Windswept Highlands
Above the central plains of Terra and west of the Skytouch mountains is a rugged, arid land known as the Windswept Highlands. Few people call this windy, dry place home, but there are a few surprising denizens, just the same.
Hidden high in the heart of these foreboding lands, a Monastery perches between two stone peaks. The monks of the Skygate Sanctuary are renowned for their mystical combat prowess and connection to the raging winds that whip through the dojo and towers of the monastery.
Somewhere west of the Skygate Sanctuary, the remains of a massive, mysterious vessel lays crumpled in a rocky valley. It resembles a massive metal and crystalline spider, its thin legs snapped and bulbous body rent open. The remains of spider-like creatures with eel like heads can be found here, as well as traces of once captured Umber Hulks, now roaming free under the surrounding countryside.
Along the eastern edge of these lands, where they meet the base of the SKytouch Mountains, several entrances to the underground river, called the 'Marduk Kuhn', can be found. The entrances have been long abandoned by their Dwarven creators and are now home to hideous monsters, including trolls, goblins, and worse.
Near the western shore, the ancient and magical tower called "Sideswept" looms over the landscape. The tower appears to have an ancient, Elven design, but also has influences from Human, Dwarven, and even Zamberian architecture. Those sensitive to Arcane power sense strong Conjuration magic from the tower, and it is rumored that this tower, and its twin on the other side of Crater Bay, are linked by powerful Teleportation magic. So far, the tower's remote location and well-sealed doors have deterred explorers from uncovering its secrets.
Geography
The Windswept Highlands consists of rocky plateaus, deep canyons, dusty gorges, and winding paths between them. In the spring months, snowmelt from the eastern mountains that does not find its way to the Silver River rushes down and through the Highlands instead, carving out the rock on its way to Crater Bay.
Rainfall is rare, with sagebrush, tough grasses, and a few sparse trees all that is able to cling to the rocky ground.
The western and northern coasts consist of crumbling cliffs, while the highlands transition into the Skytouch mountains to the east. To the South, the Highlands sweep downward into the grasslands of the central plains.
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