The Copper Summits
The Copper Summits biome is a frigid alpine, rocky and icy with tundra encircling the drops by the peaks that gives way to fir tree lines and scrublands. A big abiotic factor of this region is the extreme temperature as it is one of the coldest biomes along the peninsula. It is so cold because of its extremely high altitudes. It is not uncommon to find temperatures range at the peaks somewhere between -12 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius. The temperature and altitude makes it hard for much of the plant life to survive and the rocky slopes makes it hard for most animals to survive the treacherous terrain. Those animals that do live in the alpines have special adaptations to surviving in the cold, being warm blooded to handle the snow and sunlight from the high elevation.
Ever frozen bodies of water and permanent frozen streams are characteristic, despite very little precipitation falling in this biome.
Ever frozen bodies of water and permanent frozen streams are characteristic, despite very little precipitation falling in this biome.
Localized Phenomena
Alpenglow is an atmospheric optical phenomenon which makes mountains appear to glow in vibrant, warm tones of pinks and reds. The Copper Summits have an anomoly where the coloration grows a vibrant orange with tinges of red hue. This occurs as the sun sets and just before it rises, but only if in the right conditions. There is still speculation as to what exactly alpenglow is, and whether it is caused by direct light from the sun hitting residual moisture suspended in the atmosphere or indirect sunlight as the sun passes below the horizon. Since there are varying theories, the term Alpenglow is not well-defined.
Avalanches, while not common, is a danger present when traversing this region. The quiet and still air can be cur short by a sudden roar of snow careening down the landscape. Those who have been caught in such a situation remark how swimming above the snow was the only thing that kept them alive and those carrying heavy packs better ditch them as soon as possible or risk being swallowed by the icy waves.
Avalanches, while not common, is a danger present when traversing this region. The quiet and still air can be cur short by a sudden roar of snow careening down the landscape. Those who have been caught in such a situation remark how swimming above the snow was the only thing that kept them alive and those carrying heavy packs better ditch them as soon as possible or risk being swallowed by the icy waves.
Fauna & Flora
Dominant flora in the mountain or highland climate include fir trees, perennial herbs like creeping thyme, mosses, lichens, pasque flowers, and dwarf shrubs. Plants keep much of the carbohydrates within their root structure as the harsh climate offers little chance for fruiting. Dominant fauna if the region include mountain goats, marmots and weasels, cave bears, dire wolves, cougars, large raptors, and wild highland cattle. Most of the fauna is found in the scrublands but those that can tolerate the harsh climate higher up find homes in naturally formed caves.
The caverns that can be found dotting the summit hosts their own biome but wise travelers steer clear. Tales of spindly filaments pulling men into the darkness, unearthly shrieks that freeze the blood, and alluring music that compels travelers to walk off cliffs are stories shared by many. One particular tale speaks of a vast chamber with interconnected channels that traverse the whole mountainside. Inside this chamber one can find ruins of an old dwarven settlement long forgotten but now is the home of a tribe of vicious trolls and a hag that revels in tormenting the monster followers. The hag rips limbs off and connects them to other trolls, creating mutated monstrosities that roam the snow caps.
Believed to be a special off branch to the common wyvern, the ice wyverns that populate small patches of the alpines display sexual dimorphism. Males are less robust, agile with stronger jaws, and lack the flight appendages of their mates, their winged arms and body more designed to swim quickly through deep snow. The males also carry a venom known as 'cold blight' that affects the blood flow of those stung. The females are much more muscular and take to the skies with broad leathery wings and thinner icy scales. It is not uncommon to see a female of the species carrying their mate over terrain, dropping them on prey and joining in the hunt soon after. Those who have seen these apex predators from afar remark to keep your distance at all costs.
The caverns that can be found dotting the summit hosts their own biome but wise travelers steer clear. Tales of spindly filaments pulling men into the darkness, unearthly shrieks that freeze the blood, and alluring music that compels travelers to walk off cliffs are stories shared by many. One particular tale speaks of a vast chamber with interconnected channels that traverse the whole mountainside. Inside this chamber one can find ruins of an old dwarven settlement long forgotten but now is the home of a tribe of vicious trolls and a hag that revels in tormenting the monster followers. The hag rips limbs off and connects them to other trolls, creating mutated monstrosities that roam the snow caps.
Believed to be a special off branch to the common wyvern, the ice wyverns that populate small patches of the alpines display sexual dimorphism. Males are less robust, agile with stronger jaws, and lack the flight appendages of their mates, their winged arms and body more designed to swim quickly through deep snow. The males also carry a venom known as 'cold blight' that affects the blood flow of those stung. The females are much more muscular and take to the skies with broad leathery wings and thinner icy scales. It is not uncommon to see a female of the species carrying their mate over terrain, dropping them on prey and joining in the hunt soon after. Those who have seen these apex predators from afar remark to keep your distance at all costs.
"The glory of these alpines during the autumn season is a blessing. Coraxumn's beauty is only belittled by the danger of freezing to death up here."
-Lylian, elven scout and ranger
-Lylian, elven scout and ranger
