Tobrick Mountains
The Tobrick Mountains refers to a region of rugged highlands and low mountains that cover an area of some 2,400 square miles in the northern portions of the Duchy of Hekmo. While perhaps not a range of mountains in the traditional sense of the words, it is never the less a very rough and broken terrain that covers a very large area of land. The region produces a fine grade of marble that is much sought after for the construction of temples, palaces and statuary. It is also a significant source of mineral and metal ore resources that have mostly gone untapped up until now, when the economy of the Duchy is at an all-time low.
Geography
The Tobrick Mountains are an area of rugged highlands located in the Duchy of Hekmo. Steep hills and valleys make travel through the area very difficult and the entire region is mostly unexplored. Hills and low mountains are covered with thick forests while bluffs and cliff faces are bare and rocky. Countless streams and small rivers flow through the area in winding and confusing courses.
There is a central valley that extends from a narrow pass on the western slope of the mountains and widens out as the valley runs east. This valley is locally known as the Tobrick Vale, and the western end of the valley is called the Coldwood Pass, as it gives an elevated but usable pass from the forests to the west to the wider plains of the east. It is in the center of this less-rugged region of the mountains that one can find the Town of Tobrick.
Climate
Frigidly cold winters with heavy snows and strong winds. Summers are hot, humid and typically quite wet. Heavy summer rains can cause deadly flash floods that can wash out narrow valleys in just minutes.
Fauna & Flora
Thick forests made up of a variety of hardwood trees in the valleys and low areas with conifers and shrubs dominating higher elevations. Where trees cannot grow the terrain is dominated by heather, course grass and thick moss.
The mountains are home to one of the largest populations of Mastodon in all of Imesse, with as many as nine known herds numbering as many as 20 to 30 animals each. The former Duke, Torn am Nari, was particularly fond of hunting the beasts in the early winter, when the bulls were at their most aggressive.
The highlands are prowled by many varieties of dangerous predators, including bears, lions, smilodon, dire wolves, and dragons of various types. In particular, the number of Black Dragons that are encountered here are higher than any other location currently known.
Natural Resources
The Tobrick Mountains are known to produce a particularly fine grade of marble that is much in demand across the Kingdoms. There are several streams and rivers that have produced significant amounts of gold nuggets.
A view of the Tobrick Mountains on a fall morning
A painting of a family of mastodon moving through the Tobrick Mountains
A young Black Dragon is confronted by hunters
