Riphean Mountains
The great snowy mountain range which separates the Scalp Steppe from Hyperborea. The Steppe's inhabitants believe them to be sacred to the gods of wind and snow. They brave the treacherous and constantly frozen mountain passes to offer tribute to both these gods and the Witch Queen. In ancient times this involved giving tribute to the Witch's servants directly, but after her death they still leave sacrifices on the northern mountain faces in case she returns. It is inhabited by griffons and stranger things.
Geography
The Riphean Mountains are sharply steep mountains, covered in a layers of ice which never thaw. This ice along with frequent heavy blizzards makes crossing the mountains a near impossibility, outside of a very small number of narrow passes. These passes are still treacherous due to their frequent avalanches and powerful wind gusts.
Fauna & Flora
Immediately to the mountains' south are a series of smaller foothills, covered in pine forests. These forests are devoid of any animal life, and have very little in the way of surface water. It is said that in these woods, the trees walk as men do.
Atop the mountains themselves live the griffons, great cats with the heads and wings of eagles. These creatures survive by consuming gold dug up in their mountain homes, but have to supplement this diet with the occasional live prey from either the sea or steppe. They are a frequent threat to both mountain visitors as well as steppe nomads, due to the enormous flight range granted by their wings.
Alternative Name(s)
Boreal Mountains
Type
Mountain Range
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