Blackwood Vale is the term used to refer to a geographical area by the southwestern part of the Britannian continent historically controlled by the Chanseths. The landscape is dominated by thick forestland, hills, watershed land, and hills made of a white calcite relatively resistant to erosion. Because of the porousity of the stone, it usually holds a large body of ground water, providing a natural reservoir that releases water slowly through dry seasons. The River Stour, and the resulting Stour Falls, are examples of such release from chalk. The water resources provide an advantage to the residents of the area, as well as contributing to the growth of the blackwood trees, which are a staple of the logging industry of the region.
The limestone cliffs are also known for containing tunnels and caves, the likes of which are often used by both agents of the local lord and by bandits in the area as strategic points and caches. Though most local residents are familiar with at least a few of the caves through common knowledge and local legends, only the rangers, woodsmen, and bandits can really be called experts on the area.
Blackwood Hold is the primary settlement in the Vale, and is the seat of power for the ruling lord of the area. The fortress itself is perched on a strategic point atop the white cliffs characteristic to the area, and can be dated back before the time of the king. It has a long-standing reputation of being a strategic location, and the gateway to the sea beyond. Ruling nobles traditionally have sought the assistance of the School of Bardan to assist in the fortification of the Hold, lending siege magic to the formidible natural defenses.
However, while the foundation of the keep is crafted out of the living stone of the cliffs, the upper halls are carved and decorated from wood native to the area: oak, ash, and blackwood. The interior of the wooden keep is decorated with elaborately carved and polished murals recounting local legends and scenes from the area's past. Though not as ornate as the residences in other cities, most locals are proud of Blackwood Hold because of the tradition and history surrounding the structure, even if few "commoners" have actually been inside the structure itself.
The economy of the area relies primarily on forestcraft. Logging, fur trading, bowmaking, and herbalism are common and fruitful trades. Blackwood Vale is also renowned for trackers, rangers, scouts, and guides, as can be expected from an area with few major roads. Though there are main trails, roadwork is primitive. The residents, however, generally tend to consider the lack of highways to be a positive thing and have traditionally resisted development of the area, a viewpoint often encouraged by the local lords.