The Serpent's Spine Mountains

Lying at the northern most edge of Vanigraad, forming a natural border between the frozen wild lands of the Dale Lands and the rest of world. Lies a mountain range known as the Serpent's Spine. Many legends, myths, and unexplained disappearances surround this colossal mountin ranges that stretches on for 5,000 miles into the the depths of the Irristal Ocean to the west and into the largely unknown waters of the Laurentian Sea to the east. The soaring snow capped peaks of the Serpent's Spine mean it can be seen from hundreds of miles away with its tallest spire rising almost 27'000 ft into the clouds above. Due to this fact, and that no one has ever returned from attempting to scale it, legends surround this mysterious mountain peak that lies in the heart of the mountains. Known as the Cradle of Giants to both Elves and Humans, it is said that atop it's towering peak lies a city of thunder giants that have existed since before the first migration of the Elves. There are some that live at the roots of the mountains that claim to have seen a city of glistening silver hovering around the Cradle on the rare days the clouds part around it and hold such legends as fact. Though such claims have yet to be validated by any known scholar.
Amidst this sprawling mountain range lie unexplored valleys that are naturally protected by treacherous terrain and passes that remain locked in snow and ice for 11 months out of the year. It is said that they are home to hundreds of dangerous and bizarre creatures never seen by the mortal races of Vanigraad. In addition to these valleys, deep cave systems have openings throughout the Spine Some going so deep that it is believed they lead into the eternal blackness of the Underdark and the even the Nine Hells further beyond. Many of Vanigraad's river systems also have their source amidst the lakes and underground rivers that lie deep beneath the mountains. Though none know exactly how deep each one flows beneath the mountains.
However despite these many dangers, and as a testament to the stubbornness of mortals, folk have still managed to settle in small villages at the roots of the Serpent's Spine, such as the human settlements of Belecosta and Ashmire. Such settlements, though few in number, serve as safe harbor for the many rangers that wander the forests within mountains and the Dale Lands that lie beyond it. The Dwarves too have a city that lies within the depths of the Spine. Bal Lodhir is home to the rune smiths of Gorgrim, Lord of the Forge and to the Slayer clans of King Brugor Grudgebearer. The Slayer clans trade heavily with the human settlements along the Lonely Road at the roots of the mountain, making them one of only two Dwarven clans to do so. Each settlement ensuring the survival of the others, and King Brugor ensuring that they all have enough supplies to survive the harsh snows and the oppressive darkness that comes when winter creeps in.

Geography

• High mountain peaks
• Deep caves and tunnel systems
• Protected valleys
• Five human settlements
• One Dwarf city

Fauna & Flora

The World's Edge is home to many creatures, a vast majority of which have never been seen. But the most common are:

• Deer
• Wolves
• Owlbears
• Goblins
• Dryads

Natural Resources

• Water
• Timber
• Wild game

Type

Mountain Range

Included Locations

• Belecosta