Firesteep Mountains: History and Rumors
The Firesteep Mountains formed during the Cataclysm, the chain has a long history known to very few. However, since the arrival of the dwarves of Rhugal's Realm, some things have begun to be recorded in accessible archives. The Firesteep range is best known for one thing: its ever-changing face. The island is subject to frequent and unpredictable eruptions, as well as earthbends. Beauty is hidden in this terrain by the lackluster color of the air. When the lava flows and the volcanoes erupt, the terrain takes on a vibrant orange tone and the island itself appears to glow. The air generally warms during these times and most of the inhabitants of the island are active. It is as if the eruptions bring life to the island.
The range is also responsible for the formation of the Spine Straits. The eruptions of this mountain range's active volcanoes usually end in lava flows that rush out toward the choppy sea. The nearly continuous flow of lava into the ocean is responsible for many of the dark, glass-like obsidian spikes that surround the island, and it is these spikes that give the Spine Straits its name.
The Firesteep range is bleak even on a calm day. Due to frequent eruptions, the ground is composed of various shades of gray, ranging from near black to almost white depending on the location. Where the ground isn't covered in cooled lava, the surface is exposed rock, devoid of soil or sediment. This environment has been harsh, unforgiving and unchanged save for its eruptions and earthbends for hundreds of years, and has given rise to an ecosystem made up exclusively of carnivores. Creatures that appear to be similar to some of the peaceful herbivores of Dregar are actually territorial and vicious carnivores.
Some of the island's unique creatures have drawn many curious eyes. The black asp, a snake known best for its venomous bite and volatile temperament, is one such creature. If left to its own devices, the creature can grow as long as two horses standing head to tail. When the snakes reach such sizes, they are able to take down even giants if their prey is careless or not paying attention. The dark, ash-colored snakes are speckled with lighter gray spots and blend in easily with the rocky terrain of the mountain range. One was witnessed to remain as still as death for over three candlemarks before it seemed to draw a breath.
It has taken many years, but the people of Rhugal's Realm have developed an antidote to the snake's venom. However, the antidote must be applied within half a candlemark or the victim will not recover from the poison's effects. The black asp's venom is a degenerative poison and begins with the victim's organs, breaking them down within hours. The poison was exported for a short time by a rogue faction in the kingdom, but the practice was stopped. The offenders were put on the front line of the next battle and died during the first blows.
Another creature found only in the Firesteep range is what the locals call a "ground squirrel". The name is a misnomer, as it is not a squirrel at all, though it is some sort of rodent. The creature is curious, but also can be vicious if frightened. It is about the size of a dwarf's hand and has stripes running from head to tail in three colors: dust gray, pale ash, and white. The animal is carnivorous and hunts the various snakes on the island, including the black asps. The various inhabitants of the island have raided litters and successfully managed to raise and partially domesticate the ground squirrels. They are common in the various cities and tribal settings across the entire range.
All in all, scholars and adventurers say that this is a land that runs both hot or cold. When the land is quiet, it seems to be nothing more than cold and dead rock upon which one can stand. When the eruptions and earthbends strike, it is as if the land itself breathes and talks.
This mountain range is also the rumored location of a temple of Pyrtechon. If there is any truth to this rumor, the temple is indeed well hidden and has managed to escape the detection of those who would seek to destroy it.
