Tilted Steppes

The Tilted Steppes is a region within Caer Oorun characterized by floating islands with inverted and variable gravity orientations.

Geography and Physics

The Tilted Steppes are composed of numerous high-altitude plateaus conducive to animal husbandry. This grassy region features a few isolated islets that float above a sea of clouds. The area is primarily marked by capricious gravity—one walks vertically or upside down. It is easy to be disoriented, to confuse up and down in this region’s vales.

Islands float at various orientations, including completely upside-down positions relative to each other. When traversing these islands, gravity switches directions as one approaches different surfaces. From one island, another island may appear floating upside-down in the air above.

Terrain Features

The islands contain:

• Steep slopes that can be climbed with short strides
• Rugged plains
• High grass covering surfaces
• Rocky ground suitable for Alteration-created promontories

Flora and Fauna

The Tilted Steppes supports herds of yaks or animals resembling yaks. These creatures graze peacefully on the floating islands and scatter when approached by travelers.

392 AC - Kojo’s Mission

During an Expeditionary Corps mission in 392 AC, Kojo traversed the Tilted Steppes’ floating islands where gravity switched orientations. He observed herds of yaks grazing on the islands before they scattered at his approach. Using Alteration, Kojo created rocky promontories that extended between islands to facilitate traversal.

As Kojo approached inverted islands, he experienced gravity switching directions. He adjusted by jumping and turning in the air to land properly on surfaces with different gravitational orientations. While separated, Kojo maintained awareness of Booda’s location through their spiritual connection. Booda simultaneously crossed the rugged plains on a separate island, with yaks moving away as he approached. Booda collected Mana stolen from the Tumult during this exploration.

Strategic Use

The Tilted Steppes serves as a location for Expeditionary Corps missions. Exalts use the region to collect Mana from the Tumult and stabilize areas, claiming them for their respective factions. The variable gravity and floating islands require careful navigation and Alteration skills to traverse effectively.

Relationship to Tumult

The Tilted Steppes exists within Tumult-affected territory where standard physical laws are altered. The region’s unusual gravitational properties result from Tumult influence on reality.

Relationships

• Caer Oorun: Parent province containing the Tilted Steppes
• Kojo Oduro: Traversed the Tilted Steppes during Expeditionary Corps mission (392 AC)
• Booda: Crossed rugged plains on separate island, collected Mana from Tumult (392 AC)
• The Tumult: Force responsible for region’s altered gravitational properties
• Rediscovery Endeavor: Expedition that explored the region
• Marsa: Ruins located in the region