Eronar

The Mountainous Heart of Eronar

The heart of the realm is dominated by jagged mountain ranges that pierce the sky. These towering peaks are capped with snow and are traversed by deep, winding valleys shaped by ancient glaciers. Steep cliffs, icy waterfalls, and craggy ridgelines are common, creating dramatic scenery. The glacial valleys have left behind vast cirques and hanging valleys, which now host pristine glacial lakes. The waters in these lakes are crystal-clear and cold, nestled between the mountains like hidden gems.

The mountains themselves are rich in granite, forming the ancient backbone of Eronar’s peaks. This speckled stone is quarried for its strength and beauty, often used in fortresses and temples carved directly into the mountainsides. Along the volcanic scars of the realm’s past, basalt juts up in jagged columns and dark veins, its dense, black formations winding through the lower valleys like frozen rivers of stone.

The region is home to Sitka spruces and Douglas firs, their towering forms punctuating the high-altitude forests. These hardy trees, alongside smaller Subalpine firs, provide shelter to a variety of wildlife, including wood owls that silently glide through the cool, shaded branches, and elusive brown bears that roam the rugged terrain. The glacial lakes reflect the mountains in their crystal-clear waters, feeding into the Silvered Rivers, which shimmer with an unusual, silvery hue, their swift waters carrying the chill of the eternal twilight.

At the highest elevations, broad plateaus stretch across the land, windswept and barren, their rocky surfaces broken only by sparse vegetation such as tussock cottongrass and hardy Lodgepole pines. These plateaus are layered with slate, the fine-grained stone splitting naturally into shingles used in mountain settlements and sanctuaries. Along steep cliffsides and eroded valleys, layers of shale and limestone are exposed — brittle and weather-worn, these stones mark the earth's shifting memory, and some formations hide cavernous hollows and hidden springs deep within the rock.

These plateaus are often home to hippogriffs, who soar above the ridgelines or perch on rocky outcrops, ever vigilant and majestic.

The Alpine Meadows and Forests

Below the jagged peaks, the terrain transitions into expansive alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and grasses. Raspberries grow in sheltered patches, offering a burst of sweetness against the cold backdrop of grasses and wildflowers. The meadows are often bordered by dense forests of Douglas firs, Balsam firs, and Lodgepole pines, which shelter elk and wild boar that forage for berries, grasses, and tender shoots.

Within these fertile highlands, clay deposits lie hidden along riverbanks and lowland slopes, shaped by centuries of glacial runoff. Locals collect the soft earth to create pottery, roof tiles, and ritual vessels, their surfaces often etched with the runes and wildlife of the mountain. The clay is a vital resource for the riverside communities that dwell in the shadow of the peaks.

These forested areas are rich in life, with bracken ferns and lady ferns blanketing the forest floor, offering cool shelter for smaller creatures. In the forest’s quiet depths, brown bears often hunt for Coho salmon or fish for Glacier Trout in the glacial rivers, while otters play along the shores of lakes and streams, delighting in the abundant fish life. Love swans glide gracefully across the surface of the lakes, their haunting calls echoing across the valleys, their presence a symbol of the tranquility that can be found even in this untamed wilderness.

The Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands

The rivers of Eronar are fast-flowing and wild, carving their way through the rugged landscape in powerful torrents. These rivers are fed by glacial meltwater and are home to a variety of aquatic life. Cattails and reed grass grow along their edges, their dense stands stabilizing the banks and providing shelter for small herbivores and insects. The water is clear and cold, and fish like the Crystalfin and Glacier Trout swim in abundance, their shimmering bodies often visible just beneath the surface.

Along the slower-moving streams and ponds, watercress thrives in the nutrient-rich waters, offering sustenance to both aquatic creatures and the people who make their homes in the fertile valley floors. In the shallows, duckweed forms a thick carpet, oxygenating the water and providing cover for small fish, while otters and swans feed on the rich bounty.

Eronar’s lakes are among its most beautiful features. These lakes, with their pristine waters and ancient myths, are often surrounded by Balsam firs and fern moss, which blanket the damp earth with their soft, velvety textures. In some of the lower limestone cliffs and hidden grottoes, mineral springs bubble up from beneath the rock, their waters clear and cold, believed by some to hold healing properties.

Eternal Sunset

The realm exists under a constant twilight, where the sun lingers forever near the horizon. The unique position of the planet - tidally locked and unable to rotate - creates a land of perpetual sunset. The light from the sun is warm and diffused, casting long shadows and giving the landscape a soft, golden hue. The absence of a day-night cycle and seasons means the ecosystem has evolved in unusual ways. The skies, while always dimly lit, still experience some subtle changes in color as magical forces in the world subtly shift the intensity of the sunlight.

Immovable Climate

Without seasons to govern the weather, the climate remains relatively stable, but not without its peculiarities. The constant, low-angle light creates cool, prolonged twilight evenings, where temperatures hover in a delicate balance. In some areas, the climate is warm enough to foster lush coniferous forests with spruce, fir, and pine, which thrive in the gentle twilight. Other regions, such as high plateaus or valleys, may experience cold, damp weather that is never harsh but consistently cool, contributing to the growth of hardy flora like ferns, moss, and the native raspberries that grow in clusters along riverbanks and forest clearings.

Flora

Foods

• Raspberries: These tart and sweet berries thrive in the alpine meadows and forest clearings of Eronar. Their vibrant red fruit grows in clusters on thorny brambles, offering a prized treat for both animals and adventurers who roam the wilds. The plants tend to flourish in sheltered spots, where the soil is rich and the microclimate is slightly warmer.
• Rice: Rice grows in Eronar’s lowland wetlands and terraced paddies near the Silvered Rivers, where glacial meltwaters enrich the soil with minerals. The rice is a staple food — steamed, boiled, or ground into flour — and often served alongside roasted trout, mushrooms, or herb stews. While not native to the mountains, it thrives in the realm’s valley floors where warmth and moisture persist year-round.
• Roselight Grapes: Roselight Grapes are a native variety of pink grape that grows in Eronar’s sheltered alpine valleys and along the sun-kissed slopes of high meadows. With thin, translucent skins and sweet, aromatic flesh, they shimmer faintly in the perpetual sunset, as though glowing from within. The grapes are prized for their use in Roselight Wine, a semi-dry varietal known for its floral notes and subtle wild raspberry undertone.

Evergeens

• Sitka Spruce: Towering trees with slender, straight trunks and spindly branches, Sitka spruces are well adapted to the cold, wind-swept conditions of Eronar’s higher elevations. Their needles are long and dark green, and they produce small, papery cones. These trees form dense groves in the sheltered subalpine forests, where they offer refuge for a variety of wildlife, including owls and elk, while their wood is highly valued by the local communities for its resilience and flexibility.
• Douglas Fir: A symbol of strength and endurance, the Douglas fir is commonly found in the mid-to-lower regions of Eronar’s alpine forests. With its dense, deep green needles and smooth bark, it stands resilient against the harsh conditions of constant twilight. The Douglas fir plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat for birds, small mammals, and even large predators like bears who use it as cover.
• Subalpine Fir: Preferring the cooler, higher altitudes, the Subalpine fir is a smaller, hardier cousin of the Douglas fir. Its silvery-blue needles and compact, conical shape make it well-suited to the harsh, snowy winters of the region. Found in the subalpine forests, these firs offer shelter and food for many species of wildlife, their branches heavy with cones that feed small mammals. Its resin-rich bark, when carefully stripped and dried, produces a warm, spicy fragrance. Known as cinnamon, it is brewed into teas or added to baked goods and stews to create a comforting, slightly peppery warmth.
• Lodgepole Pine: Lodgepole pines are a common sight along the lower ridgelines and plateaus of Eronar. Their straight, tall trunks are topped with a tuft of long, slender needles, and their bark is fire-resistant, allowing them to survive in areas prone to occasional wildfires. The trees grow in dense stands, often forming thick, straight forests that are home to squirrels and elk.
• Balsam Fir: Known for its aromatic needles and soft, resinous bark, the balsam fir is a characteristic tree of the northern forests in Eronar. Its dense, dark green foliage gives off a rich fragrance, especially when bruised, and it thrives in the cool, misty valleys. The balsam fir is often found near the pristine lakes and rivers, where its roots help anchor the soil and prevent erosion.

Mosses and Ferns

• Fern Moss: A soft, velvety ground cover that blankets the damp forest floor, fern moss thrives in the cool, shaded understory of Eronar’s woodlands. Its deep green hue contrasts with the pale stone of the rocky terrain and provides a habitat for small creatures. The moss helps retain moisture in the air and soil, contributing to the lushness of the environment.
• Lady Fern: The delicate fronds of lady ferns unfurl in the cooler, shaded regions of Eronar’s forests, often near streams and ponds. Their finely dissected leaves form a soft green carpet that gives the forest floor a lush, almost enchanted appearance. These ferns play an important role in the local ecosystem, helping to create microhabitats for small creatures.
• Bracken Fern: Larger and more robust than the lady fern, bracken ferns thrive in the open meadows and forest edges of Eronar. Their broad, triangular fronds can reach impressive heights, often growing in dense, sprawling patches that dominate the lower altitudes. Though they are toxic to some herbivores in large quantities, they provide food for smaller animals.
• Common Polypody: A hardy fern found in the rocky outcrops and cliffs of Eronar’s mountain ranges, the common polypody clings to the damp, shaded surfaces with its thick, leathery fronds. These ferns are resilient to the harsh winds and cold temperatures of the high-altitude regions, and their presence on the craggy rocks creates a stark contrast against the barren, wind-swept surfaces.

Grasses

• Tussock Cottongrass: Tussock cottongrass grows in the wet meadows and boggy areas of Eronar, forming dense, tufted clumps crowned with soft, cotton-like seed heads. It thrives in the cool, damp conditions of the glacial valleys, stabilizing the soil and absorbing excess moisture. The fluffy seed heads, swaying gently in the twilight breeze, provide habitat for small birds and insects, adding an ethereal touch to Eronar’s wetlands.

Flowers

• Northern Blazing Star Grass: Northern Blazing Star Grass grows in the alpine meadows of Eronar, its slender leaves forming dense tufts beneath vibrant purple flower spikes. Thriving in rocky, nutrient-poor soils, it attracts Hummingbird Hawk-Moths and provides shelter for small wildlife. Its bright blossoms contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peaks, offering a splash of color in the highlands' cool, twilight landscape.
• Arctic Lupine: Arctic lupine is a vibrant wildflower with tall spikes of purple to blue flowers, growing in the cool, moist meadows of Eronar’s highlands. Known for its striking color, it thrives in rocky, nutrient-poor soils and attracts pollinators like Hummingbird Hawk-Moths. The lupine’s nitrogen-fixing roots enrich the soil, benefiting surrounding plant life, while its blossoms brighten the alpine landscape.
• Wild Geranium: Wild geranium, with its delicate pink to purple flowers, is a common sight in the shaded edges of Eronar’s subalpine forests and meadows. It thrives in the cool, damp conditions of the valleys and provides nectar for Hummingbird Hawk-Moths. The plant’s soft, lobed leaves and cheerful blooms create a calming presence in the lush forest undergrowth.
• Pink Mountain Heather: Pink mountain heather is a low-growing shrub with clusters of bell-shaped pink to purple flowers that bloom in the alpine meadows and rocky slopes of Eronar. This hardy plant thrives in acidic soils and adds vibrant color to the rugged terrain. Its nectar attracts Hummingbird Hawk-Moths, and its dense growth provides shelter for small creatures in the harsh mountain environment.

Fungi

• Oyster Mushrooms: Growing in elegant, shelf-like clusters along fallen logs and the decaying trunks of Sitka spruces and Douglas firs, Oyster Mushrooms are a common but treasured sight in Eronar’s shaded woodlands. Their pale grey to soft ivory caps blend seamlessly with the misty forest floor, and their delicate gills fan out like the underside of twilight clouds. Thriving in the moist, temperate air of the subalpine forests, they are gathered by foragers for their mild, slightly anise-like flavor. Oyster Mushrooms are often cooked into stews or dried and added to traveling rations, where they provide both nourishment and a hint of the wild woods’ aroma.
• Button Mushrooms: Small, round, and snow-white, Button Mushrooms flourish in the soft, rich soils of glacial valleys and forest clearings, especially where the ground is blanketed in fern moss. Often found in clusters near the bases of Lodgepole pines or beneath thick bracken, these mushrooms are a staple food across Eronar. Easy to cultivate and quick to grow, they’re commonly used in hearth-cooked meals and traded in twilight markets. Their smooth texture and mild flavor make them versatile in soups, sautés, and hearty rice dishes prepared in the quiet homes of riverside communities.

Aquatic Plant Life

• Cattails: Growing in the wetlands, ponds, and shallow lakes of Eronar, cattails form dense stands along the edges of waterways. Their tall, slender stalks are topped with characteristic brown cylindrical flowers, and they play a vital role in stabilizing the edges of lakes and rivers, preventing erosion. The plants also provide habitat for swans and otters, while their roots are an important food source for many creatures.
• Watercress: Found in the cool, fast-moving streams and river edges of Eronar, watercress grows in dense patches of vibrant green leaves. Its peppery flavor makes it a favorite food of both aquatic creatures and the people who inhabit the realm. Often growing in shallow, clear waters, the watercress serves as an important part of the food chain, providing sustenance to fish and other small aquatic creatures.
• Reed Grass: Tall, sturdy grasses that sway in the constant twilight winds, reed grasses grow in the fertile soils near wetlands and the shallow edges of lakes and rivers. Their long, slender blades create dense clumps that provide shelter and food for many animals, including small herbivores and insects. The reeds also help filter the waters of Eronar, keeping the aquatic environments clean and thriving.
• Duckweed: A tiny, floating plant that covers the surfaces of ponds and slow-moving rivers in Eronar, duckweed forms a thick green carpet on the water, helping to oxygenate the aquatic environments. Its presence is essential for the small fish that live in these waters, as it provides cover and a source of nutrients. The tiny flowers of duckweed add a subtle beauty to the otherwise tranquil waters.

Fauna

Mammals

• Brown Bears: These formidable predators are a prominent feature of Eronar's alpine and subalpine forests. Large and powerful, brown bears roam the mountainous terrain, often found near glacial lakes and rivers where they hunt for fish like Glacier Trout and Silver Salmon. They are solitary creatures, with thick fur that helps them endure the chill of the constant twilight. Brown bears are also known to forage for wild boar and elk.
• Elk: Majestic and hardy, elk are a common sight in the meadows and forests of Eronar. With large antlers, they roam in herds, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and berries. Elk are well adapted to the cool, misty environment of Eronar, where they use the thick subalpine forests for shelter and the alpine meadows for grazing. Their keen senses and strong legs allow them to navigate the rough terrain, and they are often seen near the crystal-clear lakes and river valleys.
• Wild Boar: Resilient and tenacious, wild boar are a frequent presence in the lower altitudes of Eronar. These herbivores root through the dense underbrush and meadows in search of food, like raspberries. Their tough, bristly hides help protect them from the harsh conditions of the land, and they are adept at navigating both the rugged forest floors and the open, wind-swept plateaus. Wild boar often forage in groups, and their presence is critical in maintaining the balance of Eronar’s ecosystems by controlling the growth of certain plant species.
• Otters: Otters are playful and curious creatures found in the rivers, lakes, and streams of Eronar. With sleek fur and agile bodies, they are expert swimmers and spend much of their time hunting for the region's fish, particularly the Crystalfin and Glacier Trout. Otters are highly social animals and often travel in small family groups. Their antics - sliding down riverbanks or floating on their backs while eating - are a common delight for travelers who explore the water-rich valleys of Eronar.
• Hippogriff: Majestic and awe-inspiring, Hippogriffs are part eagle and part horse, and they inhabit the high plateaus and windswept cliffs of Eronar. Known for their sharp talons, powerful wings, and keen eyes, these creatures are capable of flying at great altitudes, making them both predators and protectors of their territories. Hippogriffs are often seen soaring above the jagged mountain ridges or perched on rocky outcrops, where they hunt swan and fish.

Birds

• Love Swans: Elegant and serene, Love Swans glide across the calm surfaces of Eronar’s glacial lakes, their pink-white feathers contrasting against the backdrop of towering, snow-capped mountains. These graceful birds are often found near the shores of the pristine lakes, feeding on aquatic plants like duckweed and watercress. Love Swans are known for their monogamous pairs, and their distinctive, haunting calls can be heard echoing across the valleys as they communicate with one another. Their presence is a symbol of tranquility in the otherwise rugged and untamed landscape of Eronar.
• Wood Owls: With sharp talons and a keen sense of sight, Wood Owls hunt fish and Hummingbird Hawk-Moths. Their soft feathers allow them to fly silently through the trees, making them expert predators of the sunset. Eronar’s wood owls are often seen perched on the branches of Sitka spruces or Subalpine firs, their large, round eyes watching over the landscape as they prepare for their hunts.

Fish

• Glacier Trout: These sleek, silver fish are native to the cold, glacial lakes and streams of Eronar. They are known for their agility and speed, darting through the crystal-clear waters in search of smaller fish like the translucent Crystalfin. Glacier Trout are prized by the local communities for their meat, which is firm and flavorful despite the chill of the glacial waters they inhabit. The shimmering scales of these fish give them an almost ethereal appearance as they glide effortlessly through the dark depths of the mountain lakes.
• Crystalfin: A rare and striking species, Crystalfin fish are known for their translucent bodies and pale blue and silver fins that shimmer in the twilight. These fish are found in Eronar’s pristine lakes, often swimming in schools near the water’s surface. The Crystalfin's sparkling fins can be seen reflecting the dim light of the endless sunset. These fish are an important part of the food chain, serving as prey for Glacier Trout, otters, and other aquatic predators.
• Coho Salmon: Coho salmon swim in the fast-flowing rivers and glacial streams of Eronar, where they are known for their strength and determination during their migration, whenever it is that they decide it is time. These fish travel great distances to spawn in the same rivers where they were born, often leaping over waterfalls and rocks to reach their spawning grounds. Coho salmon are a key food source for many predators in Eronar, including brown bears and otters, who eagerly await the salmon runs.

Insects

• Hummingbird Hawk-Moth: Resembling a hummingbird, this moth hovers in place to feed on nectar from flowers like wild geranium and pink mountain heather. Its rapid wingbeats produce a soft hum as it pollinates Eronar's alpine meadows and subalpine forests, playing a crucial role in the twilight ecosystem. The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is a key pollinator for the plants that thrive in the realm’s constant dusk.

Food Chains

Plant Life → Wild Boar and Elk → Brown Bears

Plant Life → Hummingbird Hawk-Moths → Wood Owls

Aquatic Plant Life → Love Swans → Brown Bears and Hippogriffs

Aquatic Plant Life → Crystalfin Fish → Love Swans → Brown Bears and Hippogriffs

Aquatic Plant Life → Crystalfin Fish → Glacier Trout and Silver Salmon → Otters, Wood Owls, Brown Bears and Hippogriffs

Clay

Found in the soft banks of Eronar’s glacial rivers and floodplains, clay deposits are rich and workable, ranging in color from pale grey to a dusky, reddish-brown. Collected by hand or with wooden scoops, the clay is used by riverside communities to craft pottery, roof tiles, and ritual vessels etched with scenes of mountain beasts and eternal sunsets. When fired in kilns fueled by Lodgepole pine, the clay takes on a warm, earthy hue. Artisans often mix crushed fern moss into the clay to create delicate, patterned textures that mimic the forest floor.

Granite

Granite forms the ancient bones of Eronar’s towering peaks. This speckled, coarse-grained stone appears in massive outcrops and sheer cliff faces, its resilience making it a favored building material for fortresses and temples carved directly into the mountainside. The stone’s mottled pattern—black, white, and smoky grey—often shimmers faintly under the perpetual twilight, giving sacred structures a subtle, otherworldly glow. Quarrying granite is a difficult, sacred task, performed with reverence, for it is believed to disturb the mountain spirits that slumber within.

Basalt

Basalt flows like frozen shadow through the rugged lowland ravines and foothills, formed by ancient volcanic activity now long dormant. These dark, dense stones form columnar structures and sharp outcroppings, often found in the valley passes and mountain throats. Strong and unyielding, basalt is quarried for roads, watchtower foundations, and protective walls. The people of Eronar believe basalt holds the memory of the earth’s fire—relics made from it are sometimes used in rites of endurance, transformation, and rebirth.

Slate

Slate is common along the layered cliffsides and high plateaus, where centuries of pressure and shifting stone have compressed fine-grained shale into strong, splittable sheets. Deep greys, blues, and purples color these slabs, often seen in the rooftops of alpine homes or carved into durable writing tablets and boundary markers. The flat, thin stones are also used as shingles, their surfaces sometimes etched with runes that glisten when damp with mountain mist. Harvesting slate is considered a craft of precision, passed down from stonemasons who read the stone’s natural grain like lines on a weathered map.

Shale

Brittle and easily fractured, shale lies layered beneath many of the glacial valleys and foothills of Eronar. Often exposed along riverbanks and landslides, its dark, flaky strata serve as a natural record of ancient waters and long-dead flora. Though not often used in building, shale is sometimes ground into pigments for paint or ink—its deep, earthy black and charcoal greys favored for art, tattoos, and inked spells. When broken, shale emits a faint, dusty aroma that some say carries the scent of the ancient forests buried long ago.

Limestone

Limestone is found in the sun-touched cliffs and cavern-riddled slopes of Eronar’s lower mountains. Pale and soft when freshly quarried, it hardens over time, making it a valued material for carving statues, columns, and architectural ornamentation. Limestone formations are known to house many of Eronar’s underground streams and crystalline caves, their walls veined with minerals that catch and refract the twilight. The waters that pass through limestone are especially pure, giving rise to some of the realm’s clearest springs and richest glades.