The Worldfang

Geography

The Worldfang, as it is called by the Sun Dwarves who inhabit it, is located at the center of the Stormpeak Mountain range, north of Duskwood. It is the highest mountain in the world, so high, in fact, that its peak reaches above the darkness that enshrouds Saeveroth. It is said that during the day, a burning ball of light rises from the east, crosses the sky, and then bleeds, releasing thousands of tiny, shimmering lights.  The mountain has a spectacular view of the Duskwood Forest, and can see out over the entire Stormpeak Mountain Range. The mountain itself is lush and green at its base, but the greenery fades as the mountain rises. At the top, above the darkness, even snow fades away to barren rock.

Ecosystem

At the base of the Worldfang, the ecosystem functions as it normally would in Duskwood Forest. But after the greener tapers off, the Worldfang's unique ecosystem begins to show. Goats and wolves are common here, as well as bears and boars. The plants that can grow at this elevation are thorny and scraggly, but have some of the most highly praised fruit in Saeveroth. At the summit of the mountain grows a plant called the Starflower. A glimpse of the Starflower in its natural habitat can cure any disease, remove any magical effect, and heal any injury. The plant absorbs so much magic that it glows with an soft, unearthly, starlike radiance.

Localized Phenomena

The weather in the Worldfang's second elevation is extremely stormy in the wet season and extremely dry in the dry season, as is typical for the Stormpeak mountains.

Fauna & Flora

The lower slopes of the Worldfang are jungle-like, with exotic creatures and fruits favored by the Sun Dwarves. One notable fruit is the Jacerfruit, named after Edmund Jacer. It is used by the Sun Dwarves to make a drink called Ja-Rar. Ja-Rar is a greenish, thick beverage with an alcohol content of 37.5%. Many non-dwarves find the drink repulsive, but the Sun Dwarves find it delicious.  The middle environment boasts the infamous Marok Goats, the fearsome Dark Bears and Pit Boars, and the noble Fang Wolves. Many of these creatures bear a similarity to regular animals, except they are tougher, faster, larger, and stronger than their counterparts. A notable exception would be the Fang Wolves. Unlike a regular wolf, a Fang Wolf has poison glands in their mouth, much like a venomous snake. Their venom is called Thermotoxin, as it drains heat from a victim until they collapse from hypothermia. 90% of all bites are fatal, primarily because the helpless victim is killed by wolves after they are too cold to fight back.  Despite their fearsome reputation, a Fang Wolf that bears you a life debt will protect you until either you or the wolf dies. The Fang Wolves are more intelligent than regular wolves, but not as intelligent as a person.

Natural Resources

The Worldfang is packed with precious stones and metals, and the forests around it are famous for Makari Wood. Makari Wood is strong and durable, yet supple and easy-to-work. It is also rather rare, as it only grows on the slopes of the Worldfang. It is horrendously expensive, selling for as much as 40 gold pieces per pound.

History

The Worldfang was first discovered by a dragon whose name has long been lost to history. Many years later, during the heyday of the Arillian Empire, the elves discovered the mountain, naming it Highmount. The elves fought the dragon for control of the mountain, a bloody and prolonged conflict that ended with the elimination of both parties. But then the Nightwatcher arrived in Saeveroth. The mountain was forgotten in the cataclysm that followed. Years later, refugee dwarves settled in the abandoned mountain. They forged seven swords from the core of the mountain; seven Sun Blades that blaze with the radiance of the ball of fire seen from the summit of the mountain. In eras of strife, the blades were lost and scattered throughout the world. The Sun Dwarves still seek the blades, hoping that they may reunite them to bring glory and power to their people.

Tourism

Surprisingly, not many visit the mountain. This may be because of the dangerous phenomenon surrounding the mountain, such as the fearsome beasts and dwarven defenses. Those who do chose to visit the mountain usually come to climb it or to trade with the Sun Dwarves.

Alternative Name(s)

Highmount (Elven)

Type

Mountain / Hill

Included Organizations

• The Sun Dwarves

Owning Organization

The Sun Dwarves