Mount Orndune

The pinnacle of height and the ultimate challenge of nature

The grandest and tallest mountain in Altheria. Located in Hestiah in the territory of the Kingdom of Errent's territory. This behemoth of a mountain towers above all else, standing at an immense 26,413 feet tall. Well that is the believed height of the mountain, no person has ever actually successfully scaled the mountain to its summit.

Geography

The bottom section of the mountain consists of layers of steep cliff faces making the early portion of scaling the mountain an incredibly difficult task as it is. Most climbers don't make it past this section due to fear of falling or actually falling. Going past the cliffs one arrives to the beginning of the snow on the mountain. This portion is forested and snows quite regularly here, many animals living here are incredibly furry. Moving on a climber would then reach what is considered the beginning of the Vath's (The God of Death) territory. It is named this because it is this portion that has actually claimed the most lives of climbers. This area contains a thick layer of permafrost killing off almost all forms of foliage. To make matters more difficult there aren't many rock outcroppings leaving climbers open to the elements of the mountain, whipping winds, freezing temperatures and the occasional blizzard. Only a few elite climbers have ever made it past this portion of the mountain. The last visited portion of the mountain is blanketed in an incredibly thick fog due to the clouds at this altitude. Climbing holds are almost impossible to see and one climber reported seeing a massive creature flying through the fog, and even saw the foot print of what he could only describe as a dragons foot. No one has been beyond this portion of the mountain so the top remains a mystery.

Fauna & Flora

After about halfway up the mountain all flora ceases to survive, the frigid temperatures and permafrost kills anything in the area. The lower portion of the mountain contains some forested areas home to some animals that are common sights on mountains such as elk, moose and goats. There have also been some rare sightings of Roc's living down in this portion of the mountain as well. In the upper portion however only the most strong and powerful creatures could exist.

Natural Resources

The lowest portions of the mountain are used for mining operations but have yet to yield anything of incredible interest outside of the unique Ice Rock mineral that is found all over Hestiah. The forests farther up the mountain and the animals that call it home are virtually impossible to harvest for the use of the Kingdom of Errent. The cliffs make it impossible to transport fallen trees or large animals down safely.

I've lost many a friend to that mountain. But i'll be damned if that's gonna stop me, she's a beauty and a challenge. I've been preparing for my next climb for weeks now.....it's almost time

Jib a halfling explorer

Alternative Name(s)

The Sky Carver, Worlds Peak

Type

Mountain / Hill

Location under

Hestiah