The Mountain of Living Winds

Where whispers of the past mix with the winds of fate.

Overview

The Mountain of Living Winds is a mystical and enigmatic location on Teralt, revered and feared in equal measure. Towering above the surrounding landscape, it is said that the upper peaks, perpetually shrouded in swirling mists and powerful gales, touch the domain of the gods. These gales are believed to be the whispers of old spirits, and it is said that if one listens closely, they can hear the wisdom of ages past.
The mountain is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking power, wisdom, or redemption. It plays a pivotal role in some legends, particularly that of Korangar, the God-Slayer.

Creation

The Mountain of Living Winds was created by Andromeda when the Gaean was growing old and close to passing away. Realizing his spirit would disperse back into the universe if she did nothing, she created the Mountain as a way to keep him with her forever.
The function changed, however, when the first Seeker arrived, seeking the Gaean's legendary wisdom. Upon realizing there was nothing the Gaean could say to help the Seeker, he spoke with Andromeda about granting the Seeker power to help her people. Andromeda gave the Gaean the ability to empower those he saw fit, as she trusted him, but at his request, required a sacrifice from the Seeker, as a final test of her resolve. This became the process for all future Seekers.

Location

Situated in a remote and uncharted region to the east, the exact location of the Mountain of Living Winds is known to few. It is often said that the mountain chooses those that find it, appearing only to the ones destined to undertake its trials.

Mythology and Significance

The mountain is steeped in myth and legend. It is believed to be a nexus of ancient magic, and a gateway to realms beyond mortal comprehension. Many tales speak of its summit holding the secrets to immense power, including the fabled Blessing of the World, which is bestowed upon only the most worthy that climb it. The mountain is also said to be guarded by spirits and creatures of old magic, making the ascent a perilous one.

Geography and Climate

The Mountain of Living Winds is famous for its treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather, and the ever-present, mystic winds that give the mountain its name. The higher one ascends, the more surreal and dangerous the landscape becomes. The climate ranges from icy blizzards to serene, starlit nights.

The Ascent and Trials

Climbing the Mountain of Living Winds is a trial in itself, reserved for only the most determined or desperate. The ascent is both a laborious journey, filled with challenges that test one's resolve, strength, and spirit. It is said that the mountain reveals the true nature of those who climb it, rewarding and enlightening the worthy, but punishing the wretched with madness if they survive its perils.

The Summit and the Blessing of the World

At the summit of the mountain lies the Sighing Shrine, an ancient site where the Once-Blessed— spirits who passed the trial during their lifetime— reside. Here, one can receive the Blessing of the World, a powerful enhancement that greatly empowers the Blessed. But this blessing comes at a cost, requiring the recipient to pledge their eternal soul to the mountain. When the recipient dies, they will become a member of the Once-Blessed, and live eternally atop the mountain to judge future Seekers.
Only one Blessed managed to escape this fate— Korangar. He agreed to offer up his eternal soul once his thirst for vengeance was sated. But because this condition was never met, Korangar's soul was instead sent to the underworld. The Once-Blessed were enraged by this action, and forever look for Korangar's return to the mortal plane, so that he can be punished.

Inhabitants

The mountain is home to a wide variety of beings aside from the Once-Blessed, though most others are natural. Among the lower peaks, however, lives Shi'Att, the Forgotten. Remnants of old magic, creatures twisted in ages long past, also roam the paths, posing unknown dangers to Seekers.
At the bottom of the mountain, there is an old stone city, though no trace of life can be found within it. Seekers sometimes stay within its walls as they prepare for their ascent, though none stay long.

Cultural Impact

The Mountain of Living Winds is the ultimate challenge to mortals, and as such, it is featured in numerous stories, songs, and artworks. It represents the pursuit of power and its consequences when left unchecked. The mountain's trials are a statement and a warning from Andromeda that one must be willing to sacrifice themselves if they wish to truly change the world.

Song of the Whispering Winds

(Verse 1)
In lands afar, where shadows dance,
Beyond the grasp of fate's advance,
Stands a mountain, tall, striking, grand,
An imposing challenge across the land.
(Chorus)
Oh, the Mountain of Living Winds,
Where the sky and earth are pinned,
Whispers call in the night so stark,
Guiding souls in through the dark.
(Verse 2)
Brave the path where spirits tread,
Through veils of mist, the stories spread,
Of Seekers bold and hearts turned cold,
In the pursuit of power untold.
(Chorus)
Hear the Mountain of Living Winds,
In its gales, a tale begins,
Echoes of a hidden truth,
A journey's end, the loss of youth.

(Bridge)
In the tavern's dimming light,
We bards sing of the climbers' plight,
Of Korangar's fateful rise,
Underneath the starlit skies.
(Verse 3)
At the peak, where legends dwell,
Lies a secret none can tell,
Blessings for the chosen few,
Curses for the hearts untrue.
(Chorus)
Sing of the Mountain of Living Winds,
At every end is where it begins,
A place of dreams, of fears, of might,
Wrapped in cloak of endless night.
(Outro)
So raise your glass! Let your voices soar!
To the mountain, myth, and to the lore,
In this humble bard's heartfelt tune,
Underneath the sacred moons.
(Whispered)
The mountain sings, will you heed its winds?

Collected and published by Marosi, Marquis of Music

Type

Geographic Feature

Owner

The Gaean

Characters in Location

• Andromeda