Spine of Kallex
Treacherous Mountains of the Northern Continent
Jagged peaks reach towards the heavens, opening up like the maw of a giant Dragon. Each summit and journey there is ragged and rough, aptly named for the Dragon God and the ridges that run down his spine. This place is both one of the most desolate and dangerous, but one of the most beautiful in the world, its untamed landscapes drawing in the dreamer and realist alike. Of all the places in the Northern Continent that have been named and settled, only these mountains and valleys remain truly wild, turned over to the creatures and flora that set this place so wholly apart.
The Neither Tundra, even with its snow and ice, is still a passable place. Only by wing can someone truly experience the Spine, only without the limitations of one's own feet can this place be truly known.The Spine of Kallex is the longest-reaching mountain range in the world, stretching from the farthest north of the Neither Tundra to the shores of the Little Greenwood. Its jagged peaks are named after the Dragon God Kallex, each representing one of the many ridges that mark the god's spine. Few dare to travel the Spine, let alone call this place home. The elevation alone deters many, with the thinner air and cold winters forcing many to rethink even just crossing the mountains. With so few passes allowing for safe passage, many travelers would rather risk the unknown of the Great Tunnel through Káto than attempt to cross the Spine on the best of days. Through the efforts of a handful of mountaineers and the Barbarians that have made their homes within the range, a great deal is known about the Spine and the flora and fauna that survive its harshness. Traenas Elrel was the first to summit the tallest peaks, naming each as he studied and marked them on geological maps that would become paramount to understanding the ecology of such a place. The Spine belongs to all and none, writing its own rules and only allowing those deemed worthy to live among its hallowed peaks.
Geography
The Spine of Kallex stretches thousands of miles from the northern shores of the Neither Tundra, through the Elven Forest, bordering both the Moorlands and the Fairy King's Wood, before ending on the southern shores of the Little Greenwood. This mountain range contains the tallest peaks found on the Northern Continent and is the longest mountain range in the world.
Reaching peaks, deep valleys, and mountain streams and lakes are common throughout the Spine of Kallex but the landscape is defined by the tallest peaks which are known as the Spikes of Kallex. Most peaks in the Spine reach above 14,000 feet but the tallest reach above 15,000 feet.
The climate amongst the peaks changes frequently throughout the year, but temperatures are always fairly cold in the areas known as the alpine zone. The deeper valleys and the lower elevations experience the seasons and climates similar to the forests and tundras that surround the base of the range. Even so, the leeward side of the mountains is often drier and the climate varies slightly from elsewhere.
Spine of Kallex
Spine of Kallex
by
Landscape via Artbreeder, created by RiverFang
A dangerous and ragged mountain range, the Spine of Kallex is home to many hearty flora and fauna that have become accustom to the harsh climates of the mountains. Here, one can find one end of the Great Tunnel and a variety of people that travel throughout the mountains.
Localized Phenomena
The northern reaches of the Spine of Kallex that fall within the Neither Tundra are subject to the great blizzards that know no season. Elsewhere, blizzards are common at higher elevations during the winter months, but the colder temperatures extend far into warmer seasons as well. Most of the Spine's treacherous weather occurs in the alpine zone where the air is thinner and few things are able to grow and thrive.
Mudslides, flooding, and avalanches are common throughout the Spine as the weather can change at a moment's notice. The unpredictable nature of the weather causes few to attempt passage through any of the mountain passes, even during summer months as rainstorms are common and may wash out parts of the road.
Fauna & Flora
Dragon Pines
Dragon Pines grow in the inhospitable areas of the Spine of Kallex, often making the mountains seem less dangerous as the stands of trees in the area and the thick fog hides the jagged cliffs and deep valleys.
Although the Spine of Kallex is dangerous due to the climate, it is still home to many flora and fauna that are known for being hardy and resistant to many a thing. The mountains are covered with stalwart Dragon Pines that cannot be easily felled and creatures like Giant Goats and Giant Alpacas that have grown large to deal with the numerous predators that roam south from the Neither Tundra. Creatures found in the southern reaches of the range do not grow nearly as large as their northern counterparts.
Flora is relatively sparse in most areas of the Spine, often consisting of only Dragon Pines and a few native grasses, especially at higher elevations. It is possible to find mountain meadows that are full of wildflowers and other colorful flora, but these areas depend on mountain streams and lakes to feed their vibrance. The "Metallic Council" is considered to be one such area, but few are welcome to see its beauty.
Other than giant fauna, creatures such as Faelund Bears, Coaldust Bears, Dust Bears, and other predators make their homes throughout the caves found in the Spine. These predators survive by hunting smaller game such as Aelinor Elk, deer, and other herbivores that make their homes in the lower elevations and foothills surrounding the base of the mountains.
Aquatic life in the rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the Spine range from natural to fantastical depending on where the waterways cross.
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Related Materials
Great mountain article. It made shiver thinking about the cold and the thin air and the mudslides. I definitely would take the Tunnel instead.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales