Editing Sigil:Rhess (section)

== Highlands and Lowlands ==

Rhess divides naturally between the rugged '''Highlands''' and the more open '''Lowlands''', and centuries of shared kingdom have never erased the cultural distinction between them.

The western high country rises toward the Shadows of the Sun in a maze of pine-clad ridges, narrow valleys, cold streams, tarns, peatlands, and rocky pasture. Farms are smaller here, communities more isolated, and the old clan and household loyalties stronger. Hunting, trapping, sheep-herding, timber work, mining, and small-scale ironworking remain important, and many settlements preserve customs older than the kingdom itself.

Highlanders have a reputation for reserve, stubbornness, melancholy music, and suspicion of anyone arriving with official papers.

The Lowlands open gradually into richer agricultural country: broad river meadows, grain fields, market towns, fenced pastures, and eventually the great horse-country of the east. Trade has made these districts wealthier and more cosmopolitan. Triadic temples are more common, southern fashions more visible, and merchants from Angharais, Sarrivel, Merant, and Vulk are familiar sights along the principal roads.

The insults exchanged across this cultural border are ancient. Highlanders call Lowlanders '''plainswalkers''', implying soft hands, excessive talk, and an unfortunate interest in other people's business. Lowlanders answer with '''stonebacks''', suggesting that mountain folk possess much in common with the rocks among which they live.

Neither term prevents intermarriage, commerce, political alliance, or standing shoulder to shoulder when Rhess raises the banners.