Aventine Mountains
The Aventine Mountains rise majestically on the Isle of Ilfor, a range that stretches across the southern portion of the island, providing a stark and rugged contrast to the fertile lands and coastal cities of Ilfor. With Clupea to the north and Covenridge to the southwest, the mountains act as a natural barrier, their steep cliffs and jagged peaks cutting through the landscape and creating a challenging, wild terrain.
These mountains, though not as tall or treacherous as the ranges found on some of the northern isles, are still formidable. The Aventine Mountains are covered in dense forests at their base, but as one ascends, the trees give way to rocky slopes and sheer cliffs. The higher elevations are known for their unpredictable weather, with sudden storms and strong winds sweeping through the valleys and passes.
The Aventine Mountains hold significant value to Ilfor, both for their natural resources and for their symbolic role in the island’s history. The mountains have long provided stone and minerals, making them a vital resource for both local construction and trade. However, the deeper valleys and hidden caves are shrouded in mystery. Local folklore speaks of ancient spirits and hidden relics from a time before the Oleander conquest, and some claim that the mountains were once a sanctuary for followers of the Old Gods, before the rise of the All-Father faith.
Despite the Oleander Throne's efforts to erase the presence of the Old Gods, the Aventine Mountains retain an air of ancient power. Some believe that remnants of old rituals and hidden shrines still exist in the remote parts of the range, quietly resisting the Oleander influence that dominates the cities.
The people of Covenridge and Clupea view the mountains with a mixture of reverence and caution. While the mountains offer valuable resources, they also represent the wild, untamed aspects of Ilfor—elements that have not fully succumbed to the order and control imposed by the Oleander Throne. Those who live near the mountains often tell stories of mysterious occurrences, of travelers who never return, and of the old ways that linger in the shadows of the cliffs.
The Aventine Mountains stand as a symbol of both the natural beauty and the deep, untold history of Ilfor, a place where old and new collide, and where the island’s spirit continues to endure despite outside influences.