Everlight Peak
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In the vast mountain range of the Vaerns lies Everlight Peak. With a height of 7596 metres above sea level, it is the tallest mountain in the Vaerns and one of eleven mountains that are more than 7000 metres in height above sea level.
Of all the 7000 metres plus mountains, the ascent to Everlight Peak is the easiest and most forgiving. Through Hunters Moon to Harvest Moon, the weather over Everlight Peak is fairly warm and clear with the exception of the odd storm or two, which makes the ascent easier. There are also common routes marked out along the north and east ridges that even amateur mountaineers have little trouble following.
Geographical Setting and Environment
Everlight Peak is located in the Loscea region of Valissa and sits in the centre of the Vaerns mountain range. Surrounded by rocky hills, smaller mountains and grasslands in the valleys to the east. The steepest ridge is the south ridge - hardly ever climbed, especially since there are more viable and less dangerous paths to the summit, only experienced mountaineers ever climb this ridge.
In contrast to other tall mountains, Everlight Peak is not coated in a layer of snow, nor is it encompassed by glacial structures. Mountaineers over the years have noted how abnormally warm the climate is, particularly towards the summit, in comparison to other mountains they may have climbed. Even during the winter months, the temperature is far warmer than other mountains, though frequent snow storms dissuade mountaineers from attempting an ascent in the winter.
Despite the relatively clear weather for the better part of each year, many claim to have heard the roaring sound of distant thunder or seen phantom flashes of lightning when there is absolutely no sign of a storm.
I was, of course, no mountaineer, but the Valissan guides appeared to stay far away from this route. None of them gave me a reason. All of them turned away from my satchels full of diamond lion coins. At most, I caught the tail end of mutterings from those living in the villages to the east of the peak. Warnings of sacred ground, or catching the ire of the gods.
But that was why I travelled to the Everlight. So many rumours claimed the High Queen made her home high above the Everlight, seated on her golden throne. That she remained where she was born, watching over the world below.
I had to know the truth.
Scaling the Everlight would be my test, to prove my worth. And when I reached the summit, the truth I so desperately sought would be revealed to me.
Ecosystem
At the base of the mountain lies a grassy plain. This area is host to an abundance of various plant species. Some of these plant species can even be found on the mountain side or along part of the mountain routes, up to the 1km mark.
Above the 3km mark, no plant life can be found. At this point, the snow and ice is too hazardous, providing no real source of nutrients for plants to sustain themselves.
When it comes to fauna, not many species find themselves living on the mountain itself. Mostly, you may spot your typical cold weather predators - such as snowy leopards and frost-coat bears - hunting near the base of the mountain. Vaerns mountain goats may be seen anywhere from the base up to the 3.5km mark, grazing what little plant life can be found and digging through icy barriers in order to reach the minerals in the rocks below.
There are also a few species of birds that roost higher up on the mountain side. The highest they have been recorded roosting is at around the 5.3km mark.
The most notable species that calls Everlight Peak its home is the ‘white death’. A very dangerous species of spider, about the size of a child’s palm. Its white limbs blend into the snow, making it very difficult to spot, and these stealthy creatures have a potent venomous bite which is capable of incapacitating most sapient species for up to an hour. They can be found between the 1.5km and 4.5km marks.
Routes to the Summit
Along the north ridge, there are two routes to the summit. Both are of equal difficulty, and frequently climbed by Valissans and visiting mountaineers looking for a challenge.
Along the east ridge, there are three different routes. One of these - the ‘Singers Climb’ - is used exclusively by the Nightsingers. This is the route taken during ‘the Calling’ and access by anyone not a Nightsinger is prohibited (it is very strictly guarded). Singers Climb is considered the easiest route to the summit, though this is highly debated. Many mountaineers claim this out of spite because of the prohibition preventing them from taking such a route, but in reality those that have climbed it know it is more difficult than any other route situated along the north and east ridges. This has in turn added a bit of superstition whereby only the blessed of Valis or Sar may ascend using this route.
Finally, there is one route each along the south and south-west ridges. The west ridge is climbed offen by those seeking the additional challenge of a steeper ridge, whilst also staying out of the way of Valissan locals (thereby causing as little disruption as possible). The route along the south ridge is rarely taken due to a number of factors: location (takes a lot more hiking through the mountain ranges), danger, and a lack of local guides.
Inter-kingdom Dynamics
Whilst Everlight Peak resides within the boundaries of Valissa, it stands precariously close to the neighbouring kingdoms of Lo’Gar and Yondar, even having paths to the summit that start in (or near to) the other two kingdoms. Each of the kingdoms have a longstanding agreement that Everlight Peak is sacred grounds (thanks to its fabled ties with the gods Valis and Sar). As such, Everlight Peak must be respected by all climbers. Those who disrespect the mountain, or even go so far as to commit crimes upon this sacred ground, will be tried according to Valissan laws.
Protection of the Fairne
Two of the routes to the summit of Everlight Peak are under the ever watchful gaze of beastfolk fairne. The southern route is protected by the Glardsturn Fairn in Yondar, whilst the western route is protected by the Maltusk Fairn in Lo’Gar.
The south-west route, being as popular as it is, sees climbers from all over the land attempting the summit. As such, the Maltusk Fairn ensure that each and every climber is aware of the dangers and properly equipped before they attempt the climb. The Maltusk Fairn also frequently sends a few volunteers from their own fairn up the route to clear any hazards from the path.
The southern route by comparison is far traversed due to the danger. The Glardsturn Fairn often try to dissuade travellers from attempting this climb, though they will offer their services in aiding experienced climbers to reach the summit.
The Valissan Routes
Though the Valissan routes - those along the northern and eastern ridges - are open for anyone to climb, with the exception of Singers Climb (as only Nightsingers or those with permission from the Nightsingers are allowed to traverse this path). Of course, that doesn’t mean anyone will climb these routes. Yondarish climbers in particular tend to avoid any route that takes them through Valissa.
Some extra restrictions have recently been put in place by the Valissan Empress due to the rising conflicts along the Valissa-Yondar border. These restrictions target Yondarish citizens, put in place to 1) ensure their safety whilst the war still rages on and 2) out of concern that some extremists may climb Everlight Peak simply to desecrate its sacred grounds.
Much of the mystery surrounding Everlight Peak comes from the story of Valis and Sar’s birth.
For the religious, or superstitious, they believe that Sar was plucked from rock and stone of the summit, taking with him the blanket of snow that used to cover the mountain (hence why there is no snow). For Valis, they believe that as Samua and Amael were making their way back to their home in the heavens with a newborn Sar in their arms, lightning struck the ground where Sar had been taken from, leaving behind a crying baby girl who would come to be known as Valis (hence the phantom thunder and lightning).
Whether or not that is true - well, only the gods could ever verify it and they no longer walk amongst mortals.
A Matter of Respect
A great deal of respect is held for Everlight Peak. Even those who are less inclined to believe the myths surrounding the mountain honour the peak - from its beautiful sights to all of its dangers. Those who don't respect the mountain are foolish and their reparations come not in the form of angry gods, but via the wrath of the mountain itself.
Oh I love me a mountain mystery! Good read ^.^
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it ^^
Garlan | Ma'rune | Osiron | WorldEmber 2023