Post by Oni on Jul 31, 2010 14:50:55 GMT -5
The Vertárfell, or as they are commonly referred to in the Traders' Tongue – the Winter Tear Mountains, is an ancient and vast range of mountains that separate Eirene from Jekull, the End-of-Lands Glacier. They are considered the tallest mountains in all of Eirene, easily towering the the far more ancient and scattered Vassal Peaks, which includes the likes of Hamskin Mountain, that are located south of Calirun. They span from the western coast of Eirene to the Fjords of Foxhorn, which borders the Vagabond Channel. The Vagabond Channel sits north and west of the soggy fungus swamps of Opilwafen the Marshlands, a subcontinent that harbors one of Aynnor's largest swamps, which is also bordered by the Vertárfell in its southwest. The mountain range also barely touches the northwest corner of the Inlet of Kostatku, or the Inlet of the Bone Ship due to its shape and saltiness, that separates Opilwafen the Marshlands from the Raevi Badlands (Skogeny, Zungel, and Mareatica the Sandsea).
It is said that long ago when the world was fresh and smooth, Ilîhum molded it to have texture and feeling and forced a number of mountains to spring here and there along Eirene's surface. Though in spots it is believed, and often amusingly noted, that Ilîhum got a little heavy handed, and created vast ranges of mountains. While this belief is popular among the clergy and pious, it is not accepted by all as fact. Therefore, the scholars of the academy in Speranta, determined that it is more likely the natural movement of the continents upon Aynnor that result in their formation but believe that Ilîhum is the one who causes these movements and therefore is the one ultimately responsible for the creation of mountains.
Of Eirene's three mountain ranges, the Vertárfell are by far the coldest, tallest and span the furthest distance. The oldest, and therefore shortest due to erosion, mountains are those of the Vassal Peaks which are notably also the most scattered with the greatest number of isolated mountains. And the one placed in the middle, of both the listing and general geography of Eirene, is that of the Dragonfangs, whose old name Drachenreißzähne or Drachenreisszahne fell out of favor long ago. They are well known to have peaks that slightly curve to a point and resemble the teeth of dragons due having the least amount of erosion as result of being the youngest in addition they also have the shortest range span.
Typically along the foot of the various mountains of the Vertárfell is a small forest, sometimes simply considered linked to a much larger forest nearby, such as the Jarnvid. Though it is home nonetheless to a variety of animals and plants that can survive in the increasingly cooler, as one goes north, land. The forest here differs from other types along Aynnor as they are made up of primarily coniferous evergreen trees, granting the forest a heavy pine-scent as result. Of note is the often heavily sought after, Vertár Yew tree, these trees are akin to other species of Yew found throughout Aynnor but these are taller and bear many more arillus* than most others.
A few caves can be found on the lower reaches of the mountain but they really begin to become more numerous as one climbs up, nearing the tree line. Some of these caves are said to be mines filled with ancient wealth of ores whilst others are animal dens or monster lairs, and still others are simply empty. Due to the thinner cover of trees, one can get an unique view of the relative close inspection of tree tops and the likes. Animals and plants are still common throughout this portion of the mountain, though one will note they are become more hearty and rugged to survive the intense chill and thinning air.
Around this point on several of the mountains north of the western portion of the Kingdom of Renastere are ruins of what appears to be a more ancient kingdom. These structures crafted of local stone and wood appear to be in a mix state of use and ruin. It is said many of the treasures and weapons of the Vestlig are lost throughout these ruins. Though it is no secret some of the local wildlife has made their home in them, but it is also said lycanthropes have as well in some spots. Spirits of those that once dwelt there are said to haunt many locations of the ruins, including the normally inaccessible chamber thought to be the King's private dwelling. These ruins though were once the Kingdom of Silfrván, established by the Vestlig after a long time wandering the Jarnvid.^
The tree line of the Vertárfell is of considerable distance up from the ground level, it is characterized by the dramatic cease of trees in any high numbers anywhere from this point up. Trees continue to grow pass this line though they are smaller and gradually stop all together, though as already noted none grow in any heavy density. A few trees continue to grow beyond this line but are subject to the warping of the winds that wreck havoc upon their forms. The winds here are also notably intense and hard to fight when they blow as no standing structure, i.e. trees, are left to weaken their impact. The ground beyond this point is uneven, harsh, and often covered in loose sediment and stones. Some caves continue to exist, though typically in cliffs formed from the unevenness of the ground from many years of erosion.
Beyond this point is the permanent snow line where the mountain becomes its most inhospitable due to the powerful winds, the intense piercing cold, difficult to scale landscape in addition to exposure to the unrelenting sunlight during the day. Snow is common in the Vertárfell and is often seen all year long over the entire mountain, while in others it is only seasonally in the lower sections, it often depends how far north they are in comparison to Jekull. But all of the Vertárfell share in common the dangerous and difficult to reach snow caps. Nearly no plants are known to grow in this harsh realm, though legends often suggest at least one flower does, and it is generally devoid of animal life save the mighty dragons. The White scaled dragons of Kyja's brood are typically the dwellers of the lower portion of these snow covered lands, which as result increases the dangers of traveling this far upwards. Though they are not the only dragons of these mountains, the rain-scented noble Silver scaled children of Aelur are said to be the masters of these mountains as they dwell upon their upper snow-covered lands and peaks.
According to those that give thanks to Aelur, and to the few of his children that are sought out to be spoken with, this mountain chain is said to host one of the Aelurian Aeries. The Aelurian Aeries are blessed hatching grounds for Aelur's children, the metallic dragons, and are guarded over by one of the Platinum Silver dragons said to represent Aelur himself. It is said even Kyja herself dares not approach one without invoking the full wrath of her brother Aelur upon her. No known location is marked on any map and no one has ever confirmed the presence of one, but to find one is to find a draconic paradise.
To touch on some of the fauna of the Vertárfell, one must realize these animals, monsters, and beings are specialized to dwelling in these harsh, yet beautiful, mountains. Most are in possession of thick coats of fur, fat reserves, sharp fangs and teeth, and an enhanced sense of smell and hearing. Some of these animals and beings are said to possess great intelligence, some even to the point of rivaling the Speranta Scholars. Many are hunted by the few hunters brave enough to venture into these mountains, as the coats of many are worth a small fortune to the right buyers and their meat is highly prized for its flavor due to the high contain of fat cover the muscle mass.
The first to note is the Winter Wolf, aka the White Wolves of Vertárfell. They are extremely intelligent and by most counts evil, wolves that are said to be lead by a single alpha despite the numerous “packs” found throughout the Vertárfell. The Winter Wolves dwell in various locations, though most typically the snow-covered forests. They can grow to about eight feet in length, four and a half feet at the shoulder, and weighs around four-hundred and fifty pounds. Their leaders are considerably larger growing to nine and a half feet long and five feet wide, and “the” Alpha is a giant of its kind. They are fierce and strong, known to have no mercy upon their hunts which they seemingly enjoy. A smug smirk seems to appear on the bloodied faces of their numbers after a kill. They are known to work with the Winter King's Army. Reports suggest they speak a dialect of the Traders' Tongue and even Eldjotna** among their wolfen tongue.
The Army of the Winter King is an expansive collection of snow white werewolves of various ages and of highly cunning intelligence. These werewolves are much like the Winter Wolves they so highly associate with, even so far as to suggest they are kin of some sort. They stand nearly eight feet tall and are heavily muscular with a snow-white coat, they weigh close to five hundred pounds and are fairly agile despite their impressive size. Alphas are even larger, though the Winter King puts all of them to shame with his size and power. They are arranged in packs with alphas that all answer to the great Winter King, the Winter King is a lord of the lycanthropes that is said to have lived for centuries. It is the Winter King who lead the armies of the Vertárfell packs against the young Kingdom of Silfrván, a settlement of the Vestlig under the leadership of Tolan Voronda, son of Thaos, and father of Thundr. The Winter King's Army is said to use part of the ruins as its lair though a section of them seems warded or blessed against their presence and none, not event he Winter King himself, can enter it.
There are many other creatures of these mountains, which include: White Dragons, Silver Dragons, Winter Drakes, Manna Goats, Greater Horned Bears, and many more.
*Arillus, or singular aril, is a specialized form of the funiculus, which is where the seed attaches, or the hilum, a pit or attachment point, that covers or is attached to the seed. It may create a fruit-like part, known as a false-fruit, that is common in a number of plants and trees. The yew's typically are seeds, though each are their own, that becomes surrounded by a fleshy, cup-like covering in the place of a cone.
^Founded by Thaos before his passing, his son Tolan ruled a number of peaceful years until the coming of the Winter King. For a period of time the Vestlig managed to fend off the assaults of the lycanthropes though they knew if their foes continued, it was only a matter of time. After a long meeting with his advisors Tolan knew what must be done and begun it with a heavy heart. For Tolan's wife Olria gave birth to his son Thundr early in his reign and had now the child had became a man. So the young Thundr was given the heavy burden of leading all those that would leave off the mountains while his father, mother, and any who decided they would not leave stayed behind to fight the lycanthropes to buy them time. By Ilîhum's blessings or by odd fate, Thundr's group managed to avoid the Winter King's armies.
The fates of those that were left behind were never learnt of by Thundr's group, though it was widely assumed none survived the final assault. As they traveled to seek a new home, many of the group would splinter off to join local villages, cities, and the likes while the majority continued along with Thundr, across Eirene's face. Thundr was said to be possessed by a great pull, claiming it was from Ilîhum, causing the journey to be a long and troublesome one. Eventually they reached their new home, the Ygard, where they established a community just before Thundr was sent to rejoin Ilîhum. His twin children, Tatlida and Thorin, would rule together as chieftain over the Vestlig.
** Eldjotna, also known as the Titan's Tongue, was the language used by the Eldjotnar (Titans). It was later adopted by the lesser Eldjotnar, better known simply as Giants, when the Eldjotnar fell.
It is said that long ago when the world was fresh and smooth, Ilîhum molded it to have texture and feeling and forced a number of mountains to spring here and there along Eirene's surface. Though in spots it is believed, and often amusingly noted, that Ilîhum got a little heavy handed, and created vast ranges of mountains. While this belief is popular among the clergy and pious, it is not accepted by all as fact. Therefore, the scholars of the academy in Speranta, determined that it is more likely the natural movement of the continents upon Aynnor that result in their formation but believe that Ilîhum is the one who causes these movements and therefore is the one ultimately responsible for the creation of mountains.
Of Eirene's three mountain ranges, the Vertárfell are by far the coldest, tallest and span the furthest distance. The oldest, and therefore shortest due to erosion, mountains are those of the Vassal Peaks which are notably also the most scattered with the greatest number of isolated mountains. And the one placed in the middle, of both the listing and general geography of Eirene, is that of the Dragonfangs, whose old name Drachenreißzähne or Drachenreisszahne fell out of favor long ago. They are well known to have peaks that slightly curve to a point and resemble the teeth of dragons due having the least amount of erosion as result of being the youngest in addition they also have the shortest range span.
Typically along the foot of the various mountains of the Vertárfell is a small forest, sometimes simply considered linked to a much larger forest nearby, such as the Jarnvid. Though it is home nonetheless to a variety of animals and plants that can survive in the increasingly cooler, as one goes north, land. The forest here differs from other types along Aynnor as they are made up of primarily coniferous evergreen trees, granting the forest a heavy pine-scent as result. Of note is the often heavily sought after, Vertár Yew tree, these trees are akin to other species of Yew found throughout Aynnor but these are taller and bear many more arillus* than most others.
A few caves can be found on the lower reaches of the mountain but they really begin to become more numerous as one climbs up, nearing the tree line. Some of these caves are said to be mines filled with ancient wealth of ores whilst others are animal dens or monster lairs, and still others are simply empty. Due to the thinner cover of trees, one can get an unique view of the relative close inspection of tree tops and the likes. Animals and plants are still common throughout this portion of the mountain, though one will note they are become more hearty and rugged to survive the intense chill and thinning air.
Around this point on several of the mountains north of the western portion of the Kingdom of Renastere are ruins of what appears to be a more ancient kingdom. These structures crafted of local stone and wood appear to be in a mix state of use and ruin. It is said many of the treasures and weapons of the Vestlig are lost throughout these ruins. Though it is no secret some of the local wildlife has made their home in them, but it is also said lycanthropes have as well in some spots. Spirits of those that once dwelt there are said to haunt many locations of the ruins, including the normally inaccessible chamber thought to be the King's private dwelling. These ruins though were once the Kingdom of Silfrván, established by the Vestlig after a long time wandering the Jarnvid.^
The tree line of the Vertárfell is of considerable distance up from the ground level, it is characterized by the dramatic cease of trees in any high numbers anywhere from this point up. Trees continue to grow pass this line though they are smaller and gradually stop all together, though as already noted none grow in any heavy density. A few trees continue to grow beyond this line but are subject to the warping of the winds that wreck havoc upon their forms. The winds here are also notably intense and hard to fight when they blow as no standing structure, i.e. trees, are left to weaken their impact. The ground beyond this point is uneven, harsh, and often covered in loose sediment and stones. Some caves continue to exist, though typically in cliffs formed from the unevenness of the ground from many years of erosion.
Beyond this point is the permanent snow line where the mountain becomes its most inhospitable due to the powerful winds, the intense piercing cold, difficult to scale landscape in addition to exposure to the unrelenting sunlight during the day. Snow is common in the Vertárfell and is often seen all year long over the entire mountain, while in others it is only seasonally in the lower sections, it often depends how far north they are in comparison to Jekull. But all of the Vertárfell share in common the dangerous and difficult to reach snow caps. Nearly no plants are known to grow in this harsh realm, though legends often suggest at least one flower does, and it is generally devoid of animal life save the mighty dragons. The White scaled dragons of Kyja's brood are typically the dwellers of the lower portion of these snow covered lands, which as result increases the dangers of traveling this far upwards. Though they are not the only dragons of these mountains, the rain-scented noble Silver scaled children of Aelur are said to be the masters of these mountains as they dwell upon their upper snow-covered lands and peaks.
According to those that give thanks to Aelur, and to the few of his children that are sought out to be spoken with, this mountain chain is said to host one of the Aelurian Aeries. The Aelurian Aeries are blessed hatching grounds for Aelur's children, the metallic dragons, and are guarded over by one of the Platinum Silver dragons said to represent Aelur himself. It is said even Kyja herself dares not approach one without invoking the full wrath of her brother Aelur upon her. No known location is marked on any map and no one has ever confirmed the presence of one, but to find one is to find a draconic paradise.
To touch on some of the fauna of the Vertárfell, one must realize these animals, monsters, and beings are specialized to dwelling in these harsh, yet beautiful, mountains. Most are in possession of thick coats of fur, fat reserves, sharp fangs and teeth, and an enhanced sense of smell and hearing. Some of these animals and beings are said to possess great intelligence, some even to the point of rivaling the Speranta Scholars. Many are hunted by the few hunters brave enough to venture into these mountains, as the coats of many are worth a small fortune to the right buyers and their meat is highly prized for its flavor due to the high contain of fat cover the muscle mass.
The first to note is the Winter Wolf, aka the White Wolves of Vertárfell. They are extremely intelligent and by most counts evil, wolves that are said to be lead by a single alpha despite the numerous “packs” found throughout the Vertárfell. The Winter Wolves dwell in various locations, though most typically the snow-covered forests. They can grow to about eight feet in length, four and a half feet at the shoulder, and weighs around four-hundred and fifty pounds. Their leaders are considerably larger growing to nine and a half feet long and five feet wide, and “the” Alpha is a giant of its kind. They are fierce and strong, known to have no mercy upon their hunts which they seemingly enjoy. A smug smirk seems to appear on the bloodied faces of their numbers after a kill. They are known to work with the Winter King's Army. Reports suggest they speak a dialect of the Traders' Tongue and even Eldjotna** among their wolfen tongue.
The Army of the Winter King is an expansive collection of snow white werewolves of various ages and of highly cunning intelligence. These werewolves are much like the Winter Wolves they so highly associate with, even so far as to suggest they are kin of some sort. They stand nearly eight feet tall and are heavily muscular with a snow-white coat, they weigh close to five hundred pounds and are fairly agile despite their impressive size. Alphas are even larger, though the Winter King puts all of them to shame with his size and power. They are arranged in packs with alphas that all answer to the great Winter King, the Winter King is a lord of the lycanthropes that is said to have lived for centuries. It is the Winter King who lead the armies of the Vertárfell packs against the young Kingdom of Silfrván, a settlement of the Vestlig under the leadership of Tolan Voronda, son of Thaos, and father of Thundr. The Winter King's Army is said to use part of the ruins as its lair though a section of them seems warded or blessed against their presence and none, not event he Winter King himself, can enter it.
There are many other creatures of these mountains, which include: White Dragons, Silver Dragons, Winter Drakes, Manna Goats, Greater Horned Bears, and many more.
*Arillus, or singular aril, is a specialized form of the funiculus, which is where the seed attaches, or the hilum, a pit or attachment point, that covers or is attached to the seed. It may create a fruit-like part, known as a false-fruit, that is common in a number of plants and trees. The yew's typically are seeds, though each are their own, that becomes surrounded by a fleshy, cup-like covering in the place of a cone.
^Founded by Thaos before his passing, his son Tolan ruled a number of peaceful years until the coming of the Winter King. For a period of time the Vestlig managed to fend off the assaults of the lycanthropes though they knew if their foes continued, it was only a matter of time. After a long meeting with his advisors Tolan knew what must be done and begun it with a heavy heart. For Tolan's wife Olria gave birth to his son Thundr early in his reign and had now the child had became a man. So the young Thundr was given the heavy burden of leading all those that would leave off the mountains while his father, mother, and any who decided they would not leave stayed behind to fight the lycanthropes to buy them time. By Ilîhum's blessings or by odd fate, Thundr's group managed to avoid the Winter King's armies.
The fates of those that were left behind were never learnt of by Thundr's group, though it was widely assumed none survived the final assault. As they traveled to seek a new home, many of the group would splinter off to join local villages, cities, and the likes while the majority continued along with Thundr, across Eirene's face. Thundr was said to be possessed by a great pull, claiming it was from Ilîhum, causing the journey to be a long and troublesome one. Eventually they reached their new home, the Ygard, where they established a community just before Thundr was sent to rejoin Ilîhum. His twin children, Tatlida and Thorin, would rule together as chieftain over the Vestlig.
** Eldjotna, also known as the Titan's Tongue, was the language used by the Eldjotnar (Titans). It was later adopted by the lesser Eldjotnar, better known simply as Giants, when the Eldjotnar fell.
