The Prayer Mountains
The Prayer Mountain range is a temperate mountain range that dominates the southwestern region of the Kingdom of Kerak on the continent of Alteria. The range stretches from the central part of the kingdom, near the capital city, and runs in a southwestern direction, eventually ending on the outskirts of the Whispering Arrow Woods. The mountains in the Prayer Mountain range are massive and rugged, with towering peaks that stretch up towards the sky. The range is characterized by steep, rocky cliffs, deep valleys, and narrow passes. The terrain is treacherous, with many hidden dangers, such as hidden crevasses, treacherous ice fields during the winter, and steep slopes that can be difficult to traverse.
The climate in the Prayer Mountain range is considered one of the more temperate mountain ranges in Dayne for the majority of the year, though in the winter months it can be harsh and unpredictable. During that time, severe storms and blizzards that can sweep across the mountains at any time. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, bears, and mountain goats.
Despite the challenges presented by the terrain and climate, the Prayer Mountain range has long been a place of significance for the people of Kerak. It is said that the mountains are a place where the early leaders of the Kingdom drew the stone that established the city and many of the settlements in the realm. For the people of Kerak, it is also said that those needing clarity or some type of internal peace can climb to the highest peaks and spend a moment observing the vast landscape below. As a result, many explorers and adventurers make the treacherous journey to the Prayer Mountain range every year to seek information and recover from past difficulties in relative peace.
Fauna & Flora
Flora:
- Alpine flowers: The mountain slopes are covered in a variety of brightly colored alpine flowers, including edelweiss, alpine forget-me-nots, and mountain avens.
- Lichens and mosses: These hardy organisms grow in abundance on the rocks and boulders of the mountainside.
- Coniferous trees: In the lower elevations, there are stands of evergreen trees such as spruce and pine.
- Mountain goats: These sure-footed creatures can be seen scaling the steep cliffs of the Prayer Mountain range, grazing on the sparse vegetation that grows there.
- Wolves: These fierce predators roam the mountain slopes in search of prey.
- Bears: These large omnivores can be found foraging for food in the lower elevations of the range.
- Golden eagles: These magnificent birds of prey soar above the mountain peaks, hunting for small mammals and other prey.
- Marmots: These burrowing rodents can be seen scurrying across the rocks and boulders of the mountainside.
- Snow leopards: These elusive predators are rarely seen, but are known to inhabit the higher elevations of the Prayer Mountain range.
Natural Resources
- Minerals: The mountains contain a variety of minerals, such as iron, copper, silver, and gold. These resources are often mined by the people of Kerak for use in tools, weapons, and currency.
- Timber: The lower elevations of the range contain stands of coniferous trees, such as spruce and pine, which provide a source of timber for construction and fuel.
- Medicinal plants: The alpine meadows and slopes of the mountains are home to a variety of medicinal plants, such as yarrow, chamomile, and St. John's Wort. These plants are often harvested by healers and herbalists for use in medicines and remedies.
- Freshwater: The melting snow and glaciers in the mountains feed streams and rivers that provide freshwater to the people and wildlife of the surrounding areas.
- Hunting and fishing: The mountains are home to a variety of game animals and fish, such as mountain goats, trout, and salmon. These resources provide a source of food for the people of Kerak who live in the surrounding areas.
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