#fern hill wetlands

[rafefar]

Wary spotted towhee keeping an eye on me

Fern Hell Wetlands, OR

[outofangband]

Have you ever considered an environmental (or societal!) worldbuilding post for Taur-im-Duinath? There's so little in canon, I'd be fascinated to know your headcanons.

(This is a somewhat selfish ask as I am writing a fic that will have a significant portion set there, but genuinely love reading your posts -- no rush or pressure on this!)

Environmental World Building Masterlist

Taur Im Duinath is a large forest located in southeast Beleriand. Its name translates to Forest between rivers as it is located between the river Sirion (on the west) and the river Gelion on the east. In its southern reaches on the western border it extends to the lands around the Bay of Balar. The Andram, the wall of rocky hills ending with Amon Ereb in the east, lies directly to the north of Taur Im Duinath

As you said, it is mentioned very little in The Silmarillion, only twice actually. This corner of Beleriand is described as dark, tangled and wild with no elven or human inhabitants save some Avari

It can be difficult to judge exact sizes on Tolkien’s maps but Taur Im Duinath appears to be one of the largest forests in Beleriand

My thoughts

These are more general thoughts and for flora and fauna I gave examples of genuses or families rather than species but if you give me specific categories I can make more detailed posts!

-The climate is not as mild as Ossiriand but is far more mild than northeast Beleriand. The winters do not generally drop below negative one degree Celsius or thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Snow falls lightly in mid winter with sleet often occurring before and after.

-Humidity is higher than the rest of eastern Beleriand excepting parts of central Ossiriand with high rainfall especially in late winter and spring.

-The forest is dense. It is deciduous and coniferous mixed forests with scattered swampier areas which tend to be slightly more open. Most plants must be shade tolerant.

-There is an undergrowth of a variety of species of mosses and ferns as well as fungi. Some species of extremely shade tolerant herbaceous plants grow as well as a wider variety in the wetlands, scattered clearings, and forest edges

-The conifers are primarily spruce, Asian pine, with some fir and even cypress closer to the bay. Tsuga dumosa, a species of hemlock, grows closer to Ossiriand

-The deciduous trees are primarily birch and several species of oak. Ash and tilia species also grow

-Willow and aspen grow in the wetlands and closer to the river with some alders and a few wych elm.

-Animal biodiversity likewise varies throughout the large region. High diversity of small birds, mostly passerine but also nightjars, owls, a few species of ground birds, etc.

-The undergrowth provides habitat for the highest diversity of animals. Lots of Orthoptera (crickets, grasshoppers etc) so the forest is rarely quiet though the dense canopy muffles the sounds. Also high diversity of beetles, worms, rolly pollys, snails and slugs, and then toads, salamanders and newts, certain species of wood frogs, and small mammals like shrews especially by the water

I hope this is ok, @polutrope! I wasn’t sure what areas to focus on so please feel free to ask for more specific areas!

[robdaltonpoetry]

I light out with the dog from Fay Bainbridge, the tide low and going out, keen to shed the day’s concerns by witnessing the evening's arrival on the Salish Sea. We wander for miles without encountering another soul—just the long stretch of rocky shore and gulls cavorting in the shallows.

I settle on a flat rock nestled in a boulder field to doodle in my notebook, pausing to breathe all the way in… and as I exhale a mighty chevron of geese wheels just overhead, pumping away close enough that I can hear the slight mechanical squeaking of their synchronous wings.

On the water I spot another chevron, this one growing wider as the point moves toward me. An otter clambers out of the surf with a shining, wriggling fish in her mouth that’s at least half her size. The otter glances at me but doesn’t pause as she speeds toward the rocks where I sit.

I think “brave girl” then WHOOM an eagle soars directly overhead, the sunlight broken by wings the size of a flung beach blanket, but the eagle’s dive-bomb thievery is thwarted when he sees me and pulls off an impossible mid-air reversal, launching himself back into the sky while the otter scurries beneath an outcrop and disappears.

“Get your own dinner!” I holler after the eagle, looping lazily toward a nearby pine spire.

Walking these tidelands is a privilege. My worries drift away and there is only the beach and the sky and the sea.

Later I’m climbing the hill toward my home, me and the dog making our way through silent cedars and myriad fiddle ferns unfurling, and I’m filled with an immense and quiet gratitude. Every branch holds aloft its fragile gold-green flames, the daffodils are beginning to riot, and a tentative chorus of frogs is warming up in the wetlands.

When the world is too much I look south and see the distant bulk of Mt. Rainier lumbering above the clouds; I look north and see the sheet-white flank of Mt. Baker; I look east to the sprawling Cascades and west to the mighty Olympics—all reminders that our troubles are fleeting. We are simply a small part of an infinite continuum.

And of course there’s the sibilant Pacific, gentled after its long journey inland to surround our island home. We’d do well to emulate its breathing in… and breathing out again.

[naturecoaster]

Towers, Trails & Wooded Treks at Withlacoochee River Park

Palmetto bushes, towering over six feet and flanking both sides of the worn dirt path, their spiky fronds big enough to use as sunshade umbrellas. A red-headed woodpecker soared through the canopy overhead, settling in the crook of a rotted tree trunk, already punctured with holes, ready to tap for bugs. Tall pines reached through the canopy for the sky, shadowing the oaks below- and beyond, a stand of cypress trees stretched out as far as the eye could see. Giant palmetto stands frame the FT trail through the woods at Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White A panther would not have gone amiss in the landscape, silently sliding through the green fronds to stalk prey and lounging overhead on the hefty live oak limbs among a bed of moss and resurrection ferns. Florida panthers primarily live in the southwest region of the state, but sidled up to the 560,000 acres of Green Swamp, the idea is not far-fetched. Over 300 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish live in the Green Swamp; the headwaters of the Withlacoochee River. In the distance, the Withlacoochee River snaked a path through the pale cypress trees, beckoning like a Southern siren: “I’ve got bass. Come find me.”  Muddy floodplains and swamp separated me from the river, but would these orange blazes that guided the way on the trail curve back beside the winding Withlacoochee again, or would they lead away from the wetlands to amble towards the drier sand plains and slash pines? That’s about when I heard the rumble- a low rolling growl. I stopped in my tracks. I’d been thinking too much about panthers in the palmettoes. Another low growl sounded, followed by a gurgle that made me burst out in a relieved laugh.  2 ½ miles in and my own stomach had turned on me, reminding me hours had passed since breakfast and those teriyaki beef jerky sticks that I’d picked up at the gas station were waiting in the car, where I’d left them so as not to entice the local wildlife that I had undoubtedly just scared away. I was hiking on the Florida Trail in Pasco County… or so I thought… Climbing the 4-story observation tower at the Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White The Withlacoochee River Park Tower above Green Swamp West Earlier in the day, I arrived at the Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City to find a 40-foot wooden observation tower that overlooked the 406-acre county park along the river. Not much is written about this public green space. A blurb on the Pasco County website and a mention here and there.  For years, this was the place for the annual Mittie Wood Memorial Mother’s Day Native American Pow Wow an event founded by Muscogee Creek native Mittie Wood and her family to educate the public about the native American culture, and dedicated to her mother, Big Ma and all mothers. The Memorial Mother’s Day Pow Wow was held annually for over 20 years at the park. Although the Mother's Day Pow Wows here have ceased, Mittie Woods's memory lives on at Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White Today the park hosts gatherings for family get-togethers and kids’ parties and the occasional county event, like the upcoming Bay Area Renaissance Festival (weekends from February 17 through March 31). Marked walking trails and a paved multi-purpose trail through the park entice hikers and cyclists for a fresh-air adventure. I followed the winding road through the park past picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and restrooms to the last parking area, the access point to the observation tower and boardwalk. A short hike on a sandy track led up a hill to a wooden platform tower.  Somewhere out there is the Green Swamp and the river- It's a treetop view from the observation tower at Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White At the top and all around the wooden fourth-floor deck, towering trees vied for their spot in the sun on the canopy roof, and the forest stretched out on all sides. Somewhere out there was the western edge of the Green Swamp and the winding Withlacoochee River. I just couldn’t see it from here. Withlacoochee River Park Boardwalk  Back down on ground level, I followed the sign pointing the way to the boardwalk on the opposite side of the hill. At the bottom of the slope, the trail split, each path marked with a different color post. One wrong path and then onto red marked trail led to a wooden boardwalk that once carried hikers across a swampy area, but the drought dried up the wetlands, leaving a grassy pasture. The trail curved upward, back into the shade of the forest canopy.  It was dry season at the wetlands boardwalk in Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White Blue, red, and yellow marked trails crisscrossed an all-purpose newly tarmacked path through the woods. Families strolled the paths, joggers, and cyclists sped by. A beautiful Saturday had everyone outside. I followed the paved trail back, past the lichen-covered ground, the fallen trees, and the resilient live oaks, their limbs stretched out, touching the ground. A pleasant walk. Nice playgrounds & clean toilets. This was a green space for locals to enjoy. Which way to go The trails are color-coded at the Withlacoochee River Park. Follow the red blazes to reach the boardwalk from the observation tower. Photo by Sally White Fishing Pier and a Special Find Before leaving the park, I stopped at the fishing pier- one quick picture to take before heading home, but I never reached the wooden dock, because, to the right of the ramp, I saw the sign: FT. Florida Trail. On the Florida Trail... or So I Thought That legendary 1500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail is a series of connected hiking trails and byways leading from the panhandle and winding down through wild places in the State all the way to the Florida Everglades. It’s the path to lose yourself on. The path to find yourself on. The Appalachian Trail of the South. The challenge just waiting to be conquered. And many try. But few make the entire length, and when they do, they too become legends. Yes, indeed, heady stuff of dreams. Of course, it went straight to my head. Finally on the FT at Withlacoochee River Park - or was I? Photo by Sally White I grabbed some more water for my day pack and set off on the trail, following the famous orange blazes painted on the trees to guide the way. About Those Orange Blazes When you are standing at one orange trail blaze, you will be able to see the next one from there, making your hiking travels easy. The trail ran parallel to the winding Withlacoochee River with access points. Perhaps they were only deer paths leading to the water? Knobby cypress knees jutted up along the river, their entwined roots providing support for the embankments, while Ibis pecked their peculiar long thin beaks through the river bank mud to search for tasty bugs. Symphony of nature. A pine and oak co-mingle on the FT at Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White The river ran through the trees, around island mounds, and cascaded over limestone and cypress roots. A symphony of nature. Overhead the clouds dissipated leaving a brilliant blue sky. Tiny white spring flowers decorated the fresh new greenery around the river banks, ready to welcome in an early spring. The trail turned away from the river and wound beneath a stand of old oaks, each leaning away from the river, their hefty branches bending low. Vines sprinkled with wild yellow Carolina jessamine flowers surrounded tree trunks with halos of color. The entire time I hiked I kept thinking- if I just keep walking, I could end up in the Everglades! The Withlacoochee River starts in Green Swamp and winds 160 miles across the state to the Gulf of Mexico by Yankeetown. Photo by Sally White A group of young men bearing homemade walking sticks, aka sturdy branches, passed by as they came out of the woods, as did a family with kids and hiking couples. A busy trail day. A sandy service road cut across the blazed trail. A less scenic shortcut from the well-maintained FT. “It’s a quicker way to the river," one hiker heading back assured me. I turned onto the service road. The sandy path cut through cypress trees and cypress knees. Swamplands stretched out to the left- an endless labyrinthine maze of tall cypresses leading to the river.  In the wet season, this area would be underwater, but right now, high and dry. An unusual trail marker points the way on the Florida Trail in Withlacoochee River Park. Photo by Sally White An animal skull perched on a trail marker, and the crossing of the FT across the service road. The trail headed back into the woods- the way to the river. Back on the FT, I crossed a small grassy meadow, newly cut by a trail keeper, and dove into the depths of the palmetto forest. Darker and wilder. The river had to be near. I could see it across the swamplands, an opening of blue, but the path turned away again and my stomach growled. A lizard shot across the ground, rattling the leaves. Rattling me. I still had panthers on my mind. It was time to return to civilization. I would not be getting my thru-hiker star but it was a start, wasn’t it? A Florida Trail, but Not THE Florida Trail The Florida Trail-marked river trail at Withlacoochee River Park was created in the 1970s. The four-mile trail was an original proposed section of the Florida Trail Route, but the official trail ended up being routed to the east side of the Withlacoochee River. Here's your sign! Florida Trail sign by the fishing pier...or was it? This trail was created as part of the original Florida Trail but never made the final cut. It now enjoys honorary Florida Trail status. Photo by Sally White This path never became a part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Its trailkeepers, the Florida Trail Association Suncoast Chapter, continue to keep those honorary orange blazes bright and maintain this trail for visitors to enjoy. Withlacoochee River Park is located at 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, Florida. This is a free Pasco County park for day use, open from dusk to dawn, 7 days a week. The entrance to Pasco County Park's Withlacoochee River Park. Image by Sally White. Read the full article

[leafvy]

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

here’s a list of short names to coincide with my long names list :)

[ disclaimer: my sincere apologies if there are any spelling/meaning/origin mistakes in any of my name lists, i am by no means a professional in this area, i just like creating lists to help aid storytellers. i do try my best to find each name’s corresponding origin/meaning/spelling but i am a human who is prone to make the odd mistake. p.s, i take requests! ]

Female

Ada - German - First born female

Ali - Arabic - High, elevated, champion

Amy - French/Latin - Beloved

Anne - Latin/Hebrew - Favour, grace

Aria - Hebrew/Italian - Air, song, melody

Aura - Latin/Greek - Wind

Ava - Latin - Bird-like

Aya - German/Japanese/Hebrew - Sword, colourful, beautiful, bird

Ayn - Hebrew/Finnish/Russian - God has favoured me, grace, eye

Bay - English/French - Auburn-haired

Bea - Latin - Bringer of happiness

Beau - French - Beautiful, handsome

Belle - French - Beautiful

Bia - Latin/Italian - White, fair

Bindi - Noongar - Butterfly

Blair - Scottish - Plain, meadow, field

Blanche - French - White

Blythe - English - Joyous, kind, cheerful

Bree - Irish - Exalted one, strength

Briar - English - Bush of wild roses

Brook - English - Small stream

Bryn - Welsh - Hill

Buffy - Hebrew - Diminutive of Elizabeth, my god is an oath

Cara - Latin - Dear friend

Chloe - Greek - Blooming, fertility

Cia - Greek/Hebrew - Light,

Clair - French - Bright, clear

Coco - Portuguese/Spanish - Diminutive of Socorro, help, relief

Cora - Greek - Maiden, girl, daughter

Cove - English - Small coastal inlet

Dara - Hebrew/Irish - Pearl of wisdom, gift, compassion

Dawn - English - Sunrise

Doe - English - Female deer

Dot - Greek - Diminutive of Dorothy, gift of god

Dove - English - A bird

Eden - Hebrew - Delight

Edie - English - Prosperous in war

Ella - Greek/Norman/Hebrew/German/Spanish - Beautiful, fairy maiden, goddess

Elle - French - She

Elm - English - Elm tree

Elsa - Scandinavian - Joyful, Noble, god is my oath

Emi - Japanese - Blessed, favour, beautiful

Emma - Germanic - Whole, universal

Erin - Irish - Peace, from the island to the west

Esmé - French/Persian - Esteemed, beloved, emerald

Etta - Latin - Of noble birth

Eva - Hebrew - Giver of life

Eve - Hebrew - Giver of life

Faith - Latin - Confidence, trust, belief

Faye - French - Fairy

Fern - English - Green shade-loving plant

Fiona - Gaelic/Scottish - White, fair

Fleur - French - Flower

Flo - Latin - Flowering, flourishing

Gia - Italian - God’s gracious gift

Grace - Latin - Gracious

Greta - Greek/German/Persian - Pearl

Gwen - Welsh - White, holy

Hope - English - Desire of fulfillment

Ida - Scandinavian - Labour, work

Isla - Scottish/Gaelic/Spanish - Island

Ivy - English - Fidelity

Jade - Spanish - Stone of the colic, precious gemstone

Jae - Korean - Ability, talent

Jane - English - God is gracious

Jessie - Hebrew - He sees

Jill - Latin/English - Child of the God’s, youthful

Joan - Hebrew - God is gracious

Joy - English - Happiness, joyful

June - Latin - Born in June

Juno - Latin - Queen of heaven

Kai - Hawaiian/Japanese - Sea, ocean, shell, restoration, recovery

Kat - English/Greek - Clean, pure

Kate - English/Latin/Greek - Clean, pure

Kim - English/Korean/Chinese/Vietnamese - Gift of God, gold

Kira - Russian/Japanese/Persian/Greek - Mistress, ruler, leader of the people, beloved, light

Kyla - Hebrew/English/Scottish - Narrow channel

Lacy - English/Latin/French - Lace, cheerful, unbridled

Lake - English - Body of water

Lana - Slavic/Gaelic - Little rock, light

Lark - English - Songbird

Lea - Hebrew/English - Delicate, weary, meadow

Leda - Greek - Woman

Leigh - English - Delicate, meadow

Lia - Greek - Bearer of good news

Lily - English/Latin/Greek - Pure, passion, flower

Lisa - Hebrew - God’s promise

Liv - Norse - Shelter, protection, life

Lois - Greek - Superior

Lucy - English/Latin - Light

Lula - German/English - Famous warrior

Luna - Italian/Spanish/Latin - Moon

Lux - Latin - Light

Luz - Portuguese/Spanish - Light

Lyla - Arabic - Night

Mae - French/Latin - Month of May

Maeve - Irish/Gaelic - Intoxicating

Mara - Hebrew - Bitter, strength

Mary - Aramaic/Latin/Hebrew/Greek - Bitter, beloved, rebellious, marine, drop of the sea

Maude - German/French/Hebrew - Powerful battler

May - English - Month of May

Meg - Greek - Pearl

Mia - Scandinavian - Of the sea, bitter

Mila - Slavic - Gracious, dear

Mina - German - Love

Mira - Latin/Slavic - Wonder, wonderful, peace

Moon - English - The moon

Mya - Greek/Arabic/German/Persian - Sea of bitterness

Nelly - Greek - Light

Nia - Gaelic/Swahili - Lustrous, goal, purpose, resolve, brilliance

Nina - Spanish/Hebrew/Russian/Babylonian - Enclosure of fish, little girl

Noa - Hebrew - Motion

Nora - Irish/Latin/Arabic - Honour, light

Nova - Latin - New

Nya - Swahili/Gaelic - Purpose

Opal - Sanskrit - Gem

Ora - Latin - Pray

Paige - Latin/Greek - Assistant

Paris - Latin/Greek - Pouch, wallet

Pearl - Latin/English - Smooth round bead formed by a mollusk

Pia - Latin - Pious, reverent

Pixie - Celtic/Swedish/Cornish - Fairy

Quinn - Irish/Gaelic - Counsel

Rae - Hebrew - Ewe, female sheep

Rain - English - Rain

Reese - Welsh - Ardent, fiery

Remi - French - Oarsman

Ren - Japanese - Water lily, lotus

Rita - Spanish - Pearl

Rose - Latin - Flower

Ruby - Latin - Red gemstone

Rue - English/Greek - Regret, herb

Ruth - Hebrew - Friend

Sadie - Hebrew - Princess

Sage - Latin - Wise

Shae - Gaelic/Irish - Admirable, full of majesty

Sky - Norse - Cloud, scholar

Sloan - Irish/Gaelic - Warrior

Sue - Hebrew - Lily

Suzy - Hebrew - Lily

Tara - Sanskrit - Star

Tate - English/Norse - Cheerful

Taya - Japanese - Young

Tess - English/Greek - To harvest, to reap

Teva - Hebrew - Nature

Thea - Greek - Goddess

Tia - Spanish - Aunt

Uma - Hebrew/Sanskrit - Nation

Una - Irish - The personification of truth, beauty and unity

Velma - German - Determined protector

Vera - Slavic - Faith

Wren - English - Small bird

Zara - Arabic - Radiance

Zelda - German - Grey fighting maid

Zia - Arabic - Light

Zoe - Greek - Life

Zuri - Swahili - Beautiful

Male

Ace - Latin - One; unity

Amir - Arabic/Persian/Hebrew - Prince, chief, immortal

Araz - Arabic - Provisions, commodities

Arik - Norse - Eternal ruler

Arlo - English - Fortified hill

Arris - Greek -Best

Asa - Hebrew/Japanese - Healer, physician, born in the morning

Ash - English - Ash tree

Atlas - Greek - To carry

Axel - Hebrew - Father is peace

Bane - Slavic - Glorious defender

Bear - French/German - As strong and brave as a Bear

Beau - French - Beautiful

Beck - Norse - Small stream

Blaire - Scottish/Gaelic - Plain, field

Blake - English - Fair-haired, dark

Bodhi - Sanskrit - Awakening, enlightenment

Bolt - English - Bar, arrow

Bran - Scottish/Irish/Gaelic - Bramble, thicket of wild gorse

Brock - English/Celtic - Badger-like

Brody - Scottish - Broad eye, broad island

Bron - English - Son of a dark man

Buck - English - Male deer

Cade - English - Round, barrel

Cain - Hebrew - Something produced, spear

Cash - English/Latin - Hollow

Chase - English/French - To catch, to seize, hunter, huntsman

Clark - English - Scribe, secretary

Cody - English - Helpful, pillow

Cole - English - Swarthy, coal-black, charcoal

Colt - English - Young horse

Crew - Latin - Chariot

Dane - English - From Denmark

Dax - French - Leader

Dean - English - Valley

Drake - English - Dragon, snake

Duke - English - Leader, son of Marmaduke

Eden - Hebrew - Place of pleasure, delight

Eli - Hebrew - Ascent

Evan - Welsh - Youth, young warrior

Ezra - Hebrew - Help, helper

Felix - Latin - Happy, lucky

Fig - English - Fruit

Finn - Norse/Irish - Finn, Sámi, white, fair

Fox - English - Cunning, sly

Gage - French - One who is defiant

Gale - English/Greek - Jovial, tranquil

Grant - English/Gaelic - Tall, big

Grey - English - Grey-haired

Guy - French - Guide, leader

Heath - English - Someone who lives by a moor or heath

Hugh - English/French/Germanic - Mind, spirit

Ian - Scottish - The Lord is gracious

Ike -Hebrew - Laughter

Iker - Basque - Visitation

Jack - English - God is gracious, supplanter

Jax - English - God is gracious

Jay - Latin - Bird in the crow family

Jeb - Hebrew - Beloved friend

Jed - Hebrew - Beloved of God

Jet -English - Black, airplane

Jody - English/Hebrew - Jehovah increases

Jon - Hebrew - God is gracious

Joss - German - One of the Goths

Jovi - Latin - Father of the sky

Judd - English - To flow down

Jude - Greek - Praised

Kade - Scottish - From the wetlands

Kai - Hawaiian/Japanese - Sea, ocean, shell, restoration, recovery

Kiam - Unknown - Unknown

King - English - Monarch

Kit - Greek - Bearing Christ

Knox - Scottish/English - Hillock, round-topped hill

Koa - Hawaiian - Warrior, brave one

Kye - Welsh/Scandinavian/Gaelic/Greek - Keeper of the keys, earth, narrow, straight

Kylo - Latin - Sky

Lane - English - Small roadway or path

Lars - Latin/Scandinavian - From Laurentum, crowned with laurel

Leif - Scandinavian - Heir, descendent, beloved

Leo - Latin/Greek - Lion

Leon - Latin/Greek/French - Lion, son of a Lion

Levi - Hebrew - Joining, attached

Luka - Italy/Slavic - A person from Lucania

Luke - Latin - The bright one, the one born at dawn

Max - Latin - The greatest

Milo - German - Soldier, merciful

Nash - English - By the ash tree

Neo - Latin - New, gift

Nico - Greek - People of victory

Noah - Hebrew - To comfort

Oak - English - Oak tree

Otis - German/English - Wealth, son of Otto

Pax - Latin - Peaceful

Piet - Dutch - Rock

Pike - English - A person who lives on a sharp hill

Poe - English - Peacock

Quana - Native American - Aromatic

Ray - English/German - Counsel, mighty protection, guards wisely

Reed - English - Red-haired

Remi - French - Oarsman

Ren - Japanese - Water lily, lotus

Rhett - English/Dutch - Advice

Roan - Gaelic - Little red-head

Rory - Irish - Red-haired King

Ross - Gaelic - Promontory, headland

Roth - English/German - Red, wood, renown

Roy - Gaelic - Red

Rudy - German - Famous Wolf

Ryan - Irish - Little King, illustrious

Saint - English - Holy person

Saul - Hebrew - Ask, question

Sid - French/English - Wide meadow

Slade - English - Valley

Tate - Norse - Cheerful

Teo - Spanish - God

Tim - English - One who honours God

Toby - English - God is good

Torin - Gaelic - Chief

Troy - Irish - Descendent of a foot-soldier

Tye - English - Someone who lived near a pasture

West - English - Western stream

Wolf - German - Travelling Wolf

Zane - Hebrew - God is gracious

Zeke - Hebrew - God strengthens

Zen - Japanese - Peace

Zev - Hebrew - Wolf

[niccolester]

Some fun birds and critters we found while exploring Fern Hills Wetlands! 🌎 Fern Hills Wetlands 🗓 June, 2021 📸 #Nikon D500 #nutria #birds #baldeagle #californiascrubjay #purplemartin #wetlands #fernhillswetlands #birding #birdwatching #oregon #traveloregon #oregonexplored #neverstopexploring #exploremore #optoutside #getoutside #naturephotography #nature (at Fern Hills Wetland Trail Head) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQiABo0ATTm/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mellifera38]

Mel’s Big Fantasy Place-Name Reference

So I’ve been doing lots of D&D world-building lately and I’ve kind of been putting together lists of words to help inspire new fantasy place names. I figured I’d share. These are helpful for naming towns, regions, landforms, roads, shops, and they’re also probably useful for coming up with surnames. This is LONG. There’s plenty more under the cut including a huge list of “fantasy sounding” word-parts. Enjoy!

Towns & Kingdoms

town, borough, city, hamlet, parish, township, village, villa, domain

kingdom, empire, nation, country, county, city-state, state, province, dominion

Town Name End Words (English flavored)

-ton, -ston, -caster, -dale, -den, -field, -gate, -glen, -ham, -holm, -hurst, -bar, -boro, -by, -cross, -kirk, -meade, -moore, -ville, -wich, -bee, -burg, -cester, -don, -lea, -mer, -rose, -wall, -worth, -berg, -burgh, -chase, -ly, -lin, -mor, -mere, -pool. -port, -stead, -stow, -strath, -side, -way, -berry, -bury, -chester, -haven, -mar, -mont, -ton, -wick, -meet, -heim, -hold, -hall, -point

Buildings & Places

castle, fort, palace, fortress, garrison, lodge, estate, hold, stronghold, tower, watchtower, palace, spire, citadel, bastion, court, manor, house

altar, chapel, abbey, shrine, temple, monastery, cathedral, sanctum, crypt, catacomb, tomb

orchard, arbor, vineyard, farm, farmstead, shire, garden, ranch

plaza, district, quarter, market, courtyard, inn, stables, tavern, blacksmith, forge, mine, mill, quarry, gallows, apothecary, college, bakery, clothier, library, guild house, bath house, pleasure house, brothel, jail, prison, dungeon, cellar, basement, attic, sewer, cistern

lookout, post, tradepost, camp, outpost, hovel, hideaway, lair, nook, watch, roost, respite, retreat, hostel, holdout, redoubt, perch, refuge, haven, alcove, haunt, knell, enclave, station, caravan, exchange, conclave

port, bridge, ferry, harbor, landing, jetty, wharf, berth, footbridge, dam, beacon, lighthouse, marina, dockyard, shipyard

road, street, way, row, lane, trail, corner, crossing, gate, junction, waygate, end, wall, crossroads,  barrier, bulwark, blockade, pavilion, avenue, promenade, alley, fork, route

Time & Direction

North, South, East, West, up, down, side, rise, fall, over, under

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, solstice, equanox, vernal, ever, never

dusk, dawn, dawnrise, morning, night, nightfall, evening, sundown, sunbreak, sunset

lunar, solar, sun, moon, star, eclipse

Geographical Terms

Cave, cavern, cenote, precipice, crevasse, crater, maar, chasm, ravine, trench, rift, pit

Cliff, bluff, crag, scarp, outcrop, stack, tor, falls, run, eyrie, aerie

Hill, mountain, volcano, knoll, hillock, downs, barrow, plateau, mesa, butte, pike, peak, mount, summit, horn, knob, pass, ridge, terrace, gap, point, rise, rim, range, view, vista, canyon, hogback, ledge, stair, descent

Valley, gulch, gully, vale, dale, dell, glen, hollow, grotto, gorge, bottoms, basin, knoll, combe

Meadow, grassland, field, pasture, steppe, veld, sward, lea, mead, fell, moor, moorland, heath, croft, paddock, boondock, prairie, acre, strath, heights, mount, belt

Woodlands, woods, forest, bush, bower, arbor, grove, weald, timberland, thicket, bosk, copse, coppice, underbrush, hinterland, park, jungle, rainforest, wilds, frontier, outskirts

Desert, dunes, playa, arroyo, chaparral, karst, salt flats, salt pan, oasis, spring, seep, tar pit, hot springs, fissure, steam vent, geyser, waste, wasteland, badland, brushland, dustbowl, scrubland

Ocean, sea, lake, pond, spring, tarn, mere, sluice, pool, coast, gulf, bay

Lagoon, cay, key, reef, atoll, shoal, tideland, tide flat, swale, cove, sandspit, strand, beach

Snowdrift, snowbank, permafrost, floe, hoar, rime, tundra, fjord, glacier, iceberg

River, stream, creek, brook, tributary, watersmeet, headwater, ford, levee, delta, estuary, firth, strait, narrows, channel, eddy, inlet, rapids, mouth, falls

Wetland, marsh, bog, fen, moor, bayou, glade, swamp, banks, span, wash, march, shallows, mire, morass, quag, quagmire, everglade, slough, lowland, sump, reach

Island, isle, peninsula, isthmus, bight, headland, promontory, cape, pointe, cape

More under the cut including: Color words, Animal/Monster related words, Rocks/Metals/Gems list, Foliage, People groups/types, Weather/Environment/ Elemental words, Man-made Items, Body Parts, Mechanical sounding words, a huge list of both pleasant and unpleasant Atmospheric Descriptors, and a huge list of Fantasy Word-parts.

Color Descriptions

Warm: red, scarlet, crimson, rusty, cerise, carmine, cinnabar, orange, vermillion, ochre, peach, salmon, saffron, yellow, gold, lemon, amber, pink, magenta, maroon, brown, sepia, burgundy, beige, tan, fuchsia, taupe

Cool: green, beryl, jade, evergreen, chartreuse, olive, viridian, celadon, blue, azure, navy, cerulean, turquoise, teal, cyan, cobalt, periwinkle, beryl, purple, violet, indigo, mauve, plum

Neutral: gray, silver, ashy, charcoal, slate, white, pearly, alabaster, ivory, black, ebony, jet

dark, dusky, pale, bleached, blotchy, bold, dappled, lustrous, faded, drab, milky, mottled, opaque, pastel, stained, subtle, ruddy, waxen, tinted, tinged, painted

Animal / Monster-Related Words

Bear, eagle, wolf, serpent, hawk, horse, goat, sheep, bull, raven, crow, dog, stag, rat, boar, lion, hare, owl, crane, goose, swan, otter, frog, toad, moth, bee, wasp, beetle, spider, slug, snail, leech, dragonfly, fish, trout, salmon, bass, crab, shell, dolphin, whale, eel, cod, haddock

Dragon, goblin, giant, wyvern, ghast, siren, lich, hag, ogre, wyrm, kraken

Talon, scale, tusk, hoof, mane, horn, fur, feather, fang, wing, whisker, bristle, paw, tail, beak, claw, web, quill, paw, maw, pelt, haunch, gill, fin,

Hive, honey, nest, burrow, den, hole, wallow

Rocks / Metals / Minerals

Gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper, platinum, iron, steel, tin, mithril, electrum, adamantite, quicksilver, fool’s gold, titanium

Diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, pearl, jade, jasper, onyx, citrine, aquamarine, turquoise, lapiz lazuli, amethyst, quartz, crystal, amber, jewel

Granite, shale, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, diorite, basalt, rhyolite, obsidian, glass

Earth, stone, clay, sand, silt, salt, mote, lode, vein, ore, ingot, coal, boulder, bedrock, crust, rubble, pebble, gravel, cobble, dust, clod, peat, muck mud, slip, loam, dirt, grit, scree, shard, flint, stalactite/mite

Trees / Plants / Flowers

Tree, ash, aspen, pine, birch, alder, willow, dogwood, oak, maple, walnut,  chestnut, cedar, mahogany, palm, beech, hickory, hemlock, cottonwood, hawthorn, sycamore, poplar, cypress, mangrove, elm, fir, spruce, yew

Branch, bough, bramble, gnarl, burr, tangle, thistle, briar, thorn, moss, bark, shrub, undergrowth, overgrowth, root, vine, bracken, reed, driftwood, coral, fern, berry, bamboo, nectar, petal, leaf, seed, clover, grass, grain, trunk, twig, canopy, cactus, weed, mushroom, fungus

Apple, olive, apricot, elderberry, coconut, sugar, rice, wheat, cotton, flax, barley, hops, onion, carrot, turnip, cabbage, squash, pumpkin, pepper

Flower, rose, lavender, lilac, jasmine, jonquil, marigold, carnelian, carnation, goldenrod, sage, wisteria, dahlia, nightshade, lily, daisy, daffodil, columbine, amaranth, crocus, buttercup, foxglove, iris, holly, hydrangea, orchid, snowdrop, hyacinth, tulip, yarrow, magnolia, honeysuckle, belladonna, lily pad, magnolia

People

Settler, Pilgrim, Pioneer, Merchant, Prospector, Maker, Surveyor, Mason, Overseer, Apprentice, Widow, Sailor, Miner, Blacksmith, Butcher, Baker, Brewer, Barkeep, Ferryman, Hangman, Gambler, Fisherman, Adventurer, Hero, Seeker, Hiker, Traveler, Crone

Mage, Magician, Summoner, Sorcerer, Wizard, Conjurer, Necromancer, 

King, Queen, Lord, Count, Baron, Guard, Soldier, Knight, Vindicator, Merchant, Crusader, Imperator, Syndicate, Vanguard, Champion, Warden, Victor, Legionnaire, Master, Archer, Footman, Gladiator, Barbarian, Captain, Commodore, 

Beggar, Hunter, Ranger, Deadman, Smuggler, Robber, Swindler, Rebel, Bootlegger, Outlaw, Pirate, Brigand, Ruffian, Highwayman, Cutpurse, Thief, Assassin

God, Goddess, Exarch, Angel, Devil, Demon, Cultist, Prophet, Hermit, Seer

council, clergy, guild, militia, choir 

Climate, Environment, & The Elements

Cold, cool, brisk, frosty, chilly, icy, freezing, frozen, frigid, glacial, bitter, biting, bleak, arctic, polar, boreal, wintry, snowy, snow, blizzarding, blizzard, sleeting, sleet, chill, frost, ice, icebound, ice cap, floe, snowblind, frostbite, coldsnap, avalanche, snowflake

Hot, sunny, humid, sweltering, steaming, boiling, sizzling, blistering, scalding, smoking, caldescent, dry, parched, arid, fallow, thirsty, melting, molten, fiery, blazing, burning, charring, glowing, searing, scorching, blasted, sun, fire, heat, flame, wildfire, bonfire, inferno, coal, ash, cinder, ember, flare, pyre, tinder, kindling, aflame, alight, ablaze, lava, magma, slag,

Wet, damp, dank, soggy, sodden, soaked, drenched, dripping, sopping, briny, murky, rain, storm, hail, drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, deluge, squall, water, cloud, fog, mist, dew, puddle, pool, current, whirlpool, deep, depths, tide, waves, whitewater, waterfall, tidal wave, flow, flood, leak, drain

Wind, breeze, gust, billow, gail, draft, waft, zephyr, still, airy, clear, smokey, tempest, tempestuous, windswept, aerial, lofty, torrid, turbulent, nebulous, tradewind, thunder, lightning, spark, cyclone, tornado, whirlwind, hurricane, typhoon

Man-made Item Words

Furnace, forge, anvil, vault, strap, strip, whetstone, brick, sword, blade, axe, dagger, shield, buckler, morningstar, bow, quiver, arrow, polearm, flail, staff, stave, sheath, hilt, hammer, knife, helm, mantle, banner, pauldron, chainmail, mace, dart, cutlass, canon, needle, cowl, belt,  buckle, bandana, goggles, hood, boot, heel, spindle, spool, thread, sweater, skirt, bonnet, apron, leather, hide, plate, tunic, vest, satin, silk, wool, velvet, lace, corset, stocking, binding

Plow, scythe, (wheel) barrow, saddle, harrow, brand, collar, whip, leash, lead, bridle, stirrup, wheel, straw, stall, barn, hay, bale, pitchfork, well, log, saw, lumber, sod, thatch, mortar, brick, cement, concrete, pitch, pillar, window, fountain, door, cage, spoke, pole, table, bench, plank, board

Candle, torch, cradle, broom, lamp, lantern, clock, bell, lock, hook, trunk, looking glass, spyglass, bottle, vase, locket, locker, key, handle, rope, knot, sack, pocket, pouch, manacle, chain, stake, coffin, fan. cauldron, kettle, pot, bowl, pestle, oven, ladle, spoon, font, wand, potion, elixir, draught, portal, book, tome, scroll, word, manuscript, letter, message, grimoire, map, ink, quill, pen, cards, dice

Coin, coronet, crown, circlet, scepter, treasure, riches, scales, pie, tart, loaf, biscuit, custard, caramel, pudding, porridge, stew, bread, tea, gravy, gristle, spice, lute, lyre, harp, drum, rouge, powder, perfume, brush

bilge, stern, pier, sail, anchor, mast, dock, deck, flag, ship, boat, canoe, barge, wagon, sled, carriage, buggy, cart

Wine, brandy, whiskey, ale, moonshine, gin, cider, rum, grog, beer, brew, goblet, flagon, flask, cask, tankard, stein, mug, barrel, stock, wort, malt

Body Parts

Head, throat, finger, foot, hand, neck, shoulder, rib, jaw, eye, lips, bosom

Skull, spine, bone, tooth, heart, blood, tears, gut, beard

Mechanical-Sounding Words

cog, fuse, sprocket, wrench, screw, nail, bolt, lever, pulley, spanner, gear, spring, shaft, switch, button, cast, pipe, plug, dial, meter, nozzle, cord, brake, gauge, coil, oil, signal, wire, fluke, staple, clamp, bolt, nut, bulb, patch, pump, cable, socket

torque, force, sonic, spark, fizzle, thermal, beam, laser, steam, buzz, mega, mecha, electro, telsa, power, flicker, charge, current, flow, tinker

Atmospheric Words

Unpleasant, Dangerous, Threatening

(nouns) death, fury, battle, scar, shadow, razor, nightmare, wrath, bone, splinter, peril, war, riptide, strife, reckoning, sorrow, terror, deadwood, nether, venom, grime, rage, void, conquest, pain, folly, revenge, horrid, mirk, shear, fathom, frenzy, corpselight/marshlight, reaper, gloom, doom, torment, torture, spite, grizzled, sludge, refuse, spore, carrion, fear, pyre, funeral, shade, beast, witch, grip, legion, downfall, ruin, plague, woe, bane, horde, acid, fell, grief, corpse, mildew, mold, miter, dirge

(adjectives) dead, jagged, decrepit, fallen, darkened, blackened, dire, grim, feral, wild, broken, desolate, mad, lost, under, stagnant, blistered, derelict, forlorn, unbound, sunken, fallow, shriveled, wayward, bleak, low, weathered, fungal, last, brittle, sleepy, -strewn, dusky, deserted, empty, barren, vacant, forsaken, bare, bereft, stranded, solitary, abandoned, discarded, forgotten, deep, abysmal, bottomless, buried, fathomless,unfathomable, diseased, plagued, virulent, noxious, venomous, toxic, fetid, revolting, putrid, rancid, foul, squalid, sullied, vile, blighted, vicious, ferocious, dangerous, savage, cavernous, vast, yawning, chasmal, echoing, dim, dingy, gloomy, inky, lurid, shaded, shadowy, somber, sunless, tenebrous, unlit, veiled, hellish, accursed, sulfurous, damned, infernal, condemned, doomed, wicked, sinister, dread, unending, spectral, ghostly, haunted, eldritch, unknown, weary, silent, hungry, cloven, acidic

(verb/adverbs): wither (withering / withered), skulk (skulking), whisper, skitter, chitter, sting, slither, writhe, gape, screech, scream, howl, lurk, roil, twist, shift, swarm, spawn, fester, bleed, howl, shudder, shrivel, devour, swirl, maul, trip, smother, weep, shatter, ruin, curse, ravage, hush, rot, drown, sunder, blister, warp, fracture, die, shroud, fall, surge, shiver, roar, thunder, smolder, break, silt, slide, lash, mourn, crush, wail, decay, crumble, erode, decline, reek, lament, taint, corrupt, defile, poison, infect, shun, sigh, sever, crawl, starve, grind, cut, wound, bruise, maim, stab, bludgeon, rust, mutilate, tremble, stumble, fumble, clank, clang

Pleasant, Safe, Neutral

(nouns) spirit, luck, soul, oracle, song, sky, smile, rune, obelisk, cloud, timber, valor, triumph, rest, dream, thrall, might, valiance, glory, mirror, life, hope, oath, serenity, sojourn, god, hearth, crown, throne, crest, guard, rise, ascent, circle, ring, twin, vigil, breath, new, whistle, grasp, snap, fringe, threshold, arch, cleft, bend, home, fruit, wilds, echo, moonlight, sunlight, starlight, splendor, vigilance, honor, memory, fortune, aurora, paradise, caress

(adjectives) gentle, pleasant, prosperous, peaceful, sweet, good, great, mild, grand, topic, lush, wild, abundant, verdant, sylvan, vital, florid, bosky, callow, verdurous, lucious, fertile, spellbound, captivating, mystical, hidden, arcane, clandestine, esoteric, covert, cryptic, runic, otherworldly, touched, still, fair, deep, quiet, bright, sheer, tranquil, ancient, light, far, -wrought, tidal, royal, shaded, swift, true, free, high, vibrant, pure, argent, hibernal, ascendant, halcyon, silken, bountiful, gilded, colossal, massive, stout, elder, -bourne, furrowed, happy, merry, -bound, loud, lit, silk, quiet, bright, luminous, shining, burnished, glossy, brilliant, lambent, lucent, lustrous, radiant, resplendent, vivid, vibrant, illuminated, silvery, limpid, sunlit, divine, sacred, holy, eternal, celestial, spiritual, almighty, anointed, consecrated, exalted, hallowed, sanctified, ambrosial, beatific, blissful, demure, naked, bare, ample, coy,  deific, godly, omnipotent, omnipresent, rapturous, sacramental, sacrosanct, blessed, majestic, iridescent, glowing, overgrown, dense, hard, timeless, sly, scatter, everlasting, full, half, first, last

(verb/adverbs) arch (arching / arched), wink (winking), sing, nestle, graze, stroll, roll, flourish, bloom, bud, burgeon, live, dawn, hide, dawn, run, pray, wake, laugh, wake, glimmer, glitter, drift, sleep, tumble, bind, arch, blush, grin, glister, beam, meander, wind, widen, charm, bewitch, enthrall, entrance, enchant, allure, beguile, glitter, shimmer, sparkle twinkle, crest, quiver, slumber, herald, shelter, leap, click, climb, scuttle, dig, barter, chant, hum, chime, kiss, flirt, tempt, tease, play, seduce

Generic “Fantasy-Sounding” Word Parts

A - D

aaz, ada, adaer, adal, adar, adbar, adir, ae, ael, aer, aern, aeron, aeryeon, agar, agis, aglar, agron, ahar, akan, akyl, al, alam, alan, alaor, ald, alea, ali, alir, allyn, alm, alon, alor, altar, altum, aluar, alys, amar, amaz, ame, ammen, amir, amol, amn, amus, anar, andor, ang, ankh, ar, ara, aram, arc, arg, arian, arkh, arla, arlith, arn, arond, arthus, arum, arvien, ary, asha, ashyr, ask, assur, aster, astra, ath, athor, athra, athryn, atol, au, auga, aum, auroch, aven, az, azar, baal, bae, bael, bak, bal, balor, ban, bar, bara, barr, batol, batar, basir, basha, batyr, bel, belph, belu, ben, beo, bere, berren, berun, besil, bezan, bhaer, bhal, blask, blis, blod, bor, boraz, bos, bran, brath, braun, breon, bri, bry, bul, bur, byl, caer, cal, calan, cara, cassa, cath, cela, cen, cenar, cerul, chalar, cham, chion, cimar, clo, coram, corel, corman, crim, crom, daar, dach, dae, dago, dagol, dahar, dala, dalar, dalin, dam, danas, daneth, dannar, dar, darian,  darath, darm, darma, darro, das, dasa, dasha, dath, del, delia, delimm, dellyn, delmar, delo, den, dess, dever, dhaer, dhas, dhaz, dhed, dhin, din, dine, diar, dien, div, djer, dlyn, dol, dolan, doon, dora, doril, doun, dral, dranor, drasil, dren, drian, drien, drin, drov, druar, drud, duald, duatha, duir, dul, dulth, dun, durth, dyra, dyver,

E - H

ea, eber, eden, edluk, egan, eiel, eilean, ejen, elath, eld, eldor, eldra, elith emar, ellesar, eltar, eltaran, elth, eltur, elyth, emen, empra, emril, emvor, ena, endra, enthor, erad, erai, ere, eriel, erith, erl, eron, erre, eryn, esk, esmel, espar, estria, eta, ethel, eval, ezro, ezan, ezune, ezil, fael, faelar, faern, falk, falak, farak, faril, farla, fel, fen, fenris, fer, fet, fin, finar, forel, folgun, ful, fulk, fur, fyra, fallon, gael, gach, gabir, gadath, gal, galar, gana, gar, garth, garon, garok, garne, gath, geir, gelden, geren,  geron, ghal, ghallar, ghast, ghel, ghom, ghon, gith, glae, glander, glar, glym, gol, goll, gollo, goloth, gorot, gost, goth, graeve, gran, grimm, grist, grom, grosh, grun, grym, gual, guil, guir, gulth, gulur, gur, gurnth, gwaer, haa, hael, haer, hadar, hadel, hakla, hala, hald, halana, halid, hallar, halon, halrua, halus, halvan, hamar, hanar, hanyl, haor, hara, haren, haresk, harmun, harrokh, harrow, haspur, haza, hazuth, heber,  hela, helve, hem, hen, herath, hesper, heth, hethar, hind, hisari, hjaa, hlath, hlond, hluth, hoarth, holtar, horo, hotun, hrag, hrakh, hroth, hull, hyak, hyrza

I - M

iibra, ilth, ilus, ilira, iman, imar, imas, imb, imir, immer, immil, imne, impil, ingdal, innar, ir, iriae, iril, irith, irk, irul, isha, istis, isil, itala, ith, ithal, itka, jada, jae, jaeda, jahaka, jala, jarra, jaro, jath, jenda, jhaamm, jhothm, jinn, jinth, jyn, kado, kah, kal, kalif, kam, kana, kara, karg, kars, karth, kasp, katla, kaul, kazar, kazr, kela, kelem, kerym, keth, keva, kez, kezan, khaer, khal, khama, khaz, khara, khed, khel, khol, khur, kil, kor, korvan, koll, kos, kir, kra, kul, kulda, kund, kyne, lae, laen, lag, lan, lann, lanar, lantar, lapal, lar, laran, lareth, lark, lath, lauth, lav, lavur, lazar, leih, leshyr, leth, lhaza, lhuven, liad, liam, liard, lim, lin, lirn, lisk, listra, lith, liya, llair, llor, lok, lolth, loran, lorkh, lorn, loth, lothen, luen, luir, luk, lund, lur, luth, lyndus, lyra, lyth, maal, madrasm maera, maer, maerim, maes, mag, magra, mahand, mal, malar, mald, maldo, mar, mara, mark, marl, maru, maruk, meir, melish, memnon, mer, metar, methi, mhil, mina, mir, miram, mirk, mista, mith, moander, mok, modir, modan, mon, monn, mor, more, morel, moril, morn, moro, morrow, morth, mort, morum, morven, muar, mul, mydra, myr, myra, myst

N - S

naar, nadyra, naedyr, naga, najar, nal, naal, nalir, nar, naruk, narbond, narlith, narzul, nasaq, nashkel, natar, nath, natha, neir, neth, nether, nhall, nikh, nil, nilith, noan, nolvurm nonthal, norda, noro, novul, nul, nur, nus, nyan, nyth, ober, odra, oghr, okoth, olleth, olodel, omgar, ondath, onthril, ordul, orish, oroch, orgra, orlim, ormath, ornar, orntath, oroch, orth, orva, oryn, orzo, ostel, ostor, ostrav, othea, ovar, ozod, ozul, palan, palad, pae, peldan, pern, perris, perim, pele, pen, phail, phanda, phara, phen, phendra, pila, pinn, pora, puril, pur, pyra, qadim, quar, quel, ques, quil, raah, rael, ran, ranna, rassil, rak, rald, rassa, reddan, reith, relur, ren, rendril, resil, reska, reth, reven, revar, rhy, rhynn, ria, rian, rin, ris, rissian, rona, roch, rorn, rora, rotha, rual, ruar, ruhal, ruil, ruk, runn, rusk, ryn, saa, saar, saal, sabal, samar, samrin, sankh, sar, sarg, sarguth, sarin, sarlan, sel, seld, sember, semkh, sen, sendrin, septa, senta, seros, shaar, shad, shadra, shae, shaen, shaera, shak, shalan, sham, shamath, shan, shana, sharan, shayl, shemar, shere, shor, shul, shyll, shyr, sidur, sil, silvan, sim, sintar, sirem, skar, skell, skur, skyr, sokol, solan, sola, somra, sor, ssin, stel, strill, suldan, sulk, sunda, sur, surkh, suth, syl, sylph, sylune, syndra, syth

T - Z

taak, taar, taer, tah, tak, tala, talag, talar, talas, talath, tammar, tanar, tanil, tar, tara, taran, tarl, tarn, tasha, tath, tavil, telar, teld, telf, telos, tempe, tethy, tezir, thaar, thaer, thal, thalag, thalas, thalan, thalar, thamor, thander, thangol, thar, thay, thazal, theer, theim, thelon, thera, thendi, theril, thiir, thil, thild, thimir, thommar, thon, thoon, thor, thran, thrann, threl, thril, thrul, thryn, thuk, thultan, thume, thun, thy, thyn, thyr, tir, tiras, tirum, tohre, tol, tolar, tolir,  tolzrin, tor, tormel, tormir, traal, triel, trith, tsath, tsur, tul, tur, turiver, turth, tymor, tyr, uder, udar, ugoth, uhr, ukh, ukir, uker, usten, ulgarth, ulgoth, ultir, ulur, umar, umath, umber, unara, undro, undu, untha, upir, ur, ursa, ursol, uron, uth, uthen, uz, van, vaar, vaelan, vaer, vaern, val valan, valash, vali, valt, vandan, vanede, vanrak, var, varyth, vassa, vastar, vaunt, vay, vel, velar, velen, velius, vell, velta, ven, veren, vern, vesper, vilar, vilhon, vintor, vir, vira, virdin, volo, volun, von, voon, vor, voro, vos, vosir, vosal, vund, war, wara, whel, wol, wynn, wyr, wyrm, xer, xul, xen, xian, yad, yag, yal, yar, yath, yeon, yhal, yir, yirar, yuir, yul, yur, zail, zala, zalhar, zan, zanda, zar, zalar, zarach, zaru, zash, zashu, zemur, zhent, zim, ziram, zindala, zindar, zoun, zul, zurr, zuth, zuu, zym

A lot of places are named after historical events, battles, and people, so keep that in mind. God/Goddess names tied to your world also work well. Places are also often named after things that the area is known for, like Georgia being known for its peaches.

My brain was fried by the end of this so feel free to add more!

I hope you find this reference helpful and good luck world-building!

-Mel

[8arracuda-21]

Macros from recent trip to Jackson bottom wetlands and Fern Hill wetlands. 9/24/19 -  9/25/19.

[ravageknight-eternal]

Stone Footsteps

Were these my footsteps once?

They are smooth and graceful. Three-toed strides that move purposefully across a muddy wetland. Evenly spaced talons made cool by afternoon waters.

Did I walk here, in a time long before this body’s first breath?

A gorgeous lake, expansive and dark with deep water, ringed by enormous trees so high they felt like wooden mountains in their own right. Scaly bark plastered with brilliantly bright new flowers and damp moss and tussling clover. A ground crisscrossed by ferns and horsetails, yet alien—without grass..

Have I rested here, in time before?

Watching golden sunrise arch over purplish-pink dawn, gaudy brilliance sprawling naked over still waters. Hearing the droning insects and cacophony fliers, vividly colored like flapping banners. Swimming bodies foreign as they slip beneath silent waves, softy aglow at night; eerie phantoms dancing on the lakebottom.

Was I joined here, who else visited this place?

Giants so might they shook the earth with behemoth footsteps, who made thunder with their cataclysmic voices. Sweeping necks and tails that supported the sky on atlas-backs. Horned-faces and their warpaint frills, tossing knightly heads this way or that, grizzled beaks chomping. Armored tanks slow, dim, but noble in their ignorance; clubbed tails wagging gently in muggy afternoon feedings. A din of squabbling runners in their vain feathery coats, jittery dancing along the shoreline with their woodland gossip. Marching nomads from the north, big like hills, moving in herds melodiously billowing.

[shimmerjjang]

Exploring Batanes: Things to do to enjoy your visit

In recent years, Batanes has acquired renown for its picturesque vistas of rolling seas and lush hills. Apart from taking plenty of pictures (and filling up your Instagram), what other fun things are there in store for visitors to Batanes? 

Read on to get ideas on what activities can you do in this amazing province!

Go Biking

Bikes and motorcycles are among the main forms of transportation in Batanes, even in the capital of Basco. These are speedy and perfect for navigating the area’s rolling terrain. Take in the fresh air and the view, while getting some exercise, by renting a bike for your day trips. Usually, the proprietor of your hotel or place of lodging would have recommendations for bike rental. You can choose to bike within the city limits of Basco or be more adventurous by bringing your bike out as far as the more distant villages of Batanes.

Trek Mount Iraya

Mount Iraya is the highest point in Batanes, and one of the area’s known active volcanoes. Although it is still being monitored for seismic activity, the mountain is still open for hiking and trekking. Despite its height, it is reputed to be an easy, gentle climb that is friendly for first-timers and amateurs. The slopes of Mount Iraya are covered in vibrant forest, making it truly a sight to behold as well as a haven for biodiversity.  

Enjoy Birdwatching

Visitors to Batanes during the months of September to October are in for an additional treat. It is at this time of the year that migratory birds from the northern latitudes fly south to escape the cold winds from Siberia. Oftentimes their routes take them through to Batanes before they proceed to other wetlands and islands in the Philippines. Marvel in the majestic sights of herons, egrets, swifts, terns and other avian species in their natural roosts and habitats all throughout the island. Of course, remember to take only pictures of these birds, and take nothing but memories of these wonders of nature.

Try Island Hopping

No trip to Batanes would be complete without a visit to the spectacular islands of Sabtang and Itbayat. Of the two islands, Sabtang is closer, being only a 30-minute boat ride away. Itbayat, being the northernmost island of the Philippines, is four hours away via bangka. Regardless of the length of the trip, Sabtang and Itbayat both have scenic beaches, well-kept lighthouses, and picturesque rock formations. These islands also have examples of the traditional Ivatan stone houses, giving a glimpse of the resilient culture of Batanes.

Indulge in a Food Trip

Last, but certainly not the last, get to know more of the people and the culture of Batanes by indulging in their fresh local cuisine. Much of the food comes from the sea, so visitors can be assured of the freshness of the fish and other seafood on the table. You can arrange with local fishermen to buy most or all of their catch, and have it cooked right there at the beach. Must-try delights from the sea include fish mahi-mahi and the famed “flying fish”, sea urchins known widely as uni and various other shellfish. Hotels, inns, and restaurants in Batanes also serve up other fare such as supas (turmeric rice with garlic and pork, cooked in a leaf), tamiduk (fiddlehead fern also known as pako in other parts of the Philippines), and luñis (salted pork preserved in lard, and said to be a drier version of the dish adobo).

Batanes is said to be among the last frontiers for Philippine tourists, owing to its very remote location and the relatively unspoiled conditions of the island’s biodiversity and other natural attractions. Visitors to this province are enjoined to do their part to keep Batanes clean, not only for other tourists but for future generations of Ivatan. We hope that you will enjoy your sojourn in this legendary province. Have fun!

[applestrikez]

territories of the warrior clans

(This is vague, just to represent where the territories are located)

The Clans live alongside each other in a large territory of hills, marshes, and forests, with a twolegplace and a farm nearby. In the center of the territories is an ancient tunnel system connected to multiple caves.

ThunderClan’s territory is dense leafy forest dotted with clearings and creeks. Their camp is near the center of the territory, a large clearing surrounded by thick shrubs and undergrowth planted and grown long ago and woven together.

SkyClan’s territory is made up of a leafy forest and rocky hills. Their camp is in the forest, backed up against the steep hills beyond the territory. It’s split into a ground level and a collection of dens and sitting spots in the tree branches. The nursery and the healer’s den are on the ground, while the rest of the dens have ground and branch counterparts.

WindClan’s territory is all grassy hills with a tunnel system underground. Their camp isn’t sheltered, the only dens being the nursery and the healer’s den. Cats sleep in the open to be close to the stars. When it’s too cold, they sleep in the tunnels.

RiverClan’s territory is mostly marshland, with sparse leafy and evergreen trees to the West. There are several rivers cutting through the land, and their camp is an island in between two large ones. RiverClan takes great pride in their living spaces, and decorate their camp with bones, flowers, and anything else they can find.

ShadowClan’s territory is mostly evergreen forest, with patches of wetland. Their camp is deep within the pines on an elevated plateau of land. Their dens are more like large long shelves of woven branches and ferns that cats sleep under. All of ShadowClan shares the same sleeping space. The only other dens are the healer’s den (where the healers do not sleep) and an optional nursery.

The warrior Clans are close to a small twolegplace and a farm. There are housecats with the twolegs as well as colonies living wild within twolegplace, and a pack of cats on the farm. There are many rogues and loners that pass nearby Clan territory, but only a few ever stay long enough to be recognizable.

[outofangband]

I really appreciate your "Flora, Fauna and Geography/Environment of Arda" thoughts and posts. Do you have any ideas about what Estolad might have looked like, beyond a "green and fertile plain"? Do you think there may have been copses of woods? Small rolling hills here and there, with perhaps some rocky outcrops? And any thoughts on the settlements in Settlement? Thank you!

Flora, fauna, geography and environment of Arda Masterlist

World Building Masterlist

I am working on a longer post but here are some environmental and ecology thoughts in the meantime!

I’ll do a separate post for the settlements in more detail if that’s ok? Though I included some thoughts here too. Let me know if you have specific topics or peoples to cover!

Estolad (Sindarin: “encampment”) was a region in Eastern Beleriand located between the rivers Aros and Celon on the Western side and the river Gelion on the East. The forest of Nan Emloth was located in the Northwest along the river Celon and the Andram, a long wall of rocky hills was on the Southern border

It was notable for being the first encampment of the Edain after they came West of the Blue Mountains.

My thoughts use both canon information, speculation and my own thoughts and knowledge of ecology and environment!

-Estolad seems to have a somewhat milder climate than the lands to the North. I speculate that it’s not quite as warm and mild as Thargelion but it is warmer than Himlad, Himring and the Northern lands. It has cold but shorter winters and does not have the arid climate of Himlad or Maglor’s Gap.

-The Northern part of Estolad bordering Himring and the March is colder with more frequent windchill and less biodiversity

-Precipitation is high especially in the late spring and early summer. Snowfall is somewhat rare with icy rains being more common in the colder months.

-Summers are warm though not unbearably so. 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius is the average temperature.

-The depth of the rivers varies widely with at least one known ford on the Eastern border where Gelion meets its tributary Ascar. The longest dwarf road passes over this

-Meadow steppe or temperate plains dominated by the grass family ( Poaceae ) are probably the dominant ecosystem but we know there’s at least one forested area; Nan Emloth

- there are likely more smaller ones along the rivers and at the foot of the Andram. Black alder, gray willows and birch trees among others grown by the river.

-Examples of grass species are numerous and I will go into more detail on my flora post but perennial or winter ryegrass, creeping red fescue and Timothy grass are all possibilities. (I’ve been modeling Estolad on Northern European, Temperate Asian, and South American temperate grasslands)

-there is even more diversity of herbaceous plants and shrubs near the rivers (sedges, rushes, reeds as well as ferns, bunch grasses, etc)

-The rocky outcrops by the Andram also allow for interesting plant life due to different soil contents, presence of limestone and other substances, etc

-there are also likely wetlands near the Fen of Sirion in the Southwest corner. Fen meadows and flooded plains provide fascinating ecological conditions here.

-The conditions are good for herding people and both elven and human inhabitants likely kept sheep, goats, horses and other creatures that could move through grazing routes and were supported by the climate.

-The landscape and waters support nomadic lives well and despite the name, permanent settlements are likely rare.

-Caves and crannies in the Andram and in the Northern hills were used as shelter during harsher weather for both people and storage of items more difficult to move

-Large scale growing of crops, while certainly possible, would have been a large undertaking difficult to maintain from environmental conditions. Gathering and smaller scale cultivation was likely more common

-

[amystewartauthor]

Nice day for a walk at Fernhill Wetlands, and I added two new birds to my list! . . . #fernhillwetlands #tualatin #traveloregon #tualatinoregon #naturesketch #naturesketching #pleinair #pleinairsketching #watercolorsketch #drawyourday #naturesketchbook #forestgrove #forestgroveoregon (at Fern Hills Wetland Trail Head) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgIWRPoPInJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thingstoguam-blog]

10 BEST Places to Visit in Guam

Talofofo Bay is a lovely inlet observed in the southeast coast of Guam. This is well known for being a very reachable brown sand seaside in Guam, and it’s also one of the most iconic. The brown sand comes from sand and silt deposits from the Talofofo river. It seems excellent, in particular while in comparison to the limestone-coral white sand inside the location as nicely.  When you visit Talofofo Bay, you will also get to check the Aratama Maru shipwreck from WWII. Being capable of discover the shipwreck and gaining knowledge of more approximately the exceptional Guam battles that befell here at some point of WWII is awesome, and there’s absolutely plenty to learn here, that's splendid in its very own right.

Talofofo Bay is likewise a brilliant region for snorkeling. There’s plenty of sea life so that it will see, ranging from turtles to smaller shark species, fish which are particular to this region and so forth. It’s just downright brilliant, and you will admire the whole set of fantastic adventures you may have here. This is likewise a great location for surfing as well. It’s simply a whole lot of fun to discover these kinds of places, and the truth that you can additionally do a chunk of trekking can be quite interesting. There also are some seaside caverns and caves. Some may be risky to visit, but it’s nevertheless brilliant to discover a number of them and notice the internal splendor of this area.

  It’s vital to word that maximum of the southern terrain in Guam is essentially volcanic, while compared to the norther plateau that’s complete of rolling hills and grasslands. With that in mind, the flowers here is various, you have got limonchina, excessive grass and big timber as properly. There also are timber regions with ferns, pandanus, cycads, vines and others. You may even locate a few marshy areas which have wetland flowers like bamboo, coconut palm, reeds and a variety of others.

[hwheat2021]

October 28 Burra Rock Conservation Park

From Cave Hill we headed west to Burra Rock Conservation park which contains?you guessed it, another humongous granite rock mound, for want of a better word. When we arrived and looked up I inwardly groaned ‘not another rock’ but up we went. Like Cave Hill the run off had been dammed yet sufficient water trickles down to form a small wetland near the bottom of the rock. Here the vegetation is dense with many plants many that were unfamiliar to me plus ferns and mosses. Half way to the top of the rock where the dam is, beautiful red grevilleas grow beside and in fact in the water. Quite lovely.

In the car park area there are a few old rusted farming implements testament to farming attempts. The area was once home to a woodlands rail network camp; the water collected from the run off supplied the steam trains which carried wood from this area to the Kalgoorlie mines.

We’re in the Great Western Woodlands. More in that soon …..

[janlouise]

A Walk at the Fernhill Wetlands…#heron #birdwatching #birdlife #birds #walk #wetlands #forestgrove #oregon #santuary #birdsantuary (at Fern Hills Wetland Trail Head) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUGmyGcJxQb/?utm_medium=tumblr