Southern Pass
Pronunciation: SOUTHERN PASS
Map Index: D-4
Location: South central Aorlan
Geography: Situated at the far southern end, Southern Pass remains one of only two known foot passes through the formidable continent-spanning Kheleckoros Range. Boasting the world's highest mountains, the Kheleckoros Range's steep rocky and snow covered slopes, stand nearly impassible to foot traffic except on these two established routes.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: Draorn
Climate: The mountain pass, though located in the southern region, remains dominated by snowcapped peaks year-round at the upper elevations. During the spring, snowmelt triggers perilous avalanches, with great clouds of snow thundering down the mountainside, leaving destruction in their wake. The region is also prone to massive rockslides, sometimes blocking parts of the pass and forcing travelers to navigate through treacherous rocky scree.
Sudden and violent severe weather threatens travelers throughout the year, with many storms offering little warning to unsuspecting travelers. With winds often reaching in excess of 100 miles per hour in exposed areas and frequent whiteouts at higher elevations, the journey through Southern Pass demands courage and caution.
Wildlife: Common wildlife that can be found below the permanent snow line includes ibex, marmot, snow lynx, and golden eagle.
Humanoids: While many pass through during the summer months, there are no year-round inhabitants along the trail which makes up the pass.
Monsters: The Kheleckoros Range is home to numerous dangerous inhabitants, including many types of giants, especially in the highest elevation areas near the summit. Even more fearsome however, are elusive and extremely dangerous monstrous creatures, which lurk in the unexplored areas of the mountains. Little is known about the creatures of this great mountain wilderness as there are few who dare travel this path and fewer still who survive an encounter with these creatures.
The region's lower mountain elevations provide a haven for enormous rocs, colossal avian predators that are capable of carrying off a horse, and thus adding to the perilous nature of the journey.
History: Throughout history, Southern Pass has been a challenging and hazardous route for those attempting to traverse the Kheleckoros Range. The Great Cataclysm, a worldshaking event, also affected the mountains. During this disaster, the Kheleckoros Range experienced a growth in elevation, with some claiming the peaks rose several hundred feet. This transformation was accompanied by devastating earthquakes, further adding to the dangers faced by those daring to cross the range.
Today: Despite its dangers, Southern Pass stands as a critical pathway through the imposing Kheleckoros Range, drawing the adventurous and intrepid to its daunting slopes and mysterious wonders.
Map Index: D-4
Location: South central Aorlan
Geography: Situated at the far southern end, Southern Pass remains one of only two known foot passes through the formidable continent-spanning Kheleckoros Range. Boasting the world's highest mountains, the Kheleckoros Range's steep rocky and snow covered slopes, stand nearly impassible to foot traffic except on these two established routes.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: Draorn
Climate: The mountain pass, though located in the southern region, remains dominated by snowcapped peaks year-round at the upper elevations. During the spring, snowmelt triggers perilous avalanches, with great clouds of snow thundering down the mountainside, leaving destruction in their wake. The region is also prone to massive rockslides, sometimes blocking parts of the pass and forcing travelers to navigate through treacherous rocky scree.
Sudden and violent severe weather threatens travelers throughout the year, with many storms offering little warning to unsuspecting travelers. With winds often reaching in excess of 100 miles per hour in exposed areas and frequent whiteouts at higher elevations, the journey through Southern Pass demands courage and caution.
Wildlife: Common wildlife that can be found below the permanent snow line includes ibex, marmot, snow lynx, and golden eagle.
Humanoids: While many pass through during the summer months, there are no year-round inhabitants along the trail which makes up the pass.
Monsters: The Kheleckoros Range is home to numerous dangerous inhabitants, including many types of giants, especially in the highest elevation areas near the summit. Even more fearsome however, are elusive and extremely dangerous monstrous creatures, which lurk in the unexplored areas of the mountains. Little is known about the creatures of this great mountain wilderness as there are few who dare travel this path and fewer still who survive an encounter with these creatures.
The region's lower mountain elevations provide a haven for enormous rocs, colossal avian predators that are capable of carrying off a horse, and thus adding to the perilous nature of the journey.
History: Throughout history, Southern Pass has been a challenging and hazardous route for those attempting to traverse the Kheleckoros Range. The Great Cataclysm, a worldshaking event, also affected the mountains. During this disaster, the Kheleckoros Range experienced a growth in elevation, with some claiming the peaks rose several hundred feet. This transformation was accompanied by devastating earthquakes, further adding to the dangers faced by those daring to cross the range.
Today: Despite its dangers, Southern Pass stands as a critical pathway through the imposing Kheleckoros Range, drawing the adventurous and intrepid to its daunting slopes and mysterious wonders.