Lost Valley Region
Overview
Lost Valley is a dynamic and geologically rich region in the northern Shire. Known for its vast topographic diversity and post-cataclysmic landscape, the region serves as the core of the Lost Commonwealth and is home to numerous sovereign settlements, historical sites, and ecological projects. The name derives from the massive central basin formed during the 3.23.23 seismic event.
Geography
Borders
Lost Valley is bordered by Kaluara to the east, Clementine to the west, and Palema to the north. Its southern boundary merges with lowland regions connected to Oldeshire.
The East Valley River defines the eastern frontier, acting as a natural water border between the Lost Commonwealth and the neighboring region of Asteria.
Lost Valley Basin
At the center of the region lies the namesake Lost Valley, a vast tectonic basin formed by the 3.23.23 seismic catastrophe. At its lowest point rests Spirit Lake, a still and mysterious crater lake formed when the land collapsed into an ancient aquifer. Mist often shrouds the lake, and it is considered a spiritual site by many Lostites.
Surrounding the basin are the cities of Lost, Found, and the planned metropolis of Ascension, which line the crater rim. This core area is under constant monitoring and development by the Lost Valley Authority.
Cascade Valley
Southeast of the basin lies Cascade Valley, a volcanically active area historically shaped by eruptions from the Twin Peaks. The valley is home to the towns of Cascade and Belle, and contains key hydroelectric infrastructure like the Cascade Twin Dams and Echo Falls Dam.
Echo Canyon
Echo Canyon is a deep tectonic rift along the southeastern edge of the valley. Its jagged cliffs and geothermal features make it one of the most dramatic landforms in the Shire. Settlements like Millcross and Verdant overlook its echoing depths.
The Meadows
To the west of the basin lies The Meadows, the agricultural heart of the region. Anchored by the town of Harvestead, the area features fertile plains and is supported by an extensive system of rivers and irrigation canals. These waterways not only sustain agriculture but also serve as transport routes throughout the interior.
Upper Ascents
The Upper Ascents are located in the north and consist of alpine mountains, glacial runoff zones, and snowy ridgelines. Towns such as Niflhelm and Portlandia are located here, where foggy forests and high-altitude terrain dominate.
Zhaozhou Valley
In the northeast, Zhaozhou Valley is a hidden and sacred enclave, marked by steep cliffs, ancient stone spires, and spiritual traditions. The valley has historical ties to the Zhaonese and played a vital role during the Lost & Found Civil War.
Dunemar
Dunemar is the arid southwestern desert of the Lost Valley. Despite its harsh conditions, it is home to unique settlements such as Karaam (an NSE-controlled fortress city) and Pemmican, the last and oldest surviving Enpeecee woodland-style village.
Remnant Sea
The Remnant Sea lies to the south of the valley and is all that remains of a prehistoric ocean. Formerly polluted, it is now a restored and protected ecological zone, managed by the Lost Valley Authority. It was home to Atlantis
History
The Lost Valley region was originally covered by ocean and dotted with volcanic islands.
Early civilizations include the Kraghalites and Wootingans, founders of Kraghal, Thonsgor, and Wootinga.
Pemmican, founded by the Enpeecee, is the oldest known village in the region.
In 1900, the Lost Charter led to the foundation of Lost by returning Lostites.
The Great Recession and rise of the Founder’s Movement triggered the Lost & Found Civil War (2018–2020).
Following the war, the Lost Commonwealth was formed and construction of Found began.
On March 23, 2023, a seismic bomb detonated beneath the Descent Fault, forming the Lost Valley crater and Spirit Lake, while also triggering the Paradox War.
Governance
Most of the Lost Valley is governed by the Lost Commonwealth via the Lost Valley Authority (LVA), which oversees infrastructure, conservation, and development.
Sovereign or semi-autonomous areas include:
Pemmican – an independent Enpeecee village
Karaam – part of the New Sovereignty Empire (NSE)
Portlandia – a city of the Athitican Empire
Niflhelm – a self-governed highland settlement
The Kraghal-Whindfall National Park protects the ruins of early Kraghalite culture.
Infrastructure and Culture
The region features advanced hydroelectric systems: Descent Dam, Cascade Twin Dams, Echo Falls Dam.
Major transit projects include the Lost & Found Bridge and Mandolin Straits Tunnel.
Cultural landmarks include Founder's College and the Archives of Time.
Despite advanced development, Lost Valley retains strong local traditions and architectural diversity.