Sunset Peaks

The Sunset Peaks are a mountain range in western Galessia. Both the northernmost extreme of Senué and the westernmost extreme of the entire Galessian continent, the Peaks are situated wholly on a peninsula curving northward, largely cutting off the Senué Gulf from the world ocean. A highly spiritual region, it is a favorite among monks, acolytes, hermits, and others seeking wisdom, reclusion, spiritual enlightenment, or even divine favor.

Physical geography

The mountains of the Sunset Peaks are not extremely high, meaning that even at the summits, life is possible - unlike at the highest peaks of other Galessian mountain chains such as the Galespine Mountains. However, the mountain paths here are often more uneven and treacherous, as if testing the courage, ability, and determination of those seeking the Peaks' fabled wisdom. The weather here is typically warm and sunny, with precipitation being rare. The climate is kept bearable by the winds that buffet the slopes.
There are no rivers of importance, as the lack of rainfall and relative low altitude of the mountains prevent any from forming. Most water is retrieved from underground aquifers, or through magical production. Deposits of iron have been found within the Peaks, but not a single local population dares to mine these sacred mountains for their resources, fearing punishment.

Flora and fauna

Plantlife is extremely uncommon here, as all but the very hardiest of plants are unfit for surviving in the extremely dry mountain range. If one does encounter plant life beyond the occasional lichen, it is likely to be a trick of the mind or a magical conjuration. Animals however exist plentifully here, mostly birds. The infamous dusk eagle is native to the region, and these birds of prey are known for attacking and devouring smaller-sized travellers. The most notable living inhabitants of the Sunset Peaks - beside the humanoids - are dragons, who nest, fight, mate, and hunt here in great numbers. Dragon nests and their eggs are able to be found here.

Society

There are no major settlements in the region; this does not mean that it is uninhabited, however. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, which often serve as starting points or rest stops for journeys into the Peaks. Most notably however, the Peaks themselves are a hotspot for monasteries, sanctuaries, hermitages, sects, and places of worship of all kinds, be they religious or otherwise spiritual. Due to their extreme remoteness, these places are often hard to reach, and need to fend for themselves in all manners of speaking. These communities number several dozen, with the most well-known ones being the Mandapam of the Utter Black high up in the mountains, the Stranded Lectern built into a cliff over the sea, and the fabled Yellow House of Energies, the location of which is unknown.
The reason why all these communities gravitate towards the Sunset Peaks - aside from their remoteness - is that the mountains are said to be in direct contact with the raw wisdom of the divine and the universe. Some of the greatest monks, philosophers, and free thinkers throughout history trace their enlightenment back to a pilgrimage or retreat to the Sunset Peaks. Many dream of journeying here sometime during their lifetime, but the extreme terrain and remote location make this very difficult for all but the most hardened and most determined.
There is a line locals warn against crossing, known as the Cusp of the Rootless. Plentiful folkloristic stories exist, detailing horrific events of dark arts, forbidden knowledge, or unholy summonings being taught and practiced beyond it - and the havoc they often wreak. The communities that may or may not exist beyond this line in the mountains never make contact with the outside world, and are often only known to those already affiliated to - or contacted by - them. For well-intentioned travellers, it is strongly advised to avoid this region at all costs.