Glass Mountains
As we sailed over the mountaintops, we took a moment to stop and really take in the scenery. Sure it's cold as hell, but damn the sight was something else. We took our time as the afternoon sun cast the area in a super bright glimmer as it bounced off the fresh snow and ice. It was practically blinding. I'll have Treasure dock nearby so we can take some time to explore and check out the ice tunnels I heard about. I'll update after lunch.Both beautiful and potentially dangerous, the glass mountains range stretches over a portion of the northernmost island of Aibonora. It is covered in thick snow and ice year round. There are a few settlements located here, but the terrain is hard to survive in otherwise. They were named for how the surface shines in the light along with the sections covered in thick ice slabs that form tunnels and archways. It provides a natural divide between the Frost Haven Resort to the north and the Fairberry Forest to the south.
Climate
Even on the sunniest day in summer, the air here is fairly cold like the rest of the island. It snows at least twice a week. In the lower regions of the mountains, nasty ice storms are common in mid to late summer. Travelers are advised to bundle up properly and protect as much exposed skin as possible, especially if they're not acclimated to snowy climates. Frostbite and hypothermia are easy to get if one is not careful.
Flora and Fauna
Despite the frigid weather, there are numerous species that call these mountains home. In the lower regions there are hardy, ice resistant grasses that help feed the herbivores. Scattered throughout the range are also bushes full of frost berries that produce fruit year round. There are also patches of pine and other evergreen trees that are well suited for the harsh weather. Mountain goats with thick fur roam the peaks along with large snow cats, ice drakes, wolves, elk, and even llamas. There are also some smaller critters like rodents and rabbits that live closer to the trees on the lower levels. Various raptors, snow owls, and similar birds of prey can sometimes be seen soaring above the mountains or nesting in the pines. Aside from the usual animals, there have been sightings and rumors of other beasts roaming the mountains like the yeti and other monsters.It has been three days since I got separated from my group on our way back to Skywatch. It was supposed to be a quick hunting trip, but a storm picked up out of nowhere and I lost sight of them. I'm almost out of food and the snowfall only grows heavier. I have set up shelter tucked away into an alcove among the ice. The normal beasts do not frighten me. I have enough energy and components to fend them off with spells. What does concern me, are the large bipedal footprints I spotted nearby. I cannot last much longer like this. I shall force myself through the storm and hope to make it back as soon as the sun rises.
Type
Mountain Range
Llamas!!! This place sounds both beautiful and dangerous. The journal entry at the bottom is particularly ominous. I really love the sound of ice tunnels, though!
Explore Etrea | Reading Challenge 2025
Thanks! I loved the idea of naturally formed ice structures and such. There may or may not be a yetti lurking about those peaks, hehe.