Penstrarn Hills
The Penstrarn Hills stretch from the centre of Mar Miskun northward, forming the backbone of the island’s interior. These hills are the source of several important rivers, including the Ashan, Thalmir, Hadic, and Jin, which flow from the rugged slopes and sustain the island’s more fertile regions. The terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops, gentle slopes, and steep ravines, creating a diverse and dynamic landscape.
The hills are covered with sparse vegetation, primarily hardy shrubs like Pryval and Chorka, which thrive in the dry, rocky soil. Clusters of Pine and Cedar trees dot the valleys and lower elevations, while the upper reaches of the hills are largely barren, save for patches of Stonefelt lichen that cling to the exposed rocks. Despite their rugged nature, the Penstrarn Hills are a critical part of Mar Miskun’s water system, as the rivers they generate provide essential resources for the towns below.
The most notable settlement in the region is Penstrarn, a wealthy port city on the northeastern coast. Built into the coastal cliffs, Penstrarn relies on the fresh water that flows from the hills and trades heavily with Teros, Forbin, and the Mar Mabon Townships. The hills themselves are also home to small mining communities, such as Jerrindal and Rantimon, which extract valuable minerals and stone from the earth.
The Penstrarn Hills are also home to dangerous creatures, the most feared of which is the Redsnout—a massive, aggressive boar-like creature that roams the open plains and hills. Standing 6 feet tall at the shoulder, the Redsnout is known for its red-tinted snout and long, curved tusks. These creatures travel in small herds and are highly territorial, charging at anything they perceive as a threat. Their presence makes the wilder areas of the Penstrarn Hills particularly perilous for travellers, and they are a constant nuisance to nearby settlements due to their tendency to destroy crops.
Other dangers in the Penstrarn Hills include the Wyrms, which are believed to burrow deep into the hills, emerging only rarely to hunt. Additionally, the predatory Rhakkor is said to stalk the more remote areas, preying on smaller animals and the occasional unlucky traveler.
Despite these dangers, the Penstrarn Hills remain a vital region of Mar Miskun, supporting fresh water, minerals, and trade routes that connect the island’s interior to its coastal towns.
Type
Rolling Hills
Location under
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