Dragonspine Mountains
The Dragonspine Mountains are a broad east-west mountain range on the continent of Thestra, and acts as the border between the Northlands and Elurian Basin. The topography of the range makes crossings treacherous, leaving two common routes: Highpass and the Deep Roads from Bordinar's Cleft.
The south face of the range is very steep, rising hundreds of feet of nearly sheer cliff face in many areas. Valleys are relatively few and narrow, winding tortuously through constricted terrain often claimed by orcs or goblins (and often well-supplied with natural or carved caves and tunnels). None are known to traverse the north-south divide, but most haveot been fully explored.
By comparison, the northern slops are much gentler, gradually settling from the southern highlands to the sea on the north coast. Due to a relative scarcity of runoff channels, the soil in most places tends towards rocky and poor; however, the river valleys boast rich soil with abundant nutrients. Farming (and, indeed, society generally) tends to cluster around these lands.
Geography
Legend has it that the Dragonspine Mountains were raised by a great cataclysm in ancient times. The southern face is sheer cliffs and steeply-rising peaks, creating a nearly impenetrable wall. Seen from the north, however, the Dragonspines appear to be nothing more than an unremarkable (if somewhat jagged) mountain range, with foothills and uplands gradually slowing down to the sea. Much of the terrain here is a vast plateau of rocky highlands.
Fauna & Flora
The extreme nature of the topography limits the flora in the Dragonspines. On the south face, the sheer cliffs and towering heights only permit the occasional grass tufts or hardy conifer in sheltered clefts below the tree line. On the northern slopes, the altitude and temperatures limit growth to stands of needleleaf trees, occasional grassy meadows and rocky fields covered in lichen. Natural fauna is abundant, including hare, wolf, stag, boar and many species of birds; however, the area has a surprising number of magical creatures. No one knows why, but the sage Erevyn Loreseeker believed it has to do with the cataclysm that raised the Dragonspines in the first place.
Among the native magical creatures, the most notable are various species of dragon who live in the high peaks, snowy wastes and volcanic tunnels. They tend mostly to be of the chromatic varieties, and tend to avoid human contact. Also present are various gryphons, hippogriffs, oozes, and aggressive stirges. Several humanoid races also call these mountains home. Perhaps the best-known are the Dwarf Clans, whose strongholds dot the southern faces. Indeed, the chief means of crossing the Dragonspine Mountains north-south are the Deep Roads beneath the stronghold of Bordinar’s Cleft.
Many species of giants are also found in and around the mountain range, as well as orcs, goblins, trolls and ogres. While no longer frequent, it is not uncommon to observe Dwarf patrols either engaging with, or keeping an eye on, these creatures. One race unique to the area are the half-giants, also called varanthari or goliaths. While their origins are the subject of much speculation (and often mean-spirited ribaldry), these folk are steadfast and proud.
Natural Resources
Resources are abundant throughout the Dragonspine Mountains and their northern slopes. Due to the forbidding nature of the terrain and the magical predators, most of them are largely untapped. One exception to this rule is the mineral wealth of the mountains themselves. Centuries of Dwarven mining has recovered a vast wealth in metals, rare stone, gems of many kinds, and even strange artifacts. This wealth, and the unique quality of Dwarven craftsmanship, has meant a vigorous trade with Elurians and Northlanders alike. One such mine, the Rubystone Lode, is a vast source of iron; indeed, centuries of mining has turned the river in the area a rusty red hue, earning it the name of Red River.