The Greater Cairnheels
This as a whole, the Cairnheels are the largest and most formidable natural barrier on the continent. Separating Golíatlendir and Varda, the Cairnheels form a natural boundary between the two nations. Additionally, the Dwarven megalopolis of Gemheart is located along its northern reaches, some 30 or so miles north of The Village of Wreath.
Geography
Due to their towering heights, the Cairnheels can largely be considered snowcapped almost year-round. As expected, they hold great reserves of freshwater in their ice and the spring snowmelts can sometimes produce devastating floods. The @Bluevein is the longest river originating from this particular range and passes through many settlements on its way to the sea.
Additionally, the valleys and some of the points between the mountains are spacious enough for permanent settlements along the range. These places often serve as much needed stable ground for camping and acclimating to the heights.
Fauna & Flora
Fauna
Home to many different types of beasts and greenery, the range hosts an astounding array of life. Naturally, life is at it's most widespread at the foothills and below the tree line of the range, however, many plants and animals can still be found, sometimes even at their peaks. More common wildlife includes rams, goats, mountain lions, bears, rodents, deer, many species of birds, and the occasional owlbear. However, more exotic creatures such as wyverns and manticore are also quite commonplace, much to the dismay of weary travelers. Truly unfortunate travelers may encounter Giants, Dragons, Chimeras, Bulettes and maybe some hag better left undisturbed in her demesnes...Flora
As far as plant life is concerned, very little differs from other mountain ranges at these latitudes: generally the Cairnheels host many varieties of coniferous trees, pines, spruce, firs, are fairly common. Fewer, but still plentiful, deciduous trees also lay their roots down along these majestic slopes. For the truly keen-eyed gatherer, they may stumble across certain medicinal herbs and roots. Particularly lucky expeditions can even reveal plants with magical properties like Nymroot, allegedly with properties that can ward or attract beings of Fey ancestry.Natural Resources
The more pedestrian resources one could gather from a mountainside include wood and stone, of course, but an enterprising prospector could easily find metals of various rarities provided they were worth their salt.
Copper, tin, silver, iron, gold, and other rarer materials are undoubtedly located along this vast geological wonder. The wildlife also provides food and materials for many a trapper seeking to feed and cloth their family.
Type
Mountain Range
Included Locations
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