Cataclysma (ka-tə-ˌkliz-muh)

Surrounded by desert on all sides, the main structure of the Cataclysma is one of the only sources of fresh water for the local inhabitants. The mountain cliffs collect moisture in small streams and waterfalls that collect in the large Dwarven Lake below.   The Cataclysma is completely filled with intricate cave systems and holes leading from it's surface exterior into the interior route to Fernal. With beautiful wind-carved cliffs and gentle rolling streams, the Cataclysma is an example of both the natural magnificence and formidable sides of nature.

Due to the scarcity of water, large mammals are rare or nonexistent, with the exception of the Dwarves. Most life located on the Cataclysma consists of reptiles and small mammals.   Mammals are most commonly found closer to the base of the Cataclysma where the Dwarven Lake is located, allowing them consistent access to fresh water. In comparison, the reptiles enjoy the mid and upper sections of the Cataclysma where the intricate tunnel systems give them room to nest and protect themselves from larger predators.

Located in the Northernmost section of Ustremmel, the cliffs of the Cataclysma are one of the few rare locations to ever get snow. The cold of the Cataclsyma and lack of sun caused by the winter seasons causes a mass winter migration of flying reptiles. They will migrate to the Eastern mountain-range and return in time for the coming of spring. The smaller reptiles that are not capable of flight will follow the tunnel systems into the hollow inside of the Cataclysma, where the heat vents from the Northern region of Fernal will keep them warm and active throughout the winter.   With most of the apex predators gone during the colder climates, the smaller mammals experience a season of increased activity. With the help of major adaptations in energy consumption, the small mammals that live in the Cataclysma do not go into hibernation. Instead, they will remain active for the entirety of winter, keeping themselves fed while their natural predators have migrated.

While this phenomenon cannot be mapped by the Ionidsto any particular scientific cause, the peak of the Cataclysma is known to attract clouds from the surrounding areas into giant lightning storms. This is known to cause terrible avalanches if lightning strikes at sections of structurally unsound rock and can cause terrible casualties to animals and intelligent species alike.

The Cataclysma is very sparse in terms of wood and fresh water, but it makes up in the sheer amount of stone and wyvern parts that can be obtained.   The multiple different variants of wyverns living in the top sections of the Cataclysma can be hunted for meat, scales, venom, and weapons that can be made of the bones and fangs of these creatures. The eyes and tongue can als be sold to witchdoctors and magicians as components in magical study. The meat of the wyvern is the primary source of protein for the Dwarves.   The Cataclysma is also home to multiple different veins of stone and minerals. Iron and copper are particularly common, followed closely by silver. With all of these minerals in abundance, the Dwarves are some of the leading manufacturers of coins used in continent-wide trade.