Stronghold Mountains
The Stronghold Mountains are a formidable and rugged mountain range located on the southeastern continent of Aspor, towering over the landscape with jagged peaks and steep cliffs. Once part of the legendary Realmshatter range, the Stronghold Mountains were formed in the aftermath of the Pandora War, when the Sins unleashed their devastating powers and shattered the original mountain range. After this cataclysm, the giants, once scattered across the peaks of Realmshatter, gathered in these mountains to preserve their heritage and rebuild their society.
However, the Aurora Coven’s failed attempt to merge the Feywild with the Material Plane brought new challenges to the giants. Goblin-kin from the fey realm found themselves stranded in Astrium and quickly became a nuisance to the native giant-kin. Over time, thanks to the efforts of the Goliaths, peace was brokered, and the Stronghold Mountains have since become a sanctuary for giants, goblins, and giant-kin alike.
Today, this mountain range is home to diverse settlements of Goliaths, Hobgoblins, Bugbears, and Goblins, with the main tension being a political divide as the Goliaths and Goblin-kin vie for control over their own territories, each seeking to establish named settlements.
Points of Interest
Grimmaw Keep
The ancient fortress of Grimmaw Keep stands as the heart of Goblin-kin power in the Stronghold Mountains. Once little more than a collection of caves and rough-hewn structures, the keep has grown into a sprawling citadel carved deep into the mountainside. Its dark stone walls are reinforced with iron and enchanted with fey magic, offering protection against both external threats and internal power struggles. Hobgoblin generals oversee its defense, while Bugbear enforcers maintain order among the ranks. Grimmaw Keep is a place of cunning and strategy, where the goblin-kin gather to plot their expansion and solidify their influence in the region. The keep is known for its elaborate traps, secret passageways, and hidden vaults, filled with treasures stolen from adventurers and neighboring settlements.
Hammerscar Hold
Perched atop one of the highest peaks in the Stronghold Mountains, Hammerscar Hold is the ancestral seat of the Goliath clans. Built into the very rock of the mountain, the hold is a masterpiece of stonecraft, with towering halls, vast forges, and intricate carvings that tell the story of the Goliath people. The Goliaths are proud of their heritage and have maintained a delicate balance between honoring the traditions of the giants and forging a new path for themselves. Hammerscar Hold is known for its powerful warriors and master blacksmiths, who create weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. The Council of Clans meets here to make important decisions about the future of the Goliaths and their relations with the other inhabitants of the Stronghold Mountains. The Hold also features vast training grounds, where Goliaths hone their skills in combat, survival, and leadership.
The Titans’ Ascent
A sacred pilgrimage site for giant-kin, the Titans’ Ascent is a treacherous path that winds its way up one of the tallest peaks of the Stronghold Mountains. The trail is dotted with ancient relics and monuments dedicated to the fallen Storm Giants of Realmshatter, and those who climb the Ascent are said to be tested by the spirits of their ancestors. Legends tell of powerful storms that sweep across the Ascent, summoned by the spirits of the Storm Giants themselves, testing the strength and resolve of those who dare to make the journey. Those who reach the summit are rewarded with a stunning view of the entire mountain range, as well as the chance to commune with the ancient giants and receive their blessings.
The Shattered Peaks
The Shattered Peaks are a stark reminder of the destruction wrought by the Sins during the Pandora War. This region of the Stronghold Mountains is filled with jagged, broken spires of stone, as though the mountains themselves were torn apart in some terrible cosmic battle. The peaks are considered cursed, and few dare to venture into this desolate area. However, some believe that powerful artifacts and remnants of the war are hidden deep within the shattered crags, drawing adventurers and treasure hunters despite the dangers. Legends also speak of a Sin still lurking in the depths of the Shattered Peaks, waiting to rise again and unleash its fury upon the world.
The Whispering Caverns
Deep beneath the Stronghold Mountains lies the Whispering Caverns, a vast underground network of tunnels and chambers that stretch for miles. The caverns are named for the eerie, disembodied voices that seem to echo through the darkness, believed by some to be the voices of the giants who perished during the Realmshatter cataclysm. The caverns are home to a variety of creatures, both magical and mundane, and are often used as hideouts by those seeking to evade capture or lay low from the conflicts above. However, the caverns are also filled with dangers—treacherous drops, shifting passages, and strange magical anomalies that can cause travelers to become hopelessly lost. Despite the risks, the Whispering Caverns are also rumored to house ancient giant relics and treasure caches, making them a tempting target for treasure hunters.
The Rune Forges
Hidden deep within the mountains, the Rune Forges are ancient, enchanted forges once used by the giants to craft magical weapons and artifacts. Long abandoned after the fall of Realmshatter, the forges still burn with a strange, otherworldly fire, and the walls are inscribed with ancient runes of power. The Goliath blacksmiths of Hammerscar Hold have begun to reclaim these forges, using them to create weapons and tools imbued with the magic of their ancestors. However, the process of unlocking the secrets of the forges is slow and dangerous, as the magic within them is volatile and unpredictable. The Rune Forges are also sought after by outsiders, especially goblin-kin, who wish to harness their power for their own ends.
Sanctum of the Just Word – Stronghold Mountains Courthouse/Church
Nestled within the stronghold cities of the mountainous northern regions, the Sanctum of the Just Word serves as both a courthouse and a place of worship dedicated to Erathis. This solemn and austere structure is fortified to withstand the mountainous elements, with strong granite walls and simple, orderly architecture emphasizing the importance of justice over beauty. Inside, chambers of polished stone hold court proceedings and judgment ceremonies overseen by the dedicated clerics and judges who honor Erathis’ wisdom. A central chamber hosts a stone effigy of Erathis, seated on her throne, with scales balanced on one hand and a set of building tools in the other, symbolizing both law and creation. Followers of Erathis here believe in her impartiality and dedication to justice, holding that law is a foundation of both order and peace. Each month, the church holds a ceremony called The Measure of Duty, where judges, lawmakers, and civic leaders recommit to the integrity and balance Erathis championed.
The Stronghold Mountains are a place where history and legend intertwine, where the powerful legacy of the giants still lingers, and where new settlements and alliances are being forged in the shadow of the past. Though tensions remain between the Goliaths and Goblin-kin, the mountains stand as a testament to the resilience and strength of all who call them home.
Geography
The Stronghold Mountains are a vast range of sharp peaks, deep valleys, and sprawling plateaus. The terrain varies significantly, from the snowy heights of Hammerscar Summit to the rugged, shattered cliffs of the Shattered Peaks. Rivers cascade down the mountainsides, feeding into fertile foothills and creating waterfalls that glisten in the sunlight. Caves and subterranean tunnels weave through the mountains, forming an extensive underground network.
Ecosystem
The mountains support a surprisingly diverse ecosystem, with hardy coniferous forests at lower altitudes giving way to tundra vegetation and rocky outcroppings as the elevation rises. The valleys are home to robust wildlife, while the deeper caves harbor magical creatures and luminescent fungi.
Ecosystem Cycles
The mountains experience distinct seasonal shifts. In spring, snowmelt feeds rivers and valleys, creating bursts of greenery. Summers are short but warm, bringing an influx of migrating creatures. Winters are harsh, with heavy snowfall blanketing the peaks, forcing many species to hibernate or descend to lower altitudes. The ecosystem is resilient, adapting to both natural and magical disruptions.
Localized Phenomena
- Auric Storms: Occasionally, storms charged with golden-hued lightning sweep the range, remnants of magical energy from the Pandora War. These storms are dangerous but leave behind residual magic that can enhance the surrounding environment.
- Echoes of the Past: Certain areas, especially the Shattered Peaks and Whispering Caverns, emit ghostly sounds—believed to be the voices of ancient giants and warriors lost during the Pandora War.
- Feyfire Glows: In regions near Grimmaw Keep, faint, fey-infused lights can be seen dancing in the air at night, a lasting impact of the Aurora Coven’s failed magic.
Climate
The Stronghold Mountains have an alpine climate. Higher altitudes are cold year-round, with frequent snow and icy winds. Lower elevations experience mild summers and snowy winters. The region is known for its sudden, fierce storms and thick fogs that can disorient travelers.
Fauna & Flora
Flora:
- Everbright Pines: Hardy trees that grow at high altitudes, their sap imbued with faint magical properties.
- Runeblossoms: Rare flowers that bloom near the Rune Forges, their petals glowing faintly with magical energy.
- Frosthorn Rams: Massive, mountain-dwelling goats with sharp, spiraling horns, revered by the Goliaths as symbols of resilience.
- Rocklurker Basilisks: Stealthy predators that camouflage themselves among the rocky terrain, their gaze rumored to petrify prey.
- Fey-melded Wolves: Wolves touched by fey magic, exhibiting glowing eyes and unusual coat patterns.
Natural Resources
Runic Ore: A magical ore found in the depths of the mountains, used in crafting enchanted weapons and armor.
Aurastone Crystals: Luminous gemstones that emit faint magical auras, often sought after by mages and artisans.
History
The Stronghold mountains were originally part of a larger mountain range called Realmshatter. When Realmshatter was broken destroyed collectively by the sins during the first Pandora War.
The giants that lived upon realmshatter moved to a single location in order to preserve their history.
After the Aurora coven attempted to bring the Fey realm into the Material plane, the goblin kind found their way to the material plane and have been causing problems for giant kind over the years, the goliath were able to broker peace between all of the people of the ranges.
Today the Stronghold Mountains are a haven for goblin and giantkin alike. With a recent divide in the stronghold mountains with the goblin-kin and goliath vying for named settlements of their own with Grimmaw Keep and Hammerscar Hold.
The stronghold mountains is a mountain range in the south east continent on Aspor. It is home to many giants, giant kin and humanoid races (goliath, hobgoblin, bugbear and goblins).
Tourism
The Stronghold Mountains attract adventurers, scholars, and pilgrims. Climbers challenge themselves on the Titans’ Ascent, while treasure hunters seek the artifacts of the Shattered Peaks. Blacksmiths and mages visit Hammerscar Hold and the Rune Forges to study or commission masterworks, and Grimmaw Keep intrigues those curious about Goblin-kin ingenuity. The Whispering Caverns, though dangerous, are explored by those drawn to their mysteries.
Points of Interest
- Grimmaw Keep: The sprawling fortress of the Goblin-kin, known for its cunning traps, fey enchantments, and strategic importance.
- Hammerscar Hold: The ancestral seat of the Goliaths, famed for its blacksmithing, warrior traditions, and breathtaking mountain views.
- The Titans’ Ascent: A sacred pilgrimage path for giant-kin, offering tests of endurance and spiritual communion with ancient spirits.
- The Shattered Peaks: A cursed, desolate region scarred by the Pandora War, rumored to house powerful relics and lurking dangers.
- The Rune Forges: Ancient, magical forges once used by giants to create enchanted artifacts, now being reclaimed and studied by the Goliaths.
Alternative Name(s)
Jotunspine
Type
Mountain Range
Included Locations
Comments