The Three Lands is a region that consists of those lands that fall under the influence of the great Central Sea. This mighty inlet of the western ocean is the focus of the three continents that surround it, and is the key to understanding the Three Lands as a whole. The Three Lands is defined as:
-- the entire Ilmorian Continent (sub-continent, really, as it is attached by an isthmus to the Lormyrrian Continent far to the frozen north, though for all practical purposes it is separate), including the Far Isles;
--the western portion of the Lormyrrian Continent, as far as the Lorington and Grendel Mountains, and including the Grand Forest;
--the Southern Continent, south to the central plateau, the southern Deserts, BÙthnia, and the lands of the Habaki;
--the islands of the Central Sea. The natural barriers of mountain, desert, and forest are more than a simple expedience to define a region. They are real boundaries that limit trade and influence from outside the region. The boundaries are not absolute; trade and commerce find ways to pierce them, but major change from outside are kept to a minimum. Suffice to say, except for the rich trade route passing along the western shores of the Southern Continent, the Three Lands is largely independent of events elsewhere in the world.
The Three Lands lie well into the northern hemisphere and is generally cool throughout the year. Its northern fringe is covered by icy wastes and peat bogs, and is uninhabited by humankind. For more information on weather, see Climate and Weather below.