The Rift

The Rift is an unnaturally long split in the Perilous Western Range between the Grand Kingdom and the Essere Kingdom. Though none of the superstitions surrounding the canyon are the same, they are all in agreement that it was not formed by natural events. The mountain range it goes through appears to have been split by an axe creating a deep narrow way. The first to explore the rift never witnessed those that may have formed it, but recognize the signs that someone has been there before the settlers arrived. The path along the bottom of the canyon runs too smooth and straight and the entrances too nicely cut.
The most common belief is that it was caused during some disagreement between the deities and the mountain giants. The giants, controlling the mountains, became too haughty and proud. They began to boast to one another that they controled the island and that nothing could travel between the different regions without crossing the mountains, which is nearly impossible. This pride brought the ire of the deities down upon them in the form of a mighty axe blow, splitting the ridge cleanly in two. No boulder pile, no splintered rocks, no scree fields were left for the giants to work with, just a clean split. The giants in response cursed the gods and moved deeper into the Perilous Divide. Others suppose some great gnomish magic was used to burrow and transport the rock and stone that should be there to some far off land.
Regardless of how it came to be, some of the settlers recognized the strategic importance of such a location. The fortress Rift Keep was carved out of the side of the mountain and build to watch the road. No one can pass without their knowledge. Clearly, the Rift was formed for some unknown reason whether by design or by accident. With no evidence pointing to the party involved, all people can do is create stories to try and account for this odd, unnatural canyon.

Type

Canyon