The Spine
The Spine is the central range of mountains and hills that make up the geological "backbone" (hence "The Spine") of the Trotternish peninsula on the isle of Sgitheanach Dubh. The range is a ridge of limestone, basalt, and granite running roughly north to south. The peaks range from 2500 to 7075 feet. These include:
The other major feature of The Spine is the landslips caused by the erosion of the mixed limestone and volcanic basalt. The landslips can make for dangerous footing and travel at times due to the unstable nature of the underlying rock.
| Peak/Feature | Height (ft) |
|---|---|
| Beinn Mheadhonach | 5436 |
| Beinn a'Chearcaill | 5436 |
| The Storr (Old Man of Storr) | 7075 |
| Beinn Edra | 6018 |
| The Cleat | 4570 |
| Quirang-The Needle | 4500 |
| Quirang-The Table | 4500 |
| QUirang-The Prison | 4500 |
| Beinn a' Sga | 3900 |
| Meall nan Suireamach | 5343 |
Geography
The Spine is part of a larger mixed stone range that cuts across
Sgitheanach Dubh and the western reaches of the Tuathalba. The ridge has eroded due to the mixed limestone and volcanic basalt rock that forms the underlying geology. The often columnar nature of basalt has pushed the peaks upwards. As the peaks erode and landslips occur, the region has become spotted with rock pinnacles and karsts. The Old Man of Storr and The Needle (part of The Quirang) serve as excellent examples of the phenomena.
The mountain range experiences occasional landslips (rockfalls and slides) as the ridge pushes upwards. Footing and travel can be dangerous and treacherous at times due to the unpredictable nature of the underlying substrates.
Several major river watershed begin or empty out of both the east and western slopes of the mountains.
Fauna & Flora
The Spine serves as home to numerous clans of Dwarves, Gnomes and Humans. These inhabitants call the mountains "Rock Home."
The Spine is laced by a series of interconnected caves, caverns and passages collectively known as The Lairs, which house the dwarves, gnomes and other underdark creatures. No one has completely explored the extent of The Lairs.
Natural Resources
The mountainous region provides limestone, basalt, and quartz as well a variety of naturally occurring precious and semi-precious gems and minerals.
History
Legend has it that The Spine was once the true backbone of a Rock Giant who fell asleep in the early days of Albanoria and died. His backbone became the ridge of rock, and his head and face became known as The Old Man of Storr.
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