Mammoth Glacier
Mountain of Mammoths
Snow ripples and waves, its crystalline surface only marred by the large footprints that seemingly wander aimlessly across the tundra. As a wall of white arises in the wind, only brown spots can be made out in the distance, their size marking them as some of the larger fauna that roam these lands with few predators. If the winds were to die down, one would be able to notice the ivory tusks that span from the roughened fur, another deterrent to those who would attempt to hunt these behemoth creatures.
Few creatures are as unbothered by the tundra as the mammoths, but there is something about the glacier that calls to them, providing greater safety than even their tusks.The Mammoth Glacier is thought to be the largest glacier in the Neither Tundra but is also the home of the largest gathering of Mammoths anywhere in the world. Gaining its name from the wooly beasts that find safety in its shadow, the Mammoth Glacier is one of few landmarks that can easily be spotted amongst the snowdrifts of the tundra as its tall peak shines a crystalline blue where the ice is not fully covered by the snow. The glacier is situated north of the Elven Forest and west of the Spine of Kallex, giving explorers a marker in the vast flatness of the western tundra. While the Neither Tundra is mostly unexplored, most of the areas surrounding the Mammoth Glacier are mapped, although very roughly. Large numbers of Ursakin, specifically the Nether, call the base and areas closest to the glacier home as much like the Mammoths, these people are provided a level of security living in the glacier’s shadow. It is unknown why, but Giants tend not to wander too close to the glacier, preferring to pick off Mammoths only if they have wandered a considerable distance from the glacier’s base.
Geography
The Mammoth Glacier is little more than a mountain of ice, comparable in size to many in the Spine of Kallex if not to some of the shortest Spikes of Kallex. The glacier’s location is said to be roughly one hundred miles north of the Elven Forest and fifty miles west of the Spine of Kallex, although travelers have given various estimates of distance over the years. Others have said the glacier is close to the Eye of Kallex while others say it is elsewhere.
In the warmer months, the glacier is surrounded by desolate steppes that have little for forage other than Mammoth Hair, a plant that thrives in these conditions. The glacier is the only area of elevation for miles unless the snow begins to drift, creating a rolling valley of hills around its base. During some times of the year, the glacier is more reminiscent of the jagged cliffs of the northern shores.
No matter the time of year, the climate is often cooler with whipping winds and snow, but it is said that the climate on the south side of the glacier is more temperate, allowing more days without freezing temperatures and for some of the snow to melt. While
Mammoth Glacier
A number of small glaciers stretch across the Neither Tundra but the Mammoth Glacier is thought to be the largest and most solid. Its crystalline blue color is striking and its peak reaches to heights similar to the Spikes of Kallex.
Localized Phenomena
Great blizzards are common around the Mammoth Glacier, although some believe that this area is not affected as strongly by the Crystal Blizzard as elsewhere. Certain types of megafauna thrive in this area with slightly warmer temperatures and greater access to palatable forage. Average snowfall in the area ranges slightly above 120 inches a year, but some areas around the base average slightly less.
Low-magnitude earthquakes ravage the area throughout the year, often only moving the snow in the higher elevations. It is after these events that the blue ice of the glacier shines through, showing a striking resemblance to the jagged cliffs that mark the northern shores of the Neither Tundra. Overall, these earthquakes do very little damage in this area.
Fauna & Flora
Mammoth
Mammoth
by
Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang
Mammoths are only found in the Neither Tundra and often prefer the safety of the area surrounding the Mammoth Glacier, although small herds of the large creature live elsewhere throughout the tundra.
While the Neither Tundra is known for its megafauna, only a few of the large creatures live in or around the glacier. Mammoths are the most common as the glacier’s name shows, but Sabre-Tooth Tigers are also extremely common along the fringes of Mammoth territory. The presence of Ursakin tends to keep most predators at bay, but the tigers' preferred diet centers on Mammoths, and no amount of hunting or attempting to chase them away has moved them from the area.
Flora in the tundra is sparse. Like elsewhere in the tundra, the most common plant found is Mammoth Hair, a stringy plant that is commonly thought to be a dead or dying plant but thrives in these conditions. This plant is the main source of nutrition for Mammoths, flourishing in the slightly lesser snows and warmer temperatures of the southern side of the glacier.
Smaller fauna make their homes in dens and caves created by the ever-moving snow, but some creatures also live in caves carved out along the base of the glacier. Winter Stoats are the most common but Nordland Bears have been seen in the area, although their numbers are extremely small. Most small creatures do not wish to compete against the Mammoths for food and choose to live elsewhere.
While there is no water around the glacier, some Scholars have reported a handful of fossils and aquatic life frozen in the base layers of the glacier. It is believed that this shows proof of a large lake in the area, long before the Elder Races entered the world.
The way you describe the glacier is absolutely beautiful, and I can see it so vividly. Love this!