Petrified Passage

The petrified passage is a natural ramp from the Shadowlands to the Shield. It appears to be a fallen petrified tree with a hollow center. The gentle slope of the tree makes it the easiest way to scale the cliffs to get up to the Shield.

Contents

1. Location
2. Formation
3. History
4. Present Day

Location

The petrified passage is on the border of the Shadowlands and the Shield approximately 100 miles east of the Deadstones.

Formation

It is unknown how the petrified passage was created. Some argue that it was created millions of years ago after a volcanic eruption covered the area in ash. The presence of other petrified trees (although none nearly as big) in the area support this theory.

The other theory is that the swamp mages used magic to create the passage so that Shadowlanders could more easily attack the Shielders. Under this theory, the other petrified trees in the nearby area were used as practice for the mages.

History

The petrified passage has historically been of critical strategic importance. The Shielders inability to defend the passage against the Barcovan legions is considered by many to be the turning point of the Barcovan expansion. After taking it, the Barcovans erected two forts on either side of the passage - the Lower Fort and the Upper Fort. Since then, both forts have been expanded into heavily fortified castles. Both fortifications charge heavy taxes for passage.

Present Day

Both the upper castle and lower castle are currently under the control of King Ivan Talenov of Treland.

Petrified Passage

Type

Geographic Feature

Owner

King Ivan Talenov

Owning Organization

House Talenov