Mavan Gap

The Mavan Gap is a high plateau in eastern Teros Major, nestled between the rugged Clouded Crags to the north and the towering Redpeak Mountains to the south. This vast expanse of rocky terrain and windswept highlands stretches for miles, acting as a natural divide between the northern and southern reaches of the island. The plateau's rugged landscape is shaped by its high elevation, where sweeping winds funnel through narrow valleys and across barren ridges, making the Mavan Gap feel isolated and remote.
The Gap's rocky ground is covered in hardy grasses and shrubs, with low-growing plants like Lombora, a grassy herb, thriving in the more arid sections. The windswept plains and rocky outcrops support a sparse scattering of resilient trees such as Pine and Sirathin, which cling to the soil in sheltered pockets near the ridges. In the wetter regions where rivers cut through the plateau, small groves of Silverhorn conifers can be found, their wide branches offering shelter from the gusting winds. Near these rivers, patches of Pirthingallam moss grow along the banks, used by locals for basket weaving and small crafts.
The most prominent feature of the Mavan Gap is the Berwan River, which flows through the plateau, cutting deep gorges into the rocky ground before descending toward the fertile lowlands to the east. The river's waters are a lifeline for both the plants and the wildlife in the region, attracting herds of wild Hrynn that roam the highlands during the milder months. Nomadic herders also bring their mountain-bred goats to graze near the river valleys, taking advantage of the sparse but valuable vegetation.
Despite the barren, windswept appearance of the Mavan Gap, the plateau holds strategic importance, serving as a crucial trade route between the eastern and western regions of Teros Major. The town of Mavan, located at the western entrance to the Gap, is a key stop for traders and travellers alike, its skilled craftspeople known for their woodworking and the fine goods they produce from the rare trees growing in the area. The Gap's windswept valleys also provide cover for hidden pathways and caves, long favoured by outlaws seeking refuge in the remote wilderness. The climate of the Mavan Gap is cooler than the surrounding lowlands, with fierce winds sweeping across the plateau and sudden storms occasionally blowing in from the nearby Sarran Sea. The higher elevations experience colder temperatures at night, and the exposed ridges can become treacherous during these weather shifts. However, the plateau also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with the peaks of the Redpeaks to the south and the shimmering Sarran Sea to the east visible from the higher ridges.
Travelers crossing the Mavan Gap must be wary, as the region is not without its dangers. Wolves and other predators roam the highlands, and the steep cliffs and narrow passes can prove perilous to those unaccustomed to the rugged terrain. Yet, for those who brave its windswept heights, the Mavan Gap remains a vital artery of commerce and movement, connecting distant parts of Teros Major while standing as a symbol of the island's untamed wilderness.

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