The Black Mountains

Lore & Background

Survival in this region is paramount; the cold is relentless, and supplies run thin quickly. Many soldiers have perished not from enemy blades but from exposure and exhaustion while navigating the narrow defiles. The mountains are whispered about as a place where magic lingers in the stone, adding an element of dread to the physical hardship faced by any army attempting to cross them.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the pass, carrying ice that cut like glass against exposed skin. Holt pulled his cloak tighter, watching the dark shapes of the peaks loom above. There was no glory here, only rock and snow. He signaled the column forward, knowing another mile meant one less chance to freeze before nightfall.

Reader's Guide

The geography consists of steep, rocky summits that block direct travel between the southern plains and the northern wastes. The climate is perpetually cold, with heavy snows making movement nearly impossible during winter months. Culturally, few settlements exist within the range, mostly consisting of mining outposts or hideouts for those fleeing Imperial law. Historically, these mountains have influenced every major campaign in the north. Armies must funnel through specific passes, making them vulnerable to ambushes by guerrilla forces or supernatural entities. The Company has fought here repeatedly, learning that terrain often matters more than tactics when facing the elements alongside an enemy.

Did You Know?

• The mountains are a primary source of cold winds affecting the northern provinces.
• Supply lines through the Black Mountains are notoriously difficult to maintain in winter.
• Several Company veterans died crossing these ranges due to exposure rather than combat.
• Magic is said to be more volatile within the mountain peaks.