Of the Geography, Topography, and Climate of Miendur

Forgive my inconsistent blogging, but it’s rather difficult to blog while trying to write a series of medieval fantasy novels while trying to be a good student while trying to live as a subject in the kingdom of God…catch my drift?

So, on to the geography, topography, and climate of Miendur.

First and foremost, one must understand that Miendur is actually an island amidst several others. Miendur is not a planet or country, it is simply a continent. Now, obviously it is the hub of all activities in this world. Truth be told, I have yet to conjure a name sufficient for the world itself.

Miendur…this island is roughly the size of Australia, with land features that largely resemble Europe’s. It’s roughly shaped like an oblong blob. Ideally, someday I would love to post a sketch of it for all to gaze upon, but I have no clue about any of that.

Miendur has several prevalent landforms. First of all, it is extremely mountainous. Where mountains do not exist, highlands are seen. Plains exist in rare locations and usually only on the coasts. There are three rather expansive plains that lie in between mountain ranges and coastlines. Several key rivers, which originate in those various mountain ranges, provide a “valley of life” for several of Miendur’s civilizations. Forests and fens, along with glistening glens and hidden vales abound in this wonderfully sylvan and pastoral land.

Miendur’s climate is very similar to temperate biomes. Save the northern- and southern-most extremities, Miendur experiences four very distinct seasons. The winter months see light to heavy snow, depending on latitude and elevation. Travel during the wintertime can often be treacherous and hazardous. The springtime is the typical time of April showers, vegetation renewal, and crop sowing. The summer months experience the radiant warmth of the sun and can sometimes begin a mid to late year drought. During autumn, the leaves change to red, orange, and yellow and then fall to the ground.

The calendar of Miendur is seasonal. Ergo, there are four “months,” each consisting of ninety-one days (the month of “summer” is ninety-two days to account for the 365 days of the year). The Gnomish (just wait until I get to the races) New Year is the last night of autumn.