Qal Sisma Mountains

Geography

Qal Sisma Mountains are the time worn remains of a desiccated plateau that was cut through by steep valley rivers and seismic activity. Volcanoes burst through snow and ice to form new mountains. The rocky highlands of the mountains rest on are littered with boulders and broken ruins, including a number of crude cairns and barrows left by ancient shamans. Moving further into the highlands, the land becomes draped in coniferous forests that gives way to bare rock of the tree line of the mountains. The region's rock structure is composed primarily of granite, upon which rests a thick layer of sedimentary rock left over from a period of glacial melting that covered much of the plateau with a shallow sea. When the climate cooled again, the waters receded and seismic action accelerated the process of petrification. The result being that the mountain range is riddled with numerous limestone caves and boulder fields, which are sometimes exploited for shelter or as areas of shamanic worship and meditation.

Locations

Ayagor, the Dragon's Bowl. The spot where Atarka first settled has become a central gathering place. Known as Ayagor, it is a shallow, high valley whose ice melted completely. It resembles nothing so much as a huge dinner platter. This is no accident. The dragon commands her followers to attend her and to feed her here, where she carefully counts her living possessions.
Dragon's Throat. Deep within the mountains is a high, winding valley that once held a glacier but has since been exposed. Winds blow through this valley nearly constantly, and the windward end is much wider than the leeward end. The result is a continuous wail that is known as the Voice of Dragons.
Qadat, the Fire Rim. A volcanic chain that the Efreet of Tarkir call home. With the promise of spreading the glory of fire to all the world, Atarka was able to bring the Efreet under her banner.

Localized Phenomena

Seismic activity is not uncommon within the Qal Sisma Mountains. Earthquakes and eruptions reshape the cracked and scarred landscape. Avalanches of snow and broken rock tumble down mountainsides, rerouting the course of valley rivers. One of the most unique features of the Qal Sisma Mountains, is the presence of elementals. Powerful spirits of nature, that in times long ago, shamans of the forgotten Khans were well versed in communing with. These manifestations of the forests, snow, ice, and fire are birthed along with dragons from the energies of the dragon tempests. The thawing of the glaciers has driven many elementals from the former Temur lands.

Whisperwood Elemental by Raymond Swanland

Fauna & Flora

Coniferous forests of larch, spruce, fir and pine cover the lowers slopes and surrounding highlands of the Qal Sisma Mountains. These evergreen forests consist of closely spaced trees and mossy ground cover. In forest clearings, shrubs and wildflowers are a common find. The vegetation of the region have developed a number of adaptations for surviving the harsh Qal Sisma winters. The boreal forest, or taiga, supports a relatively small variety of animals due to the harshness of the climate. With one notable exception being the large number of herbivorous mammals, such as moose, reindeer, snowhorns, and elk. Bears are another common sight in the region, being held in special regard by some members of clan Atarka. Megafauna such as mammoths have largely been driven to extinction by the voracious appetite of Atarka and her drgonflight. Mammalian predators of Qal Sisma include the arnyx, badger, saber tooth tigers, and wolves.