The Three Daughters

Written by bwallace

The Three Daughter is a trio of mountains in the Kale Mountains range, and are the three highest peaks in the entire range. Their proximity and collective height differential from surrounding peaks gives them a distinctive profile against the rest of the mountain range.

The trio of peaks are the culmination of the average height of the mountain range, with averages dropping off as the range spreads to the southeast and northwest. They are officially impassible, as the sheer faces between them and the other nearby mountains are too sheer for climbing, much less foot, animal or wheel passage.

It is reputed that a number of different types of flora and fauna inhabit the area. Rumors abound of sightings of different types of giants, yetis, rock wolves and ettins. Ironically, the greatest legends have evolved over a creature called Stibora that is greatly feared by those whose settlements run close to their habitats. Not much is known about the stibora, only through horror stories used to frighten children, although older inhabitants swear they are real.

The Three Daughters are, in descending height:

1. Mount Esmelda (20,200 feet) - the tallest peak in the Kale Mountains, and on the entire Isle of Melas. Extremely rocky, treacherous peaks topped with a snowy cap.
2. Mount Osmodia (17,900 feet) - second tallest peak in the Kale Mountains. Lush, green, tree covered.
3. Mount Usmary (17,200 feet) - barren, blackened volcanic rock

Geography

The peaks of The Three Daughters are inhospitable and forbidding in the extreme. They form a trio of impassable barriers to travelers from either side, along with the rest of the Kale Mountains.

The Zerias River flows just below the base of Mount Osmodia, having carved its way out many years before. It splits just as it reaches the base of Mount Usmary and runs to the southwest, becoming the Paradon River. High rapids from snow runoff off of the other mountains makes it a treacherous ride.

Ecosystem

The few plants and animals that make the Three Sisters their home are diverse in the extreme. Some are rumored to be living and dangerous to travelers. There are also rumors of various strange high-altitude fruit growing from some of the trees on Mount Osmodia can increase one's strength, stamina and other physical aspects.

Fauna & Flora

Dark, volcanic rock comprises most of Mount Usmary, which gives rise to creatures of fire and lava such as salamanders, fire beetles and ogres. The lush foliage of Mount Osmodia harbors wild creatures such as trolls, chimeras and the legendary stibora. Meanwhile, the forbidding granite cliffs and peaks of Mount Esmelda harbor ettins, yeti, and giants.

Natural Resources

A few veins of copper, tin and other semi-valuable metals have been sighted here and there among the foothills, but no full-scale mining operations have ever been attempted. Of course, people talk about silver, gold and platinum to be found by the hardy and the brave, but that has never been confirmed.

History

There is a legend surrounding the creation and naming of the trio of prominent mountains, The Legend of the Three Daughters.

Tourism

Nobody dares attempt to scale the summits of the Three Daughters. Those who have tried were never heard from again. Just don't do it.

Type

Mountain / Hill

Inhabiting Species

• Stibora