The Great Divide

Overview: The Great Divide, known locally as the Cherny Razlom, is an immense and ancient geological barrier that separates the northern and southern regions of Chernaya. It is a stark and imposing cliff face, rising nearly a mile above the desert below. This natural boundary was once an impassable barrier, but over time, as humans settled the land, it became a literal and symbolic divide between the Southlands and the northern territories.   Origins and Significance: The origins of the Great Divide are tied to the early days of human settlement in Chernaya. According to myth and legend, when humans first arrived as permanent residents, the Feyn had already claimed the North, a space between dream and death that mirrored their first home. The Southlands were once known as the Borderlands, a kind of barrier against further incursion. As human settlements grew and spread, the Borderlands began to solidify, turning into a vast desert, and the barrier that separated the north and south became physical.   This monumental cliff face has since defined the geography of Chernaya, with the southernmost portions of the kingdom perched atop the Divide and the northern regions surrounded by steep mountains and plateaus that descend abruptly into the oceans below. Like the Andean Plataeu in South America or the Tibetan Plataeu in Asia, all of Chernaya and the lands of the North sit at some considerable elevation.    Geography and Landscape:

• The Cliff Face: The Great Divide is an enormous cliff that stretches across the continent, nearly a mile high. It is a stark and desolate landscape, with the southern edge of the kingdom sitting atop it. According to the Chernayans, the desert that lies below the cliff is a harsh and inhospitable place, difficult to traverse and said to be largely uninhabited save by a few barbarian tribes that are best avoided.
• Northern and Southern Regions: The Southlands, sitting atop the Divide, are more fertile and temperate, supporting much of Chernaya’s agriculture and population. In contrast, the northern regions are rugged and isolated, with steep mountains and plateaus that drop suddenly to the oceans below. The North is known for its harsh winters, dense forests, and treacherous terrain, making it a difficult and dangerous place to live.

Cultural and Historical Impact: The Great Divide has not only shaped the physical landscape of Chernaya but also its cultural and political divisions. The barrier between north and south has fostered a sense of separation between the regions, with limited cultural exchange due to the difficulties in travel. The dangerous ocean passages around the continent from Rostova to Banqu are the only viable routes for trade and communication, further reinforcing the divide between the Southlands and the North.   Strategic Importance: During the reign of King Belgarion, the Great Divide remains a significant strategic location. Fort Highmount Highmount (aka Fort Ozbekov), perched on the edge of the Divide, serve as key military outposts, though they are often seen as undesirable postings for the Regiment. These forts provide a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, but their remote and isolated locations make them challenging assignments for those stationed there.