The Orinsloft Caves are located in the Orinsloft Gorge. Legend has it that the Last Dunheuvelin Dragon was hidden in the cave system during the Invasion of
Kredashmi.
Geographic Context
Cut by the River Outvons, the sandstone gorge is located near to the town of Orinsholm. Situated on the northeastern tip of the Fertile Planes, the Orins Flats above the gorge are unique in their protected status, meaning farmers are banned from farming this lands for 5miles (8 km) on either side of the gorge.
The Legend of Orinsloft Caves and the Dragon
There is a legend, common amongst residents of Orinsholm, that several of the villagers had been tasked with the care of a fledgling dragon that had been smuggled out of the Vuurfeld after the Final Battle for Kredashmi. It is said that it made its home in the Orinsloft Caves. Although the dragon was only meant to fly at on moonless nights, there are legends of the creature escaping the cave on other nights in a month, and causing panic amongst locals that its attempts at hunting local wildlife and livestock would attract the attention of Raskvaerii scouts.
It is claimed that hooded figures would sometimes be seen climbing the remote paths up to the cave entrances. This is rumoured to be members of the old Dunheuvelin family, particularly the sons of Earl Ulrich Dunheuvelin: Otto, Gerard and Cadfiell. It is claimed that as the Battle of Alahnis drew nearer, a figure could sometimes be seen sitting astride the dragon, which is assumed by residents to have been Gerard himself.
A Dragon Named?
Some believers of the legend are adament that the Last Duheuvelin dragon was actually Laisrén. Others claimed that after the death of Laisrén, his mate was smuggled out of the Vuurfeld for safe protection. To this day, some locals claim that a dragon still flies in the skies above the Orinsloft Gorge - it is claimed this is the offspring of the Last Dunheuvelin Dragon. Most people reject this claim.
Explorations and excervations
Excervations and explorations of the cave systems have revealed little evidence of a large animal making the caves its home. However, as the residents of Orinsholm refuse to abandon their legend, and the Dunheuvelin family claim ignorance as to the whereabouts to the dragon's location prior to the Dunheuvelin Rebellion, the legend continues.
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