Clatterdowns

The Clatterdowns was a mountain range in northern Khûm. Named for their frequent avalanches, the Clatterdowns was a smaller branch of the Roofbeams, a southern border to the Firewood and the headwaters for the noisy Crashwater.

Geography

The Clatterdowns extended eastward from the Roofbeams, that impressive range that arced along Khûm's northwestern coast. To the north spanned leagues and leagues of alpine forest known, at various points in history, as the Firewood, the Winterwood and the Shatterwood. To both east and south of the mountain range spanned the Orcish Marches, the territory of countless qorhvs over the centuries.
Not the tallest mountain range in that land of many mountains, the Clatterdowns were nonetheless known for their frequent snowslides and avalanches. Many alpine meadows, nestled high in the mountains, provided amble pastures and feeding grounds for native goats, both wild and domestic. The Crashwater and its many rapids flowed through the Clatterdowns, emptying into the tundra near Dravya Terminal, northernmost end of the stoneway.

Climate

Like much of Khûm, the Clatterdowns experienced a subpolar climate, resulting in wintry conditions throughout much of the year. Despite their northerly extent, the range was famous for its frequent snowmelts, resulting in snowslides that poured down the slopes. The precise cause of this phenomenon remained a mystery as other mountain ranges in the region – namely the Roofbeams – did not suffer the same problem.

Inhabitants

Dwarves

A number of dwarven clans made their homes in the Clatterdowns, among them Clan Basherhorn and Clan Purebrew. While Clan Basherhorn bred goats for meat, milk and mounts in the far western hills, Clan Purebrew's hold, Coldstore, was renowned throughout Khûm for its deep vault of aged casks, stored in an impressive warren beneath their humble home.

Fauna

Thanks to plentiful pastures, goats of a number of species dwelled in the Clatterdown's high fells and pastures. Many were domesticated, particularly by Clan Basherhorn but still more were wild, mountain-climbing breeds, hostile to passersby.

Notable Locations

• Coldstore: The seat of Clan Purebrew, Coldstore was unique among dwarven stronghold for guests were welcomed – at least into the upper halls. The clan's brewmasters were famous for their tastings, where dwarves from all over could sample the fine vintages stored in the hold's expansive subterranean archive.
• Dravya Terminal: On the southern foothills of the Clatterdowns, Dravya Terminal took its name from a petty dwarven architect and was built to grant Clan Cloudpeak and its vassals access to the stoneway. Trace amounts of wingrock were used to levitate the passenger lifts up and down.

Campaigns

The Menagerie

• Khûm: Seeking to reunite with the Menagerie, the Commander's Tent passed through the Clatterdowns en route to Snowperch. At Dravya Terminal, Remorhaz asked some local commuters for directions while Umber dissuaded a territorial goat in on the rocky slopes.

Name: Clatterdowns
Type: Mountain Range
Region: Northern Khûm
Climate: Continental
Inhabitants: Dwarves, giant goats