Ventus Valley

The Ventus Valley is a large basin with steep mountains on either side. The Ventus River cuts through the middle leaving two openings on either end. Besides the river, a thin strip of fertile ground soon makes way for the rocky mountain base. Only the occasional shrubbery survives the harsh conditions on higher elevations.
The valley would be the perfect settling ground for a secluded population, sheltered by the mountains, supported by the river. Unfortunately, the geographic peculiarities of the region pose a challenge to anyone hoping for a long-term thriving civilization.
Millions of years of erosion by the Ventus River have shaped the mountains into a near perfect wind tunnel. Without advance warning, a gentle breeze can turn into a harrowing draft. And when the seasonal storms arrive in late fall, the valley is polished smooth, taking with them everything not firmly rooted in the ground.

Geography

The Ventus River is a wide and slow-moving river, which slowly grinds through the center of the valley. Through millions of years of erosion, the river straightened its course, becoming a near perfect line between both openings of the valley with only a few gentle curves.
The mountains on either side of the river have a flat base that slowly rises before turning into steep cliffs. The mountains are smooth from the constant barrage of wind, taking away any excess ruble. In winter, the mountain tops collect snow which creates dangerous melt water floods in spring.

Localized Phenomena

The seasonal storms in late fall are amplified by the shape of the valley, leading to particularly violent drafts. Both the winds and the river work in tandem to further smooth out the valley, leading to increasingly strong weather over the course of centuries and millenia.

Fauna & Flora

Alongside the Ventus River, a thin strip of fertile land allows for deeply-rooted bushes and trees to hold on during storms. Animals rarely come topside, with most of them living in natural caves or burrows. From an outside perspective, the valley seems almost dead, wiped clean by the wind.

Natural Resources

The mountains are rich in iron ore with traces of silver and gold. Most of the deposits are located in the mountain sides elevated above ground.

Alternative Name(s)

Valley of the Wind

Type

Valley