arid, with temperatures soaring well over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

    • Autumn: The heat begins to subside, but the air remains dry and the landscape unforgiving.

    • Winter: Mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from fifty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures can drop sharply.

  • Regional Specifics:

    • Weather Events & Disasters: The main threats are flash floods in the canyons after a rare rainstorm and sandstorms, which can obscure vision and cause equipment failure.

    • Livelihood & Sustenance: This region is primarily a haven for outlaws and hermits. Survival relies on hunting small game, scavenging, and knowing where to find hidden water sources.

    • Holidays & Social Events:

      • Tumbleweed Founders' Day (Mid-May): A boisterous celebration in the town of Tumbleweed to honor its founding. The event includes pistol duels, a chili cook-off, and a grand saloon dance.

@Cholla Springs: The Scorched Flats

  • Overview: Located in the central part of the state, Cholla Springs is a wide expanse of sun-scorched earth and sparse vegetation. It is a true desert landscape, known for its heat and barrenness.

  • Seasonal Breakdown:

    • Spring: The first signs of green appear after any winter rain, but the heat quickly returns.

    • Summer: Oppressively hot and dry, making travel nearly impossible during the day.

    • Autumn: Temperatures begin to drop, but the land remains dry and dusty.

    • Winter: Mild days and cool nights, but with little to no rain.

  • Regional Specifics:

    • Weather Events & Disasters: Extreme heat is the biggest danger, followed by dust devils and sandstorms that can disorient travelers.

    • Livelihood & Sustenance: The few inhabitants of this region rely on subsistence farming in small, irrigated plots and raising goats. The rest of the population is nomadic.

    • Holidays & Social Events:

      • Armadillo County Fair (Early October): A lively fair held in Armadillo, celebrating the region's resilience and its small farming community. It features a rodeo, a cattle auction, and musical performances.

      • Armadillo Town Council Election (Late September): A major annual political event that draws large crowds. The election is often a source of great debate and public spectacles.

@Hennigan's Stead: The Ranchlands

  • Overview: Bordering Flat Iron Lake, Hennigan's Stead is a more temperate region than the other parts of New Austin. It is characterized by rolling hills and open ranchland, and is a welcome change from the unforgiving desert.

  • Seasonal Breakdown:

    • Spring: A green and fertile season, with wildflowers blooming across the hills.

    • Summer: Warm and dry, but with a breeze from the lake that provides some relief from the heat.

    • Autumn: The landscape turns golden, and the air becomes cool and crisp.

    • Winter: Mild and cool, with occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.

  • Regional Specifics:

    • Weather Events & Disasters: Droughts are a constant threat to the ranchers of this region, and can decimate livestock and crops.

    • Livelihood & Sustenance: This region is the heart of New Austin's agricultural industry, with a focus on cattle ranching and farming.

    • Holidays & Social Events:

      • The Great Herd Drive (Late August): A major annual event where ranchers from all over the region come together to drive their cattle to the markets in Blackwater. It is a time for competition and celebration.

@Río Bravo: The Riverlands

  • Overview: Situated on the southern border of the state, Río Bravo is a narrow region defined by the San Luis River. The climate is more temperate due to the presence of the river, with more lush vegetation than the surrounding desert.

  • Seasonal Breakdown:

    • Spring: Wet and muddy with the river swelling from snowmelt.

    • Summer: Hot and humid, with a damp heat that can feel suffocating.

    • Autumn: Warm and pleasant, with the foliage along the river changing color.

    • Winter: Mild and cool, with occasional rain.

  • Regional Specifics:

    • Weather Events & Disasters: The most significant threat is flash flooding from the river during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.

    • Livelihood & Sustenance: This region is a vital lifeline for trade and travel. The main livelihoods are fishing and transportation along the river.

    • Holidays & Social Events:

      • The Riverboat Races (Mid-August): An annual competition between the riverboats that travel the San Luis River. The races attract gamblers and spectators who line the banks to watch the spectacle.

      • The Thieves' Landing Market Day (Every Friday): A weekly market where trappers, outlaws, and traders gather to sell and buy goods.

Notable Settlements of New Austin

  • Gaptooth Ridge:

    • @Tumbleweed: A ghost town that has been repopulated by outlaws, trappers, and criminals. It is a notoriously lawless place.

  • Cholla Springs:

    • Armadillo: A small town that is struggling to survive a series of diseases and plagues. It is a dusty and desperate place, but with a resilient population.

  • Hennigan's Stead:

    • @MacFarlane's Ranch: A large and prosperous ranch that serves as a hub for the local community. It is a crucial supply point for travelers and a symbol of resilience in the face of a harsh environment.

    • Hennigan's Homestead: A small, isolated homestead that is a classic example of the rugged, independent life of the region.

  • Río Bravo:

    • @Thieves' Landing: A small, ramshackle port town built on the riverbanks. It is a haven for outlaws and smugglers, and the local law is notoriously corrupt.