The Melting Mountains
The Melting Mountains are a range of peaks located in the eastern region of the continent of Pallidon. Despite being one of the smallest mountain ranges in the world, it is known for its unique characteristics and diverse fauna. The range stretches from the Bay of Sorrows in the north to the Halan River in the south, forming a natural boundary between the two regions.
The name "Melting Mountains" originates from the fact that the range is geologically active, and the snow and ice on the peaks melt throughout the year. The resulting water forms a natural reservoir that feeds into the Cahya River, which flows through the surrounding valleys and forests. The water from this mountain range is highly prized for its purity and healing properties, and many travelers come from afar to bathe in its streams.
Despite the range's small size, it is home to a vast array of mythical creatures and beasts, including basilisks, griffins, and unicorns. The Melting Mountains are also known for their extreme terrain, with steep slopes, narrow gorges, and deep crevasses that challenge even the most skilled climbers. Many legends and myths surround this range, and some say that ancient ruins and lost treasures are hidden within its rocky crags.
Geography
Geographically, the Melting Mountains are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and winding rivers. The range is formed from ancient volcanic activity, which has given rise to steep cliffs and jagged rock formations. The peaks of the range are typically between 2,000 and 4,000 meters in height, with the highest point being Mount Arathea, which stands at 4,356 meters.
The northern portion of the range descends steeply into the Bay of Sorrows, where rocky cliffs meet the crashing waves. The southern end of the range slopes more gently towards the Halan River, with a series of rolling hills and forests leading down to the water's edge.
In between these two extremes lie deep valleys and canyons, carved by centuries of erosion from the mountain streams. The largest of these valleys is known as the Vale of Shadows, which is said to be haunted by spirits and other supernatural beings.
Fauna & Flora
Flora:
- Oak: A large deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves and acorns that are a food source for many animals.
- Beech: A type of deciduous tree with smooth, gray bark and wavy-edged leaves that turn golden in the fall.
- Pine: A coniferous tree with needle-like leaves that produces cones as a seed dispersal mechanism.
- Spruce: A tall evergreen tree with needles that grow individually from the branches.
- Fir: A type of evergreen tree with needles that are attached to the branches in a flat, two-dimensional pattern.
- Deer: A graceful, herbivorous mammal with antlers that are shed and regrown annually.
- Foxes: A small, carnivorous mammal with a distinctive bushy tail and reddish-orange fur.
- Badgers: A nocturnal, burrowing mammal with a white-striped face and strong digging claws.
- Snowshoe hares: A small mammal that changes the color of its fur from brown to white in the winter to blend in with the snowy surroundings.
- Trout: A freshwater fish that is prized for its flavor and is often caught by anglers.
- Salmon: A migratory fish that spawns in freshwater rivers before returning to the ocean to feed.
- Trolls: A creature that is often depicted as a large, ugly humanoid with supernatural strength and regenerative abilities.
- Giants: A creature that is often depicted as a humanoid several times larger than a human.
Natural Resources
- Timber: Eastern Pallidon is home to large areas of forest, particularly in the region of Valgus. These forests provide a significant source of timber for the region's construction industry.
- Salt: The coastal region of east Pallidon has a long history of salt production, dating back several centuries. The salt marshes of the region, particularly in the region of Argia, produce high-quality sea salt that is prized by chefs and gourmands around the world.
- Fish and seafood: The coastal portions of the Melting Mountains is rich in fish and seafood, including sardines, mackerel, oysters, and shrimp. The region's fishing industry is an important source of income for many coastal communities.
- Cattle and dairy products: The Kingdom of Valo is known for its dairy products, particularly butter and cheese. The region's lush pastures are ideal for grazing cattle, and the cows that roam these pastures produce some of the best milk and cream in the world.
- Metal Ore: Pallidon is home to several mineral deposits, including copper, lead, zinc, and tin. These minerals have been mined for centuries and continue to be an important source of industrial materials.
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