Northern Pass
Pronunciation: NOR-thern PASS
Map Index: B-5
Geography: The central area of the Carakoros Range in north central Aorlan
Description: Northern Pass, the sole known pass through the imposing Carakoros Range, stretches across the whole northern part of the continent of Aorlan. The range boasts high dangerous peaks, some exceeding 30,000 feet in elevation, making it a treacherous formidable barrier for travelers who wish to visit the great expanse of the northern lands. Northern Pass lies in the central part of the range, and its southern trailhead begins along the Ordelvaine River, north of the Arnheim keep of Northern Watch, before forking to follow the fast-moving Glittertin River into the mountains.
The journey through Northern Pass starts with steep gorges and snow-capped peaks, becoming increasingly hazardous as travelers ascend. To reach the high point in the pass, travelers must conquer three major mountains. The lowest, Glittertin Mountain, is followed by Sarek Mountain, and the final challenge is Isfjell Mountain, boasting twin peaks named Jotunnhamar and Fornhamar near its summit. On the other side of the pass the mountains are unnamed but like the southern ascent, there are a series of peaks to cross. Rumors say that the rivers beyond are filled with nuggets of gold if you know where to look. Eventually a traveler will reach the cold northern forested hills of Siaga, a wilderness that is visited by few.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: Draorn
Minor Population: None
Climate: The mountainous region is plagued by sudden and violent storms throughout the year. With little warning, storms can blow in with wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Sudden whiteouts are a common occurrence at higher elevations, adding to the dangers of the pass. Northern Pass is only passable from late spring to early autumn. In winter, the severe cold weather and extremely deep accumulations of snow cover all trace of the trail.
Wildlife: Common animals that live on the slopes of the Carakoros Range include elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, pika, and marmot.
Humanoids: The Draorn, a race of cold tolerant humanoids, dare to make the Carakoros Range their home. They are well adapted for life in cold snowy conditions and ride out the long snowy winters in the hand dug ice caves.
The other humanoids found within the mountains are ice gnomes known as Barbegazi. These cold tolerant gnomes live in elaborate underground villages.
Monsters: Large packs of howling wolves and worgs roam the lower slopes, posing a threat to those who dare to traverse the pass. As adventurers venture farther up, they must confront menacing ice trolls and various tribes of giants, not to mention various dangerous monsters who live in these forsaken snowcovered areas. Near the highest peak, rumors say a tribe of Frost Giants guard their territory fiercely, making intruders unwelcome.
History: The Northern Pass has long been a known route for trade and exploration, despite its perils. Seeking wealth, gold miners have undertaken the perilous journey over the mountains to swift streams rumored to be filled with gold.
Today: Northern Pass stands as a challenging and dangerous path, drawing brave adventurers and risk-taking traders seeking to traverse the formidable Carakoros Range. Its majestic yet perilous landscape offers an unforgettable journey, but only those with courage and resourcefulness can hope to reach the other side unscathed.
Map Index: B-5
Geography: The central area of the Carakoros Range in north central Aorlan
Description: Northern Pass, the sole known pass through the imposing Carakoros Range, stretches across the whole northern part of the continent of Aorlan. The range boasts high dangerous peaks, some exceeding 30,000 feet in elevation, making it a treacherous formidable barrier for travelers who wish to visit the great expanse of the northern lands. Northern Pass lies in the central part of the range, and its southern trailhead begins along the Ordelvaine River, north of the Arnheim keep of Northern Watch, before forking to follow the fast-moving Glittertin River into the mountains.
The journey through Northern Pass starts with steep gorges and snow-capped peaks, becoming increasingly hazardous as travelers ascend. To reach the high point in the pass, travelers must conquer three major mountains. The lowest, Glittertin Mountain, is followed by Sarek Mountain, and the final challenge is Isfjell Mountain, boasting twin peaks named Jotunnhamar and Fornhamar near its summit. On the other side of the pass the mountains are unnamed but like the southern ascent, there are a series of peaks to cross. Rumors say that the rivers beyond are filled with nuggets of gold if you know where to look. Eventually a traveler will reach the cold northern forested hills of Siaga, a wilderness that is visited by few.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: Draorn
Minor Population: None
Climate: The mountainous region is plagued by sudden and violent storms throughout the year. With little warning, storms can blow in with wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Sudden whiteouts are a common occurrence at higher elevations, adding to the dangers of the pass. Northern Pass is only passable from late spring to early autumn. In winter, the severe cold weather and extremely deep accumulations of snow cover all trace of the trail.
Wildlife: Common animals that live on the slopes of the Carakoros Range include elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, pika, and marmot.
Humanoids: The Draorn, a race of cold tolerant humanoids, dare to make the Carakoros Range their home. They are well adapted for life in cold snowy conditions and ride out the long snowy winters in the hand dug ice caves.
The other humanoids found within the mountains are ice gnomes known as Barbegazi. These cold tolerant gnomes live in elaborate underground villages.
Monsters: Large packs of howling wolves and worgs roam the lower slopes, posing a threat to those who dare to traverse the pass. As adventurers venture farther up, they must confront menacing ice trolls and various tribes of giants, not to mention various dangerous monsters who live in these forsaken snowcovered areas. Near the highest peak, rumors say a tribe of Frost Giants guard their territory fiercely, making intruders unwelcome.
History: The Northern Pass has long been a known route for trade and exploration, despite its perils. Seeking wealth, gold miners have undertaken the perilous journey over the mountains to swift streams rumored to be filled with gold.
Today: Northern Pass stands as a challenging and dangerous path, drawing brave adventurers and risk-taking traders seeking to traverse the formidable Carakoros Range. Its majestic yet perilous landscape offers an unforgettable journey, but only those with courage and resourcefulness can hope to reach the other side unscathed.