Gondolin Crater
Long ago, something fell to the surface of Jorden, near the center of what is now known as Istova. Most say that it was a meteorite - possibly a particularly large particle ejected from Sonnah's rings. Others, however, say that it was something far more fearsome: the tarrasque.
Geography
Once upon a time, the mountains surrounding Gondolin Crater looked more like the edges of a crater. However, tidal forces from Sonnah and terraforming by the druid tribe that founded Gondolin made the edges more jagged. Eventually, a deeper part of Gondolin Crater became Lake Gondolin. There is also Mount Tarrasque, the tallest summit on Jorden, which is in the small range on the northern side of the crater, and the massive cave network resting beneath the city.
Fauna & Flora
Inhabiting the edges of Gondolin Crater are mainly mountain goats and roaming bands of goblins. In the lake are various species of sea life, including a diverse array of fish. In the plains within the crater is mostly grassland, with a few trees, as well as some deer, squirrels and other woodland creatures. Within the city lies mostly humans and dwarves, with a few other humanoid races in very small numbers.
Natural Resources
Gondolin Crater has many underground minerals close to the surface due to the ancient impact. There is also a massive cave network beneath Gondolin which makes many of the resident dwarves feel at home. Geographers believe that this cave network was formed by the melting ice from whatever created the crater, though it is possible that the caves are much older, and were merely uncovered by the impact, or perhaps were created by the founders of Gondolin. These caves expose many metal ores and crystals, and once mined, they create a home for the dwarven population of Gondolin.
Alternative Name(s)
The Ringed Mountains
Type
Crater / Crater Lake / Caldera
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Comments