Kyori
There are no centralized villages or settlements. Occupants of this region live almost exclusively in isolated and self-sufficient monasteries. These monasteries are rumoured to commune with mythological beings such as Dragons, Elementals, Abyss Walkers or similarly legendary concepts. The only outside influence in this region is by virtue of their amicable trade relations with Shinjuku to the south. Since these monasteries are independently operated, they each have unique trade relationships with the South for supplies that they cannot produce themselves.
Ashka, a Monk of the Four Elements, is the primary spokesperson for the region and does the majority of the negotiating on behalf of the monastic population. Some groups, such as the Way of Shadows, have established traditions that lead them to prefer to manage their own affairs and see to their own trade agreements and needs without working through Ashka.
Occupying the mountain range is a large population of Dragons, which happens to be the primary population in the region. These mythically powerful beings are not often see by or communicated with by any outsiders to the region. It is said that should someone wish to petition a Dragon for any kind of aid or power, they must first go through the trails set by a monastic order or meet certain death.
Due to the rumoured close relationship between the monks and the Dragons Shinjuku, which is a culture that worships Dragons, considers these people to be favourable allies.
Recently Pyra, the North, has started excavating mines in the bases of this mountain range. What implications this has for the miners, Dragons and monks in the area are yet unknown.
Geography
Home to the highest altitude on the known continent.
Vast network of cave systems through a lengthy mountain range.
The primary water source is snow melt rivers, as rainfall occurs only on the uninhabited side of the mountain range.
Vegetation is thick shrubs and low-lying bushes that grip pockets of soil between rock outcroppings. Home to a lot of goats.
History
Before there were people, there were Dragons. Any who live here do so at the Dragons' sufferance. This has led to monastic orders that prioritize elemental and natural harmonies in order to not disturb or offend their Draconic neighbours. These orders have existed for as long as written history can track, so their exact conception is unknown.
The Legend says that at one point this land was a plateau, and that the power of the occupants at one point rivaled that of the Dragons. Whether the moutain range was created as a product of peace between their races - or war - it is not said, but all accounts make reference to an act of great Magic that created the mountains that now house and shelter the monasteries and Dragons. This Legend is extremely unlikely as the concept that humanoids could possess such mythic-level powers is laughable. It makes a good bedtime story, though.
Alternative Name(s)
the West
Type
Mountain Range
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