Anvil Range

Anvil Range
	File:Anvil Range.jpg
Location	East of the Citadel Mountains, Terasil
Highest Peak	Mount Atal
Climate	Arid and temperate; cooler at higher elevations
Inhabitants	Minthari

The Anvil Range is a formidable mountain range located to the east of the Citadel Mountains in the realm of Terasil. Once forming a singular horseshoe-shaped massif, erosion and time eventually divided the range, creating the Minthal Valley, which now separates the Anvil Range from the Astralith Range.

The Anvil Range is the heart of Minthari civilization, housing their capital, Minthal, as well as major settlements such as Minthara and Minthek. The range is rich in minerals and subterranean tunnel networks, making it a major hub of metalworking and engineering. Due to their mostly underground nature, the Minthari of the Anvil Range rarely cross the Minthal Valley, leading to a gradual cultural divergence from their counterparts in the Astralith Range.

Etymology

The name "Anvil Range" comes from its association with metalworking and mining, which define the Minthari way of life. The range is often called the "Forge of Terasil", a name reflecting both its geological history and its cultural significance as the cradle of Minthari civilization.

Geography

The Anvil Range extends eastward from the Citadel Mountains, forming a natural barrier between fertile Terasil and the barren Zanarak Desert. The range consists of sharp ridges, deep ravines, and towering peaks, with its western slopes more habitable and its eastern slopes drier and rockier.

• Major Peaks: The highest peak in the Anvil Range is Mount Atal (15,000 feet), a sacred landmark among the Minthari. Other significant peaks include Ironclad Spire, rich in iron ore, and Copper Ridge, known for its extensive copper veins.

Minthal Valley

The Minthal Valley, once a part of the Anvil Range, was carved out by erosion over millennia. It now separates the Anvil and Astralith Ranges, acting as a natural barrier between Minthari groups. While trade occurs between the two ranges, most Minthari remain underground, resulting in a distinct separation in cultural development.

Geology

The Anvil Range is one of the richest mineral regions in Adaris, supplying the Minthari with the resources needed to sustain their subterranean civilization.

•    Mineral Deposits: The range is known for its iron, copper, silver, and gold, along with rare materials such as mithril and adamantine.
•    Formation and Composition: Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the mountains contain lava tubes, collapsed calderas, and vast underground caverns filled with ore

Settlements

The Anvil Range is home to key Minthari settlements, each playing a role in commerce, mining, and governance.

• Minthal – The capital of the Minthari, located within the deepest cavern of the range.
• Minthara – A mining town renowned for its geothermal forges and skilled blacksmiths.
• Minthek – A fortified settlement near the northern border, serving as a defensive outpost.

Economy

Mining and Engineering

Mining is central to the Minthari way of life, with engineering marvels defining the landscape of the Anvil Range.

• Tunnel Networks: The Minthari have excavated vast subterranean passageways, connecting settlements, forges, and hidden chambers.
• Engineering Marvels: They employ advanced techniques for tunnel stability, geothermal heat regulation, and underground ventilation.

Cultural Significance

The Anvil Range is sacred to the Minthari, shaping their myths, traditions, and rituals. The mountains and tunnels serve as the foundation of Minthari heritage, with deep spiritual and historical significance.

   Sacred Sites:

• Minthural Caverns – Believed to be the first great forge of the Minthari, where the ancestors shaped the first metal tools from the heart of the mountain.
• Minzarak Veins – A legendary underground river of molten metal, said to pulse with the lifeblood of the earth itself. Minthari artisans believe crafting weapons from ore taken here imbues them with unmatched power.

   Festivals and Traditions:

• Minthrak'tor, the Festival of the Forge – A sacred festival honoring metalworking and craftsmanship, where Minthari forgers compete to craft the most masterful weapons, tools, and artifacts.
• Minkavak Rite – A ceremonial smelting ritual performed at the turn of each season, symbolizing the Minthari bond with fire and stone.

See Also

• Citadel Mountains
• Minthari
• Zanarak Desert
• Minthal Valley
• Astralith Range