> [!infobox] > # Spine of the World > ![[Stormspine Mountains.jpg]]<span style="display:block;text-align:center;">[[Stormspine Mountains.jpg|Show to Players]]</span> > ###### Information > | | | > |---|---| > |**Region**| [[Zalfaria]] | > |**Ruler**| [[Vauldir Stormspine]] | # Overview The Stormspine Mountains form the spine of the continent, an immense range of jagged, towering peaks. These mountains are harsh, unyielding, and filled with hidden secrets, ranging from ancient ruins to elemental anomalies. The range is named for the fierce storms that often gather around its peaks, creating a near-constant battle of wind, lightning, and snow at its highest elevations. # Geography & Climate - **Stormspine's Heart:** A high-altitude frozen wasteland with glaciers, treacherous paths, and ancient temples lost to time. - **Magical Weather:** The mountains seem to attract storms unnaturally, leading to rumors of forgotten magic or an ancient guardian slumbering beneath its peaks. # Inhabitants & Notable Factions - **The Stormspine Goliaths:** They lived in Kael Dravak, an ancestral fortress woven into the cliffs, existing in harmony with the brutal terrain. - **The Skywatchers:** Hermits and mystics who believe the storms of the Stormspine are omens from the gods. They live in solitude, interpreting the ever-changing skies. > [!scratch] > - **Dusk Raven Outposts:** Given the mountains' strategic value, the Dusk Ravens maintain hidden watchtowers and supply caches, using the dangerous terrain as a natural deterrent against invaders. # Legends & Mysteries - **The Sleeping Giant:** Some say that a Titan rests beneath the range, its dreams shaping the storms that rage above. - **The Lost Trial Paths:** Stormspine warriors once proved themselves through perilous trials along sacred paths. These trials have been lost to time but may still exist, waiting for a worthy challenger. ## Kael Dravak ![[Skalgard Hold.jpg|600]] > [!scratch] > The Goliath tribe wouldn't have typical shops, but rather specialists who engage in trade and crafting. These would be reestablished quickly after reclaiming the fortress: > > ### Mountain Crafters & Traders > > 1. **Skarn Stonehand - Master Stoneworker** > - **Offerings**: Stone amulets with minor protective enchantments, climbing pitons, weight-distributing climbing harnesses > - **Buys**: Unusual minerals, gems with interesting patterns or colors > - **Location**: A workshop with an open-air forge near the fortress's outer wall > - **Quirk**: Tests the "voice" of stones by tapping them gently against his ear > 2. **Vorra Highpath - Weather Seer & Herbalist** > - **Offerings**: Healing poultices, medicinal teas, weather prediction stones > - **Buys**: Rare herbs, unusual animal materials (feathers, claws, etc.) > - **Location**: A small alcove lined with drying plants and weather charts > - **Quirk**: Claims to smell storms three days before they arrive > 3. **Kragh Ironbraid - Arms & Armor Specialist** > - **Offerings**: Goliath-style weapons (oversized for non-Goliaths), reinforced climbing gear, cold-resistant armor adjustments > - **Buys**: Quality weapons, especially those with interesting materials or history > - **Location**: Former barracks repurposed as a workshop > - **Quirk**: Names every significant weapon he creates after a mountain peak > 4. **Thela Frosttouch - Hide Worker & Outfitter** > - **Offerings**: Cold-resistant clothing, camouflaged hunting leathers, ceremonial garments > - **Buys**: Exotic hides, quality fabrics from lowland regions > - **Location**: Open terrace where hides can be stretched and cured > - **Quirk**: Can identify any animal by touching and smelling its hide blindfolded > 5. **Drovar & Kima - Twin Resource Managers** > - **Offerings**: Basic supplies, preserved foods, climbing tools, torches > - **Buys**: Practical items useful to the tribe, trade goods from distant regions > - **Location**: Central storeroom with carefully organized shelves > - **Quirks**: Communicate with each other using a twin-specific shorthand language > > ### Unique Trading Elements > > - **Stone Tokens**: Rather than pure currency exchange, Goliaths often use a barter system supplemented with symbolic stone tokens indicating "tribal debt" or "tribal credit" > - **Proving Worth**: For higher value items, a Goliath trader might require a demonstration of skill or a small service rather than just payment > - **Community Investment**: For significant purchases, the entire tribe might contribute resources with the expectation that the item benefits everyone > > ### Cultural Shopping Experience > > Shopping with Goliaths would be distinctly different from typical D&D commerce: > > - Haggling is considered somewhat disrespectful; prices are typically fair but firm > - Quality items come with stories of their making or acquisition > - Traders may insist on teaching proper use/care of significant items they sell > - Purchases might come with informal obligations to assist the tribe > > This approach gives your players interesting downtime options while immersing them in Goliath culture, developing their relationship with these allies, and providing character development opportunities outside of combat.