The Worldspine and Surrounding Territories

The Worldspine

"The peaks here split the land in twain and pierce the heavens themselves. It is from here that life began, and from this point that it may all be observed. These mountains are the physical reminder of Mother and her sacrifice to create this world. May Her magick and grace spill forth from this Worldspine and cover the earth and fill the seas." - Artur , addressing the gods after receiving Stirna's Decree

The largest mountain range found throughout the entirety of the world, the Worldspine runs nearly through the center of the great western continent, separating the western lands of Nioyaathep and Mahangangahere from the country of La Patria and the territory of Ehlanui . Though the southern half is certainly part of the physical barrier between the lands, the largest and most daunting of the mountains lie to the north. Several of the northern mountains bear peaks that rise above the clouds and remain beyond the vision of the Risen living in the surrounding territories. Several rivers flowing through the continent start in the Worldspine, often forming lakes in the valleys below. There are no active volcanoes throughout the range despite the active magma below the surface. The Dwehrlen and their divine magick have maintained steady control over the active flows beneath the surface, using it to light their developed cities beneath the mountains.
No known settlements can be found on the surface of the mountains, the range only bearing the Dwehrlen cities below. The mountain passes are daunting to say the least; the taller mountains have proven more than treacherous even for renowned climbers. Magickal beasts can be found throughout the entire range and bring perilous thread to any who dare to enter them. The southern mountains contain many flying threats ranging from Harpies to Griffons, while the northern mountains are where various species of Drakes and Trolls call home. Travelling merchants and villagers in the settlements by the mountains tell rumors of Skin-walkers and Ghouls stalking the mountains at night for intrepid travelers. However, many believe these stories may be used to hide secret routes to navigate the rougher sections of the mountains.

The Surrounding Territories

Beneath the surface of the Worldspine lies the territory of The Stoneroots where the Dwehrlen reside. The territory is named such for the numerous tunnels carved throughout the belly of the mountains that resemble the roots of a great tree. These tunnels spread throughout the northern mountains, the longest of which stretches out west to the canyon city of Ironwall.
Ehlanui is the Ehlen territory, encompassing the large forests and the east side of the Worldspine and covering the path between the mountains through to Dianden . The Ehlen are proud of their territory and defend it fiercely. Ever since The War of Magi Ascension, their borders have remained almost completely closed to travelers and tourists.
To the northwest lies the Valley of Secrets. Despite the name warding off some would-be travelers, the Valley has become much more of a tourist attraction in recent years, if for nothing more than The Floating City of Lerion. However, the mountains to the west of the valley, separate from the Worldspine, are said to hide a village of man-eating shapeshifters near the coast, bringing dread to nearby settlements.
The northern territory is recognized, yet it bears no official name. The majority of the settlements and population belong to refugees and exiles that have fled Nechestivy and have decided to stake out their own land. This area has been heavily criticized by outsiders for a lack of a lawful presence along with the harsh environment proving difficult to cultivate the land.

The Worldspine and Surrounding Territories

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The Worldspine is the longest and tallest mountain range in the entirety of Nora. In the range itself rests the home of the Dwehrlen race, while the forests on it's eastern base is claimed by the Ehlen. The mountains themselves are extremely treacherous - both in the landscape and the magickal beasts dwelling within. Though the precious materials and wonderous locales in these parts bring both traders and adventurers alike.

The Trade Barrier

The Worldspine blocks trade between the western and eastern halves of the continent, forcing merchants to either take extraordinarily long naval voyages around the coast, or to ferry goods through the Ehlen or Dwehrlen territories. One route poses heavy costs for naval navigation and lost time, the other heavy costs through tariffs that often kill any profitability. Few merchants are brave enough or employ enough powerful guards to pass through the mountains unscathed by the treacherous environment and the magickal beasts within.

Hard Trails, Hidden Treasures

Despite the dangers posed by the threats within the Worldspine, adventurers and treasure-seekers alike still try their hand at claiming the riches within. The magickal beasts propose natural materials and Magick Stones that could produce wondrous armaments or items. Medicinal herbs grow on the mountainside that can not be found elsewhere within the world. Legends speak of ancient warlords and magi who have conquered paths through the mountains to build secret keeps and lairs to hide their hoards and spoils of war from those who seek them.

A Roost Above the Clouds

Perhaps even greater than the allure of lucrative trade routes or the rumors of hidden treasures in the mountains would be the legends of what lies at the peak of the tallest mountains. Old stories passed down from the early generations Risen speak of a hidden roost at the highest point of the Worldspine. One version speaks of an ancient dragon, the last of his wise kind, who will grant great power and wisdom to those who make it to see him at the peak. Another version claims that the ancient dragons have a hidden city floating above the peak, where they hide from the Risen beyond the clouds. Both stories draw great interest when told, though no one knows for certain if either may be true, as no living Risen has been proven to climb to the peak and return.

Close, But Not Together

The Worldspine and Surrounding Territories are often lumped in together as one country to compare against the other countries throughout Nora. However, to assume they are governed or even all aligned together is far from the truth. The Ehlen rule the forests with their pride and a firm hand on their borders. The Dwehrlen dig through the mountains and celebrate open borders and friendships with their neighbors. The remaining settlements surrounding the Worldspine tend to their own devices, irrespective of what territory they may fall under. For global affairs, each of the individual territories has their leaders who vouch for their respective areas.