Valley of the Kings
Climate: Temperate
Elevation: 7,000 feet above sea level
Steeped in history and isolated from the larger world, the Valley of the Kings has become a microcosm of the outer world. A lonely, little-used pass, far to the north, provides the only means of egress through sheer rock cliffs and rugged mountains slopes that ring the valley. Here, a narrow, twisting passageway descends precipitously to the plains thousands of feet below.
Climate
A combination of factors, including its isolation and elevation, combine to create a climate that, while generally temperate, is subject to sudden, extreme shifts. This occurs most often with wide swings in temperature between day and night.
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Winter nights are bitterly cold and can dip as low as -30°F while the days are comfortable and surprisingly warm, with temperatures as high as 40°F. Sudden storms make winter more difficult and severe blizzards are not uncommon.
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The spring thaw breaks the harsh nighttime temperatures with days remaining comfortable, usually in the 50°-60°F range. Snowfall and blizzards are uncommon but severe rain and hail is not and flash floods are a real danger at this time, particularly along the western valley rim.
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Summer ushers in hot days and cool nights with temperatures rising as high as 90°F and low as 60°F. Rain is sparse but violent bringing severe thunder or hailstorms.
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Autumn is perhaps the best of times in the valley. The oppressive summer heat has left but the bitter winter cold has yet to set in. Rain and snow are infrequent at the worst of times and the northern coniferous forests are brilliantly colored. People
Nearly all races can be found somewhere in the valley. The northern half is peopled by ‘civilized’ folk while the southern reaches are given over to the wild or controlled by savage races.
People
- Amoreans: Amoreans are renowned for their kindness and mercy and include representatives of all races.
- Eldrinael: The elves of Eldrinael proudly stand apart, keepers and guardians of the pristine places of the valley.
- Northlanders: Wild. Rugged. Insular. The Northlanders are an independant and insular people that welcome few outsiders.
- Ptah: The peace-loving Ptah include halflings, dwarves, and gnomes that live in the valleys grasslands and low mountains.
The Wardens
The Valley of the Kings takes its name from four ancient evils that were imprisoned in it long ago. These powerful creatures were defeated by the Goddess and locked away in great keeps that stand at the cardinal points of the valley.
These creatures are known only by their titles, Wardens of the North, East, South, and West. The Warden of the North is presumed dead, slain by Delith Amore in the Seven Days Battle. His prison, Wyvern Keep, is a cursed, forsaken place believed to be haunted still.