The Valley of Grimalden

"So, please tell me what is so special about this... Grimalden Valley." "Shut it! Don't let anyone hear you call it that. This is the Valley of Grimalden and nothing else." "Why is that so important? It's just a name." "It's so important because people who call it that don't come back from their visits."

Geography

The Valley of Grimalden is a deep valley located between two large hills at the foot of the Anchorn Mountains. A large stream splits off from the nearby river to descend into the valley, where it meets with a natural spring. Together, these two water sources keep the valley from drying out in anything but the most extreme conditions. The natural hills, deep forest, and spring all keep the valley at a fairly consistent temperature, if slightly cool most times of the year.

Fauna & Flora

The Valley of Grimalden is filled with plants from the area and even some that aren't but were instead brought by pilgrims. Due to the nature of the valley, particularly hardy plants that are normally killed by the winter freeze can survive in some locations in the valley, giving a unique and spring-like effect most times of the year. Additionally, despite many expectations, there are a surprising variety of both prey and predators within the valley. It is in fact more uncommon to not see a predator (such as a bear or wolf) on a visit than it is to see one. Despite this, very few of these creatures are recognizable, as they seem to make similar pilgrimages to some of the people that visit the valley. None of these creatures are able to explain the disappearances that sometimes occur within the valley, particularly among those who refer to it as Grimalden Valley. This has given rise to rumours that some extraordinarily powerful creature referring to itself as Grimalden has claimed the valley as its territory. Particularly creative rumours include ideas that the entire valley is a single living creature or that there is a secret order hidden in the valley calling themselves the Grimalden.

Alternative Name(s)

Absolutely not Grimalden Valley!

Type

Valley