THE
MOUNT
EVERMOURN
("SJENNERS
KARAMM") |
The tallest of the Caeytharian
Mountains, Mount Evermourn, or Sjenners Karamm (lit. "Unforgotten Suffering")
as the ancient Avennorians
called it, lies closest to Ciosa's Rest, an enormous stone covered area to the
south of the Caeythrian Mountains. It was named after the deceased Glandorian
captain Troi Ciosa, and the name couldn't be more fitting, as it is said that
the mountain mourns his death, hence its name. Surrounded on its western side
by forest, it hardly lacks in an abundance of life. While being surrounded by
life, it is also a haven for many lives, those of the numerous people who make
their home in the underground citadel of Ciosastran below the mountain.
Shrouded in deep mystery and speculation by the world outside its rocky
crevices, Mount Evermourn is a popular place where locals and outsiders come to
gaze up its faces, though they dare not meet its eyes, for fear of seeing into
its soul...
Description. As
one approaches Mount Evermourn looking from Marcogg, they receive a spectacular
view of Kilmaen Peak. Snow-capped, it is quite a sight to behold in the
blistering south. From a distance, the blue colour of the mountain appears
almost as a rich violet shade. One cannot clearly see the countours, ridges,
and jagged outcroppings that may be found closer to the mountain.
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At the base of this grand mountain lies the Twilight Grove, a beautiful wood
with an abundance of life, lush grass, healthy trees, and all manner of wild
flowers and other plants. Also near here is the Twynor Farmsteadings where the
soil is perfect for growing crops and cattle graze on its lush grass. Many have
become lost in the fresh scent of flowers, and the earthy scent of grass. South
of this mountain, the rocky terrain of Ciosa's Rest can be found, a testament
to an old myth of Mount Evermourn.
Located sporadically further up the base of the mountain, the rocky terrain
contains many crevices from years of rain wearing away at the mountain. Many
trees have made a home on its side as well. Lush patches of grass adorn Mount
Evermourn in many places, usually at the base of trees. The rocks there are
loose, and it is not advisable for one to attempt to climb this mountain. Many
men have died attempting to impress a belle by showing their climbing prowess.
A good number of cliffs can be found as you travel up the mountain. The steep
slopes of this mountain contribute to the difficulty of this climb, as do the
slippery rocks.
If one were to fall at any point, they may find themselves impaled on a jagged
point sticking up from the side of the mountain. Higher up, around the
mid-section of the mountain, there is a large crevice on the north side, named
Weeping Fissure. Its name sprung from an old legend that suggested that when
the mountain mourns for Ciosa, its tears flowed freely from this large opening.
The crevice is about ten peds wide, and leads to a surely fatal drop. The
indigo hue of the rocks that make up this mountain give it an air of mystique,
though they are of virtually no value, and are mostly left untouched.
Around the tree line, the grass loses its healthy, green colour, and transforms
into coarse, brown weeds. Past the tree line, there is no greenery to be found.
Snow begins to come into view, and the temperature drops drastically from this
point on. The layer of snow grows thicker the higher up the mountain you are.
Key Locations.
The fascination and magic of Mount Evermourn
however doesn't lie only in what one can observe from the outside, but to a
great deal in what it harbours within. The most important features this
remarkable mountain has to offer can be summarized as follows:
The Kilmaen Peak
Kilmaen Peak, as the most obvious attraction, is shrouded in a deep, heavy-set
snow. Rocks become more smooth at the highest point of this mountain. The tip
is not pointed or jagged, but rather slightly rounded. For reasons unknown,
beneath the snow, the rocks have turned into a bright ivory colour. It is truly
the "high point" of this mountain.
The
Labyrinth of Azhgor
At the base of the mountain on the east side, a few people with a good eye may
notice a small crawl-space that goes into the base of the mountain. Receiving
its name from the Glandorian explorer who discovered it, Telmorosche Azhgor, it
leads to a winding tunnel that takes you further and further down the mountain,
connecting with other tunnels to form a vast labyrinth. These tunnels connect
the Caeytharin Mountains, and even stretch for some distance beyond, even as
far as the Woulton Wold. Legend has it that these tunnels were formed and
sculpted by the ancient Darian men.
The
Azhgorian Ruins
Yet another location discovered by the explorer Azhgor, the Azhgorian Ruins
received their name from this daring man. Some pathways lead up through the
mountain, and appear as if they were created by someone...or something. One can
find the Azhgorian Ruins on this mountain located at its western side. It
consists of bleak, stark, stone buildings, in the shape of cubes, very much
decayed and partially destroyed. There is no sign of life here, and it appears
that whoever, or whatever made its residence here has vanished. In the center
of these buildingss, there is an indented area approximately two
peds across both ways in
the shape of a large, hexagonal gem.
Some believe that this was one of the ancient dwellings of the long deceased
Darian.
The
Crystal Caverns
In yet another chamber hidden deep in the south side of Mount Evermourn, one
may find great beauty. It has been named Crystal Caverns, as a result of the
entire chamber being made of crystals of all colours and kinds. A strange
moon-glow illuminates this place. It is surely amazing. Reports tell of a
Mitharim dwarf using his skills of
perfect pitch to identify that nearly all of these crystal formations are
precious gems. It has been proclaimed
by the Avennorians living in the
Citadel of Ciosastran that no one may ravish this area, as it is one of the few
areas of natural beauty left in the Caeytharin Mountains. Several guards are
posted at one time to deter any seedy jewlers. If any make an attempt to steal
pilfer crystals, the punishment is thirty days of imprisonment, keeping with
the idea of the 'harsh Avennorian
justice'.
The
Frost Cave
Next on the list of chambers is a cavern made entirely of ice, whose entrance
can be found on the north side of the mountain in a small, ordinary crevice.
Not covered in ice, made of ice. How this can be, no one knows. There are
numerous ice formations, and stalactites and stalagmites made of ice. Even a
few columns exist here. The floor is quite slippery, and it is not advisable to
walk on. The ceiling is dome-shaped, and the walls are similarly shaped. It is
quite a breathtaking, or one is tempted to say, breathmaking sight.
The Lake
Glandolan
In the center of this mountain, there exists a gigantic underground sea, Lake
Glandolan. Its vast fresh waters sparkle
from the illumination of the gigantic cavern it is located in. The
waters hold many interesting creatures, such
as the osaki cave fish, the star-frog, and there are even rumors of
wraiths, as well as many jagged rocks.
Under the water, there is a small space that
leads to a separate cavern, with a small area at the top that allows one to
come up for breath. Some have reported to see gold glinting at the bottom, but
those people are despised by others, and thought to have lolly-mind. Of course,
no one can prove them right or wrong as no one has ventured so far below the
depths.
The
Underground Citadel of Ciosastran
In the center of this vast lake, there is a stone island that holds a marvelous
citadel. The ancient Avennorians
called it "Ciosastran", meaning "Ciosa's Home" in the tongue of their
ancestors, honouring the first leader of their tribe. And honoured their
legendary leader can be, as the citadel is everything proud
Avennoria once stood for, and
most of all it is an outstanding demonstration of the tribe's wealth. The
Avennorians built their
magnificent castle inside the mountain from the most precious materials
available, as excessive use of the most valuable resources is what defines an
Avennorian.
There are several bridges made of gold that stretch across the vast underground
lake of Glandolan to reach from the shore to the citadel from all sides.
Precious jewels were laid on the bridges, shaping a walk-way for those who wish
to cross them. A wall of granite surrounds the city, with several heavy wooden
doors representing the entrances. The main door has an extravagant
gold-encrusted diamond placed into it. Inside, houses made of finely coloured
sandstone dot the sides of granite streets, with flecks of obsidian mixed in
with them. Each house is adorned in the most magnificent
Avennorian tradition with many
precious gems, metals and seashells.
Sparklers, minerals that remind one of
sungems, hang of poles, inside of lanterns to illuminate the citadel.
Numerous shops are set up along the streets. Patches of finely cut emeralds,
amethysts, rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and other precious and semi-precious
gems can be found around houses, and
social areas. The ceiling of the cavern sparkles, as if it too were adorned
with gems. Statues of gold, marble,
silver, and bronze dot areas of the city. If none of the other places inside of
this mountain have impressed you, then this most certainly will.
In ancient times the leaders of the
Avennorians met to discuss important matters in Ciosastran, and during the
time of the Vardưnnian Atonement the stalactite caves even became home to many
people who believed that remaining in the eternal night outside would be their
doom. Since then, Ciosastran is more than just an official meeting place, but
has developed to a location for people who seek the different. In the expanded
Ciosastran citadel you will now find alchemists, spell shops for Xeuátans, some
of the most famous smiths and mapmakers throughout the kingdom, who can endow
you with cartographic details from all parts of the known world. Needless to
say the place is an Avennorian
sanctuary that is heavily guarded, so admittance is not for everyone - and if
you are lucky to get in, don't even think of enriching yourself with some
jewelry or gold that greets you there -
Avennorian justice is ancient,
and it is cruel.
Location. Mount
Evermourn, the southernmost part of the Caeytharin Mountains, is located in the
Santharian province of
Manthria in Southern Sarvonia. It lies east of
the Southern Mithrun Trail halfway between Marcogg
and Klinsor, the side road to Ciosa passes its northern
base. From its top, Peak Likmaen, one has a good view on the Adanian Sea to the
east.
People. Inside the
Underground Citadel of Ciosastran, there live numerous inhabitants. As the
glorious citadel was first constructed by the ancient
Avennorians, many of their
(incredibly wealthy) descendants still inhabit the city. It is considered a vast
honour to be able to reside in this city of legend. However, the
Avennorians are not the only ones
who have settled here. The Mitharim
Dwarves are known to have greatly aided the construction of the citadel, so
as is their right, select families were given the opportunity to live in
Ciosastran. Many opened shops of their own, selling rare and precious jewels and
metals, along with weapons of an exceedingly fine craft that one would be lucky
to encounter elsewhere. Thus Mitharim
Dwarves and their craftsmanship that made this place possible to begin with
as well as their legendary artifacts they offer here are essential part of the
citadel's attraction.
Along with the Mitharim and
Avennorians, influential and
especially well-to-do families from several other tribes have taken up residence
in the city. These families consist majorly of those of
Erpheronian descent as they
lived in the area in ancient times, as well as a small number of families of
Centoraurian descent, as some
would not be left out of the wealth and prestige brought to them by taking up
residence in the citadel. One famous family are the
Erpheronian Geletaunts, arguably
one of the most influential noble families in the area. Although revered for
their nobility, most people would prefer avoid them. They are known to be a
family of offbeat scholars who love to perform perverse and queer experiments.
Many fear becoming their next test subject.
Coat of Arms/Sign.
Although there is no singular Coat of Arms for the inhabitants of Mount
Evermourn, many families choose to create and proudly display their own banners
of recognition. This is especially common among shop owners, as it is a perfect
way to advertise their products. Many choose to create their own sign or emblem
to place on their products, as a mark of their industry. This can also be very
helpful when others may try to steal their products, or accuse them of the same.
They can simply refer to the well-known emblem to prove the authenticity of
their products.
Climate. At the base
of the mountain the temperature is quite warm and humid, as it quite frequently
rains over this mountain. There is little wind
this far down, and it is an ideal place to live.
As one goes up, the temperature slightly decreases. The humidity subtley
lessens, and it becomes more comfortable.
About fifty peds below the
tree line, the temperature begins to rapidly drop, and medium winds make
themselves known. There is virtually no humidity, and the
air is crisp.
Past the tree line, rain turns to snow and hail, and high
winds plague the area. The temperature
continues to drop.
Inside of the mountain, the temperature more or less stays comfortably at about
two perics. There are a few
exceptions, where the temperature is either unbearably hot, or frighteningly
chilled.
Flora. Mount Evermourn
enjoys a lovely warm and humid climate at the base of its mountain and in its
forest. This allows for a wide array of healthy vegetation that thrives in moist
climates. Among these are several healing herbs that healers often journey to
collect. There are also several edible plants, such as berries, nuts, and other
fruits.
Fauna. The forest
adjoining Mount Evermourn on the west side is teeming with life. Numerous
chirping insects sing throughout the trees, while all manner of furry creatures
scurry along the forest floor. Inside the mountain, a blind species of cavefish
can be found, as long as an oddity or two. One of these is a cave
wraith that drifts throughout the
stalagtites. Another is the elusive
dragonfly lizard.
Resources. Since the
building of Ciosastran, resources have drastically depleted. A few spots remain,
such as the Crystal Caverns, where there is an abundance of precious and
semi-precious gems. Granite of various different colours can be found throughout
the mountain. The forest at the base of the mountain in itself is a major
resource. Wood is in abundance, along with various berries and healing herbs.
Myth/Lore. Much
about the origins of Mount Evermourn is shrouded in mystery. Not much is known
about it before the time of the ancient Avennorians. It is said that the
deceased Darian men once made their home here, where they were very much in tune
with the spirit of the mountain, and the forest surrounding it. Many say they
enjoyed great peace and prosperity for a time, working with the spirit of the
mountain, and coexisting with it in harmony and trust. That is, until they
betrayed the trust of the mountain spirit. They began to realize the value of
wooden items, and so sought to make them. However, there was only one way they
could do this: By cutting down the trees in the forest. The spirit of the
mountain and the forest were deeply angered by this, and sought vengeance. It is
said that the spirits dragged every last Darian into the
Netherworlds, where they were never seen, or
heard from again...
Many tell of how the deceased captain, Troi Ciosa, was supposedly the only
human in many years to make contact with this
spirit, and to gain its trust. Legend says that they became dear friends, Ciosa
often visiting the mountain and telling the spirit of his great travels. It is
said that when Ciosa died, the mountain spirit grieved its loss of the one human
that it could call friend. For thirty days water poured from a crack in the
mountain, later called the Weeping Fissure. Thus, the
Avennorians named this mountain
Evermourn, to remind others of the eternal suffering of the mountain spirit,
whom would forever mourn the loss of its only friend.
Learned scholars view this as a glorified tale in which Ciosa is made a hero,
and the Darians are made to be at fault. They speculate that this tale came as a
result of the ancient Avennorians'
(Glandorians') belief in spirits. This belief is now almost nonexistent within
their tribe, though a small few still cling to these old ways. Scholars
speculate that what most likely happened in actuality, is that the
Avennorians conquered the
Darians, most likely with brute force involved. The general theory is that this
story was created to suit their believes, and to glorify and cover up the more
practical truth.
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