The Lowen Valley

The valley of the meandering River Lowen is sheltered and fertile. It is known for fine cattle and grain, and has a long-running rivalry with more southerly regions.

The people of the Lowen have a reputation for being steady, no-nonsense types. They dislike fripperies and affectations; instead, they aspire to work hard and speak plainly, though this doesn’t stop them driving a notoriously hard bargain. As there are no towns nearby to rival Carhais, there is a certain divide between city and countryside, with the cityfolk cultivating a reputation as canny traders and craftspeople while the countryfolk maintain that they are the backbone of the nation and will fight you to prove it. The two sides will however unite instantly if outsiders try to get between them.

At the same time they are known for religious devotion. The Lowen Valley is a place where people hold their traditions dear and make regular sacrifice to their ancestors. With the Heart of Fire to the northwest and the Heart of Metal to the south they are also reminded of the presence of the elements in their lives. (It’s said by southerners that the meeting of Fire and Metal makes them bad-tempered and grudging, though the locals tend to refute or ignore the accusation.) Carhais itself has a small Seeker community, who are largely accepted by the locals but keep to themselves.

Of the three major factions, there is some support for the Noble Houses and the less hardline Reformist schools, but the Armies have the strongest appeal. Lowen folk do well as soldiers and see it as a solid, respectable career - not to mention that they are notoriously bloody-minded when defending their home turf.

People from the Lowen tend to dress more soberly and less extravagantly than those from other regions. They like to look capable and practical: commoners may wear the tools of their trade as badges (or weapons), while nobles often dress for hunting or riding even when they are in a more casual setting. Polearms and two-handed swords are popular, as are longbows and heavy crossbows.

Notable features

The Heart of Metal

Part of a series about Arginese geography.

The Iseur Valley - The Summer Coast - The Eastern Reach and Fiveways - The Lowen Valley - The Northlands - The Western Reach - The Interior