The Serpentspine Mountains is a mountain range that spans most of Halcann. The birthplace of dwarves, goblins, hobgoblins, and orcs, the Dwarovar has had a significant hand in development of Halcann.
Etymology[]
Originating from the Cannorian creation myth, the name Serpentspine comes from the death of Malliath, the first dragon. After waging war on the gods, Malliath was slain by having one of his two heads cut off and plummeting to the ground. His body would become the Serpentspine, whereas his heads would be divided between the Serpentshead and the Dragon Coast. Dwarovar, however, is the name branded to it by the dwarves residing within. In literal translation it means "Dwarf Home".
Geography[]
Subcontinents[]
Comprised of numerous tunnels and massive caverns, the Serpentspine's geography is at many times considered wild and complex. The extensive Aul-Dwarov rail system flows throughout the continent to the various dwarven holds. The Serpentspine is split into two subcontinents, and numerous sub-regions:
- West Serpentspine: The largest section of the Serpentspine, covering from Cannor to East Bulwar.
- West Dwarovar: The large mountain range separating Cannor from the Forbidden Plains, the West Dwarovar notably includes the Giant's Anvil to the north and Amldihr, High Seat of Aul-Dwarov.
- Middle Dwarovar: The central region of the Serpentspine just north of the Far Salahad, commonly referred to as the Segbandal.
- Serpentreach: A separate range from the rest of the West Serpentspine, connected by the Arg Tunad.
- Northern Pass: Composed primarily of the forests east of Gerudia, includes the Lonely Mountains.
- Serpent's Vale: Fertile hills surrounding Amldihr, though now flooded since the fall of Aul-Dwarov.
- East Serpentspine - Range of mountains north of Rahen, connected to the West by the Oza Tunad.
- Tree of Stone - Comprised of complex weaves of caves, rumored birthplace of dwarves and goblins.
- Jade Mines - Mountains north of Shamakhad, known for its surplus of jade. Connected to the Tree of Stone by the Grôn Tunad.
Halanna's Breath[]
A phenomenon unique to the Serpentspine, Halanna's Breath is responsible for plant life's ability to grow even under the mountains.
Primeval Serpentdepths[]
A deeper level below the Serpentspine, rumored to be where the Obsidian dwarves vanished to after the abandonment of Gor Dûrgheled.
History[]
Not only is Serpentspine history extensive, it has been incredibly well preserved and recorded via documents recovered from dwarven holds. Dating back to the time of the Precursor Elves, the oldest recovered relics and tomes regarding the past of the Serpentspine found by chroniclers is dated at 6500 BA.
- Pre-Orcish Dwarovar (6500 BA - 6000 BA)
- The Orcish Warpath (6000 BA - 5880 BA)
- The Western Collapse (5880 BA - 5489 BA)
- Siege of the Serpentreach (5488 BA - 1)
Races[]
The races of the Serpentspine have spent their long history together in constant conflict, with a past embroiled with hatred and blood.
- Dwarves: Architects of the rail system and the various holds of the Serpentspine, the majority are concentrated in their holds but can also be found within rail settlements.
- Goblins: Originally cave-dwellers, a number of goblins since the fall of Aul-Dwarov have come to live in the vacant holds.
- Orcs: Theorized to have been created within the Hold of Hul-Jorkad by Ducaniel, orcs have since spread throughout the entire Serpentspine.
Religions[]
Dwarven Worship[]
- Ancestor Worship: Superceding the Dwarven Pantheon, many dwarves now venerate more the deeds of past dwarves and locations than the old gods.
- Dwarven Pantheon: An ancient dwarven religion centered around Halanna dating back to Aul-Dwarov, it quickly died off after the fall of their Empire.
Dookan Worship[]
Split into two sects, worshippers of Dookan praise him as the creator of the Orcish race and believe that he is imprisoned.
- Old Dookan: Practiced by an overwhelming number of orcs within the Serpentspine, they blame the dwarves for imprisoning Dookan and believe they can free him.
- Great Dookan: Invigorated by the Greentide, Great Dookan is followed by very few orcs within the Serpentspine. They blame all the gods for imprisoning Dookan.
Goblinic Shamanism[]
- Goblinic Shamanism: Followed by the goblins of the Serpentspine, it is diverse and fluid, with many subgroups claiming different favorite gods are more important by the various different cults.
Commerce and Exports[]
The Serpentspine's connection to Cannor, Haless, and Bulwar means it has been able to profit from trade between and to all three of these regions. One of the most important things to be exchanged out of the Serpentspine has however been knowledge, with many dwarves teaching other races concepts such as writing and architecture in the ancient past.
Main Exports[]
- Gems are among the most lucrative commodities to flow out of the Serpentspine. From the Jade Mines in the east to the diamonds of Arg-Ôrdstun, the Serpentspine has produced the highest quality of gems for traders to buy. Ruby, citrine, amber, and the like have been a source of immense wealth for the races of the Serpentspine.
- Metals such as copper and iron are abundant in the Serpentspine. Even sold in abundance in their raw form, they have proven to be more valuable yet when forged by dwarves using their advanced smithing techniques. Typically found within caves, they are a cause of contention between dwarven mining colonies and goblins and orcs residing within these tunnels.
- Mithril, a metal in a league of its own, is a precious shining silver only found within the Serpentspine. This rare metal is lightweight and incredibly strong, some claiming it has equal value to Damestear. The most notable source of Mithril lies underneath the hold of Mithradhûm.
- Serpentsbloom, the basis of the food chain in the Serpentspine, these subterranean bioluminescent plants thrive there and are valued as a nutritious food.
- Gold, many say, is as prevalent in the Serpentspine as fish are in the ocean. Much of the massive wealth of Aul-Dwarov stemmed from the hold of Verkal Gulan, and its supposedly limitless gold mining. With an abundance of gold, the Serpentspine's residents have made rich trading partners to many outside.
- Glass, while mostly limited to the hold of Orlghelovar, is passionately sought after by outsides for the beauty and masterwork quality of the glass that comes from it. This has created a massive market for dwarven glass faciliated by the Glasshammer Cartel, for artistic use, optical instruments, and even for military use.
- Marble, much like glass, is famed for the most part for its supply from the hold of Shazstundihr. Sculpting the finest blocks of marbles and some of the most detailed sculptures, the marble trade flows through from and through this hold with its many quarries.
Special Goods[]
- Dwarovar Dark, made by dwarves, the most potent ale on the planet.