Cragshadow Ridge
Northwest of Westkeep, the jagged rise of Cragshadow Ridge stretches for several miles, forming a forbidding natural barrier between the fringes of the Darkwood Forest and the Isendiun River. The high spine of crags rises steeply, its stone flanks sheer and broken, weathered by centuries of wind and seasonal thaw. The ridge casts long, creeping shadows over the old northern road that hugs its base—commonly called the Crag Road—linking Westkeep with the nearest hamlet of Kirkliston.Sun and Shadow
As the sun rises behind the twisted boughs of the Darkwood and makes its slow arc westward, the cliffs of Cragshadow Ridge drink in the evening light before shrouding the road below in shadow. The ridge’s western slopes descend sharply toward the Isendiun River, and in winter, that descent is treacherous—frost clings to the rocks, and avalanches are not uncommon. Locals say the shadow comes early here, and lingers long.
Legends and Superstition
- The Crag Watchers Jagged outcrops atop the ridge resemble hunched figures when the fog rolls through. Travelers say these shapes shift when you’re not looking, and Westkeep children are warned never to point directly at them.
- Rumbles in the Stone Some claim that strange, low rumblings can be heard beneath the ridge on nights when the moon is dark—like a beast stirring below.
- Ruins of the Stoneborne Crumbling outposts and watchstones—some ancient and undecipherable—dot the ridgeline. The Grange Wardens believe these belonged to a forgotten hill folk who worshipped the peaks and left curses for those who would disturb them.
Strategic and Economic Significance
- Natural Barrier Cragshadow Ridge shields Westkeep’s northwest flank and funnels travelers, traders, and armies through narrow passes, making it an ideal defensive position.
- The Crag Road The only traversable route north skirts between the Darkwood Forest and the base of the crags. Bandits, wolves, and worse lurk in this corridor, making it a dangerous stretch—even by Middenmark standards.
- Watchpoints and Warnings Stone stacked cairns along the route contain hidden sounding horns; these are maintained by the Grange Wardens in case of ambush or raiding parties.
Zero explorations
Type
Rock Formation
Multiple Hexes of Influence
0113, 0114, 0115, 0116Nearest Safehaven
Rumors
Aye, the bones o’ the world run deep beneath Cragshadow. Older than kings, older than our blood. Best hope the seals hold — some things were buried for a reason.
A forgotten tower still clings to the highest shoulder of Cragshadow. No lord claims it, and no soul dares stay the night up there. They say strange fires light its halls after sundown."
The Crag Road’s been cursed this season. Caravans vanish into thin air between the forest and the ridge. If you’ve got steel and grit, there's coin for escort work — if you make it alive.
Puts me in mind of many text based games I used to play that have been lost time. Great job evoking some nostalgia with something I have never read before :]