Environs
The Dramorthian Mountains run like a massive spine down the length of the Serpentine Coast, cutting it off from the inland areas of the continent. All trade from the inland civilizations comes through the only access to the Coast from the East: Silverstream Pass. Named for a gushing stream of icy waters that tumbles from a cliff face near the highest point of the pass, it is a treacherous road even in good weather.
In history, and even in recent history if you believe many tales, the Dramorthians has been home to many fell and evil creatures - goblins, and wargs mostly, but sometimes more dangerous and more organized armies of the chaotic and evil kind. These forces of destruction are held back for now by the armies of the guardsmen of Serpentine Coast; highly trained and well paid by the merchant trade - in the form of Artold Goldscale, Mayor of Tyrephene. But they wait their time.
Here in this tense, cold environment it is the hardy folk of Dravencliffe that act as the gatekeepers and lookouts for the comfortable civilizations on the Coast below. The ruler of these inhospitable lands is the Baron of Dravencliffe, whose Baronetcy runs from the impenetrable Dravencliffe Keep.
In the frozen wilds of the Silverstream Pass up above the treeline, the Rastlers and Rangers are the only ones who venture in the extreme conditions to do the work of the ruler of the lands. Rangers are the eyes and ears - scouts with fast horses and keen eyes. The Rastlers are workmen, loggers, carpenters in part; and frontiersmen, warriors and survivalists also. These stalwarts maintain the roads, and the several way stations along them, stocking them with firewood to be used in need, or for signaling if necessary. The way stations are about 10 miles apart, so are never more than an hours ride away on a good horse (2 hours for a cart).
In good weather the going is tough and draining, due to the altitude and the cold. Only the hardiest can endure it without suffering the effects. In bad weather the environment can be deadly.
The road from Fastogan to the top of the pass is 80 miles. Since a rider on horseback can do 40-50 miles in a day, the first days ride normally finishes at the small town of Iron Valley, just inside the tree-line as the road rises toward the alpine slopes.
The second days ride will take one to the top of the pass just as the sun sets. During this ride endurance checks must be made every 8 hours after riding out of the tree-line. A cart can do 25 miles in a day and at a stretch can make Iron Valley on the first day (12 hours driving), but must then make camp at a Direford, nothing more than a few shelter buildings, stocked with firewood by the Rastlers.
