Iron-Grip Mountains
The Iron-Grip Mountains are a jagged, unforgiving range dominating the northwestern horizon, a testament to the raw power of the earth. Their peaks, eternally capped with snow, pierce the sky like the teeth of some ancient beast. The mountains are far more than just a geographical feature; they are a crucible, shaping the lives and destinies of all who dwell in their shadow. Deep within their bowels lie veins of Aetherium, which the Order of the Azure Hand fiercely protects, utilizing them for the Celestial Alignment Ritual within their fortress Obsidian Pinnacle.
The mountains are riddled with treacherous passes and hidden valleys, some said to be haunted by the spirits of dwarves lost during The Schism of Stone and Sky. The Shadow-Goblins infest the lower reaches, their crude tunnels a constant threat to mining expeditions from The Dwarven Abbey. The brave dwarves of the Abbey have been known to venture into the depths seeking the lost Silent Forges, which lie hidden somewhere within the mountains' core. Legend speaks of the Crimson Cartographers, who are rumored to have mapped every hidden passage and treacherous peak of the Iron-Grip Mountains, and that they have uncovered secrets that the Elder Borin's Chronicles leave out.
The harsh environment has given rise to unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Skyclaw Griffons, winged predators that nest on the highest peaks. Miners have also reported encountering strange, crystalline formations deep within the earth, pulsating with an unknown energy, perhaps tied to Auric Resonance. These formations are the subject of intense study by Archivist Theron, who believes they may hold the key to understanding The Great Sundering. The Cobalt Corsairs, with their airships, often patrol the skies above the mountains, searching for vulnerable caravans carrying Aetherium. Dare to explore the Glimmering Caverns, which lie beneath the mountains? Be warned: something ancient slumbers there.