Threatening Valley

Threatening Valley is a river valley carved by River Orgetos, which itself is the remnants of a glacier. The valley sits at the easternmost point in the Devil's Chain Koid, which likely extended further east before the heavy mining industry from ages long past altered the terrain.

The valley is home to the remnants of a series of old mines and collieries, some of which are still burning underground. Some of the Orgetos has been diverted to create healing springs throughout the valley.

Leading southeast to Obsidian Valley, there is a lowland flood meadow which is generally partially submerged, and considered part of the Koidios Road.

To the north is a large gall oak orchard owned by the Catuvellani Lagona.

Many of the “trees” along the obsidian Koidios Road are spoil heaps which have attracted minerals and strange shapes after being corroded by the wind or shaped by storms- Meldstone structures that mimic lightning strikes.

The climate is a mix between humid, scorching  bogs, and dry, hot windswept uplands ravaged by industry and meal contamination. It is one of the few places where the extreme environment stays consistent all year round.

The one area which is mostly exempt from this is the Spinners Plateau, which is occupied by the Kubeleya Gvaneti people and has a cooler temperature with more seasonal variation.

There are a lot of lithic resources such as meldstone, obsidian, iron, arsenic, tin, and copper. While the mines are no longer functional, much of this can be found through foraging with a keen sense, and even more if one ventures into the Devil's Chain Koid where a lot is hidden like treasure troves.

Few crops can be grown or farmed consistently in Threatening Valley so they rely on “tactical trade” (read as: raiding) as well as excursions to the Headless Mountains and oases in the Devil's Chain.

One particular event in recent memory of the inhabitants of the Threatening Valley is Caer Eremos. the ruins of a palace built out of obsidian by the Eresmos, a Sinnox culture who had desired expansion into Kargast and had already occupied the neighbouring Obsidian Valley.

The head commissioner, Danno Solea, had lived in the smaller keep briefly but relying on his partner's oracles to plan future expansions and create a statement piece. It once featured beautiful gardens with plants imported from his home in Meldland, but after they spontaneously combusted one particularly scorching day, Danno and his kin retreated permanantly.

Caer Eremos is now used as a prison for members of nobility, but many of the damaged and half-built parts remain curious grounds of investigation for locals. It is considered the unofficial border between Threatening and Obsidian Valley.

Tourists mainly visit the valley for the use of their hot springs, with Yanganti Springs being most popular. Morigena Springs sits between two Pompila Encampments which tends to scare off travelers, but for a price many mercenaries will offer protection. It is well worth the visit.

The Spinners' Market is another attraction, which is on the Koidios Road and a lovely stop for a day trip. It is run by Gvaneti and operates mainly at night, as the Gvaneti are nocturnal, and a variety of craftwork can be purchased here along with herbal remedies.