The
Padequia Mountains are a large circular chain of mountains in the center of
Haradren Gaer Arnad, which surrounds the
Valley of the World Tree.
Only a few main passes allow travelers to pass through the chain into the valley. To the west leads to the city of
Aglonoth and is protected by the High Elves, and to the east leads to the
Aelglad Lake and is protected by the Wood Elves.
Description
The range was raised as a defensive measure during the
Great War, and since that time it has been a major landmark of the elven homeland. However, the mountains' unusual origin has lead to problems in the Fourth Age and Fifth Age, with unstable effects, tremors, and tunnel accesses leading to lands once safe.
Tunnels run through parts of the range, most of which are unknown, unmapped, or changed due to tremors and collapses. The roots of the
World Tree can be seen reaching through some parts of the tunnels.
According to legend, these roots can bud great leaves of tremendous healing power, which is said to be where the chain earns its name.
History
The Third Age: The Age of Zenethia
During the
Great War, the great druids and mages of the elves raised a ring of mountains to protect the
World Tree. The passes and tunnels created would prove fundamental in the elven defense of their lands during the war, though the lands not protected by the range suffered much.
The Fourth Age: The Age of Shadow
In 4A 995, the
Zenethian Heroes passed through a series of tunnels beneath the mountains and used an explosive to blast an accessway into the valley of the World Tree.
