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Aryn Territory

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Old Rowan - Main Den

Nestled near the edge of Aspendell, the main den is a deep and winding limestone cave protruding from the mountainside with major entrances to the north and southeast.

A ledge above the wide north entrance makes a good platform for anyone wanting to address the rest of the pack. On the southeast side, multiple openings allow light through so that plants can grow in warmer months.

Sleeping space is shared by all members regardless of rank or task, though there is a smaller cavity within the main chamber where injured or sick wolves can be seen to. The den is relatively high up, providing a clear line of sight for early warning of anyone's approach. A single old rowan tree grows out of the side of the cave mouth, a little under 40 feet tall.

Aaron's Gorge

Named after the founder of Aryn, Aaron's Gorge is a long, winding canyon notable for its many waterfalls that forms a major barrier along the southwest border. The rocks are slippery and the water is turbulent here - especially during the spring melt. Even relatively shallow areas tend to be dangerous due to the aggressive currents which pull unwary would-be-crossers down, trapping them under deadfall and stone. It is both extremely beautiful and extremely dangerous.

Aaron's Folly // The Mouth of Sheol

Here rapids descend into a deep underground chamber. Arynians have dropped floating objects in before, but none have so far been found to reappear, leading to the superstition that the cavern descends directly into the realm of ghosts, Sheol. Inexperienced are forbidden from this area, and even the most nimble of wolves are prone to avoiding it.

Adamant Peak

A high, jagged mountain isolated from the rest of the range, marking the southernmost border of Aryn. As the peak where Aaron is said to have heard the Song and been called by the One to settle here, it is considered a holy place where Vicars sometimes make pilgrimage. It is also said that in Aaron's time, the peak would sometimes smoke, and cast fire to the sky at night.

Falcon Creek

Several rocky streams feed into the gorge from the mountains, most prominently Falcon Creek. Raptors favour the area, hence the name.

The Barrens

High rocky slopes protecting the eastern border, devoid in many places even of grass. It supports only sparse, spindly woods and shallow rivulets. The area is plentiful in mountain prey like goat and sheep, though be wary - cougars lie in ambush here. Foraging bear frequent the area during the summer months, when moths burrow between the rocks along the mountainside. Crossing this imposing range leads to the scrubland and desert where Nokoni are known to haunt, and it is one of Aryn's most significant protections against their raids. During winter it is widely avoided, the ferocity of blizzards and avalanches considered too dangerous for a place relatively empty of prey.

Whispering Pass

A long winding set of spires running through the southeast edge of the Barrens near Pinefell. The wind whistles eerily through the narrow paths. There are many branch-offs leading deeper into the mountains, and those who don't know the way might find themselves hopelessly lost.

Bitterwind Summit

A wide mountain range deep in the Barrens where the snow never melts, even in summer. The area is known for windstorms, and snow can usually be seen billowing off the peaks.

The Grazelands

A wide stretch of rolling plains in the north, stretching along the riverside toward the heart of the territory beneath the Barrens. It is particularly beautiful in spring and summer, when the wildflowers cover the grassland in blooms. It is named for the many large herds which frequent the area. Bison and oryx are especially plentiful.

High Country

Aryn's western High Country skirts the mountains to the west and northeast. It comprises rich woodland interspersed with grassy fields and clear mountain streams. The area is spectacular in it's beauty, but deadly to the inexperienced, dotted all over with caves and jagged drop offs oftentimes hidden by the undergrowth and hills. Weather changes very quickly, especially in autumn and winter - utterly clear skies might give way to violent thunderstorms in a matter of hours. Golden Eagles nest on the high mountain cliffs, and have been known to prey upon even unwary wolves. High Country is the “heart” of Aryn, a dangerous paradise.

Rockhollow Tarn

This waterfall and pool are notable for the rock formation circling them. Several natural stone bridges crisscross down the slope, creating a sort of spiral around the outer edge of the falls. At the base, a rocky limestone hollow collects the water and can be used as a makeshift shelter. It drains into a deeper cave in the back, but the entrance is narrows quickly to be too small for anything larger than a rabbit to crawl through.

Aspendell

An expansive valley beneath the western High Country covered extensively in aspen trees. This forest is known to be beautiful in every season, with clear waters. Summer finds it green with gentle breezes stirring the supple branches, whereas in autumn the entire forest turns a billowing, fiery yellow-orange. When winter bares the trees, Aspendell is ghostly white woodland; deer wander in small bands, living off its bark and twigs. And in spring the buds sprout and the flowers bloom, blanketing the forest floor in a soft lavender carpet.

Pinefell

Rolling hills of primarily aleppo and cypress branching down from the eastern Barrens, that grows thinner and flatter toward the southeast border. Many older trees are gnarled and thick, and the oldest ones may form strange, twisting features in the rocks.

Wispwood

Mossy, dense deciduous woodland that in many places seems more swamp than forest. Fog collects over the river that cuts through the Wispwood, and some believe the place to be haunted. Fireflies are abundant here, as are snakes, frogs, turtles, and salamanders. Larger prey tends to struggle to navigate its tightly packed trees.

Blackwater Defile

A slot canyon covered in shadow at all times except for midday, when the sun shines between the rocks. Blackwater defile is a difficult crossing, impossible during the spring melt, but a direct route through the northwest mountains into Aryn

Sacred Pools

Aryn is home to a number of naturally warm springs long recognized as purifying waters. They are believed medicinal in nature, able to heal and cleanse both mind and body. While they can be found anywhere, most art localized in the Pinefell and around Adamant Peak. Some come with stunning waterfalls!

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