Crom's Passage (Krom's Pass-aj)

Crom's Passage is the winding valley that streaks through the southeastern mountain range on Expin, and the only path through to the frozen ridges. A human few human settlements formed around the area on both sides of the passage, and whilst initially it was a dangerous trek filled with all sorts of peculiar beasts, through their ingenuity and cunning they managed to establish a mostly safe road through, lightly patrolled by guards and becoming a suitable spot for farmers to raise their livestock.
During the first daemonic incursion, the humans of Expin were the most at threat, being the most malleable to be reformed by their magics. With their numbers dwindling, a concerted effort was made by united forces to protect the major human settlement of Cromvale. The ensuing battle was fought with such ferocity and zeal that the blood-soaked land has been the talk of legends and superstition amongst the humans of Expin ever since, claiming the echoes and whispers of the departed can be heard when one passes through the valley alone.
Travellers nowadays often refer to that portion of the valley as the "field of tears," or "the whispering walk," as it's rumoured that to this day the souls of one particular band of bandits, the dreaded Harbingers of the Crimson Crown, refused to accept their deaths. So strong were their convictions to fight and protect those they had once looted and pillaged that it's believed that their souls are still present in the valley, protecting the travellers from any wayward monsters or ne'er-do-wells who would wish harm on the inhabitants beyond. An annual tribute is made by Cromvale at the entrance to the valley, thanking those who gave their lives, and its encouraged that merchants leave a small portion of their goods when they pass through in return for safety.

Alternative Name(s)

The Whispering Walk, Valley of the Final Stand

Type

Valley

Characters in Location

• Alexander Cromwell