Kerak Pass
Geography
The valley pass begins in the south, where the land is flat as the Silvervein River travels towards the Whitefin Bay. Journey northward through the pass and you are flanked by the eastern cliff walls near the edge of the Cliffgan Woods. These hills, covered in dense foliage, create a natural barrier between the valley and the deep woods. On the west of the pass, the cliff walls are more overgrown and connected to the Margreave Forest. These cliffs add a grand element to the valley, and the cliffside is shrouded in enchantment and rumored to be the dwelling place of ancient fey spirits. In the valley itself, the Kerak Pass is a wide expanse, stretching between the cliffs that border it. The valley itself benefits from the presence of the Silvervein River, which slowly flows through the valley. Most interesting, the valley and hills are filled with silver deposits and veins that have been exploited for centuries.
Climate
The temperate valley has a climate similar to the forests and mountains nearby, with moderate temperatures throughout the year. Summers are mild, rarely too hot, and winters are cool and snowy. The valley receives moderate rainfall through the year, mostly in the spring and fall, and a moderate amount of snowfall in the winter. The presence of the cliffs nearby sometimes creates strong wind patterns within the valley. The varying elevations in the valley compared to the west and eastern cliffs and the northern mountains can give rise to microclimates. For example, areas close to and on the cliffs experience cooler temperatures and more shade, while open valleys are exposed to plenty of sunlight, and are usually warming.
Fauna & Flora
Plenty of interesting magical and mundane flora and fauna inhabit the valley itself. The Silvervein Trout, inhabiting the flittering Silvervein River. They are prized for their delicate flavor and are known for their strength and ability to go against strong currents. Rockback Bears, sturdy bears that roam the Cliffgan Mountains, sometimes venture down into the valley. Their thick fur, colored to fit the rocky cliffs they live in, keeps them warm in the cold mountains. Ethereal, dragonfly-like creatures that are born from morning mists, Mistwings are common in the valley. Mistwings are smart, and skilled at weaving enchanting illusions to confuse predators. Common also in the Cliffgan Mountains, Cliff Racer are small sized dragon-like creatures that can effortlessly navigate the vertical cliffs of the valley and the northern mountains. Known as pests, these creatures are aggressive and territorial, and often attack travelers.
History
Kerak Pass was officially settled during the Northern Wars, and Kerak Castle is a frontline against attacks from beastfolk raiders and other savage groups in the Cliffgan Mountains. According to local folklore tied to beastfolk and Illuskan nomads, the valley itself is believed to be a barrier between the chaotic magic of the Margreave and the Cliffgan Woods, created by some of the Eldest to keep the forest isolated.
Tourism
Major Landmarks in the Region -
Kerak Castle stands a borderland fort in the very north of Kerak Pass. The riders from the castle patrol the entire valley, keeping mining operations and small villages safe from bandits and beastfolk savages. Kerak Castle is rumored to hold secrets, from legends of hidden chambers and long forgotten treasures concealed beneath it's depths.
Across the Silvervein River is the mining town called Silver Reach, named due to it's prosperous silver mining operation. Despite not being a very large city, it receives a lot of trade and holds many slaves that work in the many mines of the valley. The mining activity in the city has drawn laborers, craftmen, merchants, and smiths of all calibers. Silver Reach has grown significantly in recent years, and some of the most devoted smiths in the empire can be found there.
Beneath the valley are the Shimmerstone Caverns, an expansive underground cave network, known for its luminescent mineral formations. Crystals and gemstones embedded in the cave walls reflect light and create beautiful displays. It is both a natural wonder and a source of valuable gemstones for the region.
Type
Valley
Location under
Owning Organization
Inhabiting Species
