Frostback Mountains

The Frostback Mountains are a tower range of mountains that run from the banks of the Waking Sea to the uncharted territories in the South.

Geography & Locale

This mountain range forms Ferelden's natural western border with Orlais. A passage to the North leading to Orlais is the only Frostback passage safe for year-round travel. To most Fereldens the mountains are considered highly inhospitable, and yet they house native tribes folk as well as most of Thedas' dwarves. The heights of the Frostbacks are treeless masses of rock and year-round ice. They are frequently shrouded in cold mists and can generate snowstorms out of season, sometimes even at the height of summer. Whether wreathed in fog or easily discerned, the peaks constantly loom over travelers, continually visible above the trees. The middle and lower slopes are heavily forested with coniferous trees: larch, fir, spruce, and a great deal of pine.

Background

The Frostback Mountains have been of great import to the history of Ferelden. It was during "Mad Emperor" Reville's reign over Orlais that he lead chevaliers through the Northern pass to invade Ferelden, enslaving the Alamarri tribes in the process. Throughout the three decades Orlais had rulership over what is now known as Ferelden, the Frostback Mountains was always one of their greatest concerns. During the late spring and summer, passageways open up through the mountain sides that are considered impossible to travel through otherwise. This meant that for about half the year, the Orlesians occupants had no way to get help from their main country if they needed it. When future-king Calenhad Theirin began unifying Ferelden into one singular nation, he leveraged the threat of a harsh winter to force the chevaliers to flee the nation.