Archin Canyon part 3: The Northern Geography

 The North, a fascinating part of the overall canyon, is the part that most call to mind when they think of Archin Canyon. It is mostly mountains and tundra, with a number of dangerous creatures and climates.

The first feature we will discuss is the Northern Barrier. This huge mountain range to the North separates Archin Canyon from the Sea between the canyon and Narki Mountain. There are many differing theories as to the origin of this mountain range. The two mainstream ones are either that it was created by great ancient engineers of the past, or that it was naturally formed, and utilized for various purposes. Its main use today is to keep enemies out of the North. Some have noted that Narki still frequent the North, and they conclude that the Barrier is useless. Let me explain why they are wrong. Most Narki cannot travel by day. The Mountain Barrier Range takes a day to reach the top. If the Narki start traveling up the mountains at sunset, by midnight, they will be halfway up. Instinctively, if they start traveling at sunset, they start traveling back at the stroke of midnight. As such, most Narki do not get any farther than halfway up the far side of the mountain. This makes a huge armed invasion of Narki all but impossible. Some Narki, though, somehow chance upon caves when the night draws on, and they hide in there when day passes by. They then move on at night. By doing this, a few Narki reach the other side and terrorize the inhabitants. Though this does happen, it is much less than if there was no Barrier.

The next geographical feature that is noted is the great checkerboard mountains, as they are called. These crisscrossing mountain ranges range from western part of the Northern Barrier all the way down south to Lenderthrond. This is where most of the inhabitants of the North live. They live between the mountains in little settlements or villages. Some live on the mountains, in igloos or tents, and face constant threats of avalanches and blizzards. These mountains are difficult to navigate, so no one who does not live there can have any knowledge of it.

The next geographical feature that we will discuss is just to the east of the Checkerboard ranges. Here, the mountains get smaller and smaller, finally reaching the ground, and the Snowy Emptiness Begins. Here, there is nothing but ice, for miles and miles. Some lone animals wander, but they are rarer. Since there are no mountains, the icy winds blow for miles, bringing blizzards and snow hurricanes. Few hunters survive here. Like the Checkerboard Mountains, this land is uncharted, and few know what lies within.

If one continues east, enduring snow and cold and torture, he will finally reach mountains again. These mountains are smaller and easier. One has some shelter from the wind, but not too much. Here, he may, if he is fortunate, reach Eagle's Post. This village has a few Archins, but many Eagle nests. They carry news, goods, and tourists in their talons. If one wants to buy a few books, get rare goods, trade, or make a little money as a tour guide, he goes here.

I note, though, that no one gets here by traveling the snowy emptiness. Rather, he goes North, where there is a range of mountains south of the Barrier, about twenty miles thick. Its upper border touches the Barrier, and its lower border touches the wastelands. It provides shelter from the wind. Also, as this is considered by many to be a continuation of the Checkerboard mountains, many live here too. One can pass small settlements as one passes, and there is a track between the mountains, which only archins know about. If one continues east for hundreds of miles, he will reach the Icy Lake, a lake beneath the mountains from which icy rivers flow. Even though the water is fresh, and colder than ice, somehow it does not freeze. It is so cold that one is instantly frozen by its touch. You are better off melting snow than drinking of its fountains. It is deep and blue, reflecting the skies.

If one continues south from the Icy Lake, you finally reach the low mountains, wherein lies Eagle's Post.

I hope this article on geography was helpful.