Giant Pass
Pronunciation: GIANT PASS
Map Index: B-4
Location: In the Kheleckoros Range, north central Aorlan
Geography: Giant's Pass, one of the two known passes through the Kheleckoros Mountain Range, lies in the heart of the continent of Aorlan. The Kheleckoros Range is home to the highest mountains in the world, with six peaks exceeding 30,000 feet in elevation. These perpetually snowcapped mountains dominate the landscape, and their steepness makes it nearly impossible for anyone to traverse the range without utilizing the passes. The pass is located in the northern portion of the mountain range. Giant's Pass is fraught with hazards, making it a treacherous journey for those who attempt to cross it. The mountains are prone to great avalanches, especially during spring snowmelt, when vast clouds of snow thunder down the slopes, burying everything in their path. Additionally, massive rockslides frequently occur, blocking parts of the pass and necessitating treacherous climbs through rocky scree.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: Draorn
Climate: The mountain range is subject to sudden, violent storms any time throughout the year but they are especially brutal in the winter. Unwary travelers can be caught off guard, facing fierce winds exceeding 120 miles per hour in exposed areas as well as precipitous drops in temperature in a matter of minutes. Unexpected snowfall is common and whiteout conditions can persist for days at higher elevations. Summer brings some melting of snow and ice at the lower elevations.
Wildlife: Little wildlife can be found above the treeline in these majestic but icy mountains. On the lower slopes, cold tolerant animals such as the mountain fox, dire bear, snow hare, and snowy owl make these mountains home.
Humanoids: The rugged nature of the mountains has kept humanoid populations low. There are no known year round inhabitants. During the warm months of summer, gold miners pan for riches in rapidly flowing, icy streams, though only the bravest miners show willingness to brave the dangers of these mountains.
Monsters: The Kheleckoros Mountains are teeming with dangerous creatures. As one approaches the summit of Giant's Pass, encounters with various giants become common. On the eastern approach, a fierce tribe of frost giants resides, while cloud giants inhabit the western approach. At the very summit, a tribe of formidable storm giants dwell in their rocky citadel. Enormous rocs also find haven in the lower mountain elevations, adding another perilous aspect to the journey.
History: Throughout history, Giant's Pass has been a challenging and perilous route for traders, explorers, and adventurers seeking to traverse the Kheleckoros Range. The Great Cataclysm, an event that shook the world, affected the mountains as well. The Kheleckoros Range grew even higher during this cataclysm, with some claiming that the peaks rose several hundred feet in elevation. The process was accompanied by great earthquakes, further solidifying the legends that describe the treacherous nature of the region.
Today: Giant's Pass stands as a daunting gateway through the towering Kheleckoros Range, attracting only the boldest and most courageous souls who dare to test their mettle against the unforgiving elements and the dangerous inhabitants that dwell within this majestic but perilous realm.
Map Index: B-4
Location: In the Kheleckoros Range, north central Aorlan
Geography: Giant's Pass, one of the two known passes through the Kheleckoros Mountain Range, lies in the heart of the continent of Aorlan. The Kheleckoros Range is home to the highest mountains in the world, with six peaks exceeding 30,000 feet in elevation. These perpetually snowcapped mountains dominate the landscape, and their steepness makes it nearly impossible for anyone to traverse the range without utilizing the passes. The pass is located in the northern portion of the mountain range. Giant's Pass is fraught with hazards, making it a treacherous journey for those who attempt to cross it. The mountains are prone to great avalanches, especially during spring snowmelt, when vast clouds of snow thunder down the slopes, burying everything in their path. Additionally, massive rockslides frequently occur, blocking parts of the pass and necessitating treacherous climbs through rocky scree.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: Draorn
Climate: The mountain range is subject to sudden, violent storms any time throughout the year but they are especially brutal in the winter. Unwary travelers can be caught off guard, facing fierce winds exceeding 120 miles per hour in exposed areas as well as precipitous drops in temperature in a matter of minutes. Unexpected snowfall is common and whiteout conditions can persist for days at higher elevations. Summer brings some melting of snow and ice at the lower elevations.
Wildlife: Little wildlife can be found above the treeline in these majestic but icy mountains. On the lower slopes, cold tolerant animals such as the mountain fox, dire bear, snow hare, and snowy owl make these mountains home.
Humanoids: The rugged nature of the mountains has kept humanoid populations low. There are no known year round inhabitants. During the warm months of summer, gold miners pan for riches in rapidly flowing, icy streams, though only the bravest miners show willingness to brave the dangers of these mountains.
Monsters: The Kheleckoros Mountains are teeming with dangerous creatures. As one approaches the summit of Giant's Pass, encounters with various giants become common. On the eastern approach, a fierce tribe of frost giants resides, while cloud giants inhabit the western approach. At the very summit, a tribe of formidable storm giants dwell in their rocky citadel. Enormous rocs also find haven in the lower mountain elevations, adding another perilous aspect to the journey.
History: Throughout history, Giant's Pass has been a challenging and perilous route for traders, explorers, and adventurers seeking to traverse the Kheleckoros Range. The Great Cataclysm, an event that shook the world, affected the mountains as well. The Kheleckoros Range grew even higher during this cataclysm, with some claiming that the peaks rose several hundred feet in elevation. The process was accompanied by great earthquakes, further solidifying the legends that describe the treacherous nature of the region.
Today: Giant's Pass stands as a daunting gateway through the towering Kheleckoros Range, attracting only the boldest and most courageous souls who dare to test their mettle against the unforgiving elements and the dangerous inhabitants that dwell within this majestic but perilous realm.