The Shattered Peaks
A mountain range along the western edge of the central Wildlands, where the Everstorm frequently collides with the jagged cliffs, causing avalanches and rockslides. Some claim there are ruins hidden within the peaks—ruins that the storm deliberately guards.
The Shattered Peaks are a perilous, inhospitable land where no single faction holds true dominion. However, they are not completely uninhabited. Several groups claim portions of the peaks as their own:
- The Stormcallers – A reclusive sect of storm-worshipping mystics, composed of exiles, hermits, and elemental shamans who believe the Everstorm is a divine force. They have hidden monasteries among the cliffs, where they study the storm’s patterns and wield its power.
- The Iron Fangs – A fierce band of orcish warbands and mercenaries who use the peaks as a base for raiding nearby settlements. They believe the Everstorm’s fury is a test of strength and see survival here as proof of their might.
- The Ruin Delvers – A mix of treasure hunters, scholars, and outcasts who seek the ancient ruins buried deep within the mountains. Rumors speak of a lost civilization, its remnants hidden within the craggy peaks, protected by the Everstorm’s wrath.
Though these groups exist, the Shattered Peaks themselves are too treacherous for any to truly rule.
he Shattered Peaks are a land of mystery, danger, and hidden power. The Everstorm shapes its cliffs, while ruins whisper of a forgotten past. Nomads, exiles, and treasure hunters all seek its secrets, but few truly understand the forces at work within these haunted mountains.
Geography
The Shattered Peaks are a jagged, treacherous mountain range that bisects the western portion of the Wildlands, forming a natural barrier between the savannas and the grasslands beyond.
- Everstorm Cliffs – The highest peaks, where the Everstorm crashes against the stone, causing frequent rockslides, lightning strikes, and violent winds.
- The Broken Spires – Towering, needle-like peaks that seem unnaturally shaped, as if something once shattered a much larger mountain range. Many of these spires are hollow, containing tunnels and caverns.
- The Abyssal Chasm – A vast fissure that runs along the base of the mountains, said to be the result of an ancient calamity. The chasm is filled with perpetual mist, and explorers report whispers echoing from below.
- The Obsidian Stair – A series of unnaturally smooth, blackened stone steps carved into one of the cliffs, leading deep into the mountains. No one knows who built them, but some claim they lead to a forgotten vault of untold power.
Ecosystem
Life in the Shattered Peaks is scarce, but highly adapted to the extreme conditions. Many creatures are resistant to high winds, thin air, and sudden temperature changes.
- Flora:
- Stormvine – A creeping plant that clings to rock faces, absorbing moisture from the storms. Its vines crackle with stored static electricity.
- Ashwood Trees – Stunted, fire-resistant trees that grow in crevices and sheltered valleys. Their bark is as black as obsidian, and their sap can be used to make a fire-resistant oil.
- Gloomsage – A rare, pale-blue moss that grows within the deepest caves. Consuming it allows temporary night vision but causes unsettling hallucinations.
- Fauna:
- Thunder Drakes – Small, winged reptilian creatures that feed on the energy of lightning strikes. They can unleash short bursts of static-charged breath.
- Stormclaw Griffons – Powerful griffons with dark, lightning-marked feathers that nest on the highest peaks. They are extremely territorial and have been seen gliding through the Everstorm unscathed.
- Chasm Crawlers – Pale, multi-limbed creatures that dwell in the Abyssal Chasm. Very little is known about them, as few who venture too deep return.
Ecosystem Cycles
- The Everstorm’s Wrath – Every few weeks, the Everstorm unleashes violent lightning strikes and hurricane-force winds upon the peaks. This reshapes the landscape, collapsing tunnels and carving new pathways.
- The Echoing Night – A strange phenomenon where the entire range resonates with deep, unnatural sounds, like distant bells or voices in the wind. The Stormcallers believe this is a message from the storm itself.
- Lightning Glass Formations – When lightning strikes the silica-rich cliffs, it forms black-glass-like veins in the rock. These formations are sometimes mined for arcane purposes, as they are said to store magical energy.
Natural Resources
The Shattered Peaks hold rare and powerful materials, drawing both scholars and warlords alike.
- Stormglass Crystals – Found in caverns struck by lightning, these crystals hold residual storm energy and can be used to power magical artifacts.
- Blacksteel Ore – A metal infused with the Everstorm’s energy, making it both lightweight and nearly unbreakable. Blacksteel weapons and armor are highly sought after.
- Eldershard – A mysterious, glowing blue mineral found deep within the ruins. Scholars believe it was used by the lost civilization for magical amplification.
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