Irere Mountains
| Irere Mountains | |
|---|---|
| Image |  |
| Location | Irere Mountains in red |
| Region(s) | Orinilure |
| Climate | Cold and arid; extreme weather variations |
| Inhabitants | Oinien • Himoja |
Introduction
The Irere Mountains are the western of the two mountain ranges of Orinilure, lying west of the Orinilure Valley and facing the Orinilure Mountains across it. The range covers about 50,000 square miles and is known for its black stone. It is the territory of the Erden Monopoly, whose Oinien live in cavern cities and tunnels beneath it. The two ranges are said to have once formed a single horseshoe-shaped massif.
Geography
The Irere Mountains consist of sheer black peaks, deep caverns, and subterranean Oinien settlements. Aráinia lies to the west and Khamria to the southwest. Three rivers, the Tohol, the Petut, and the Shebal, rise on the eastern slopes and flow into the Orinilure Valley.
Orinilure Valley and isolation
The Orinilure Valley divides the Oinien of the Irere Mountains from those of the Orinilure Mountains. Because they live underground, the Oinien rarely cross the valley, and the two populations have developed distinct customs, traditions, and speech.
Geology
The Irere Mountains is geologically unique, containing some of the largest sources of natural obsidian in Méniail, used for weaponry and sacred carvings.
Climate
The Irere Mountains are colder and more shadowed than the Orinilure Mountains, with minimal sunlight exposure due to its reflective black stone. The lower Slopes are cool and dim, with occasional fog banks rolling through the valleys. Higher Elevations are cold and still, with frequent cloud cover shrouding the peaks.
The underground climate is stable year round and comfortable albeit slightly humid..
Settlements
The range holds the settlements of the Erden Monopoly. Its capital is Dziamint.
Economy
The Erden Monopoly holds exclusive rights to mining and trade in the Irere Mountains. Its Oinien specialize in mining, engineering, and the crafting of obsidian weaponry.
Flora and Fauna
Flora
The vegetation in the Irere Mountains consists mostly of shadow-adapted plants that thrive in low-light environments.
Fauna
The wildlife of the Irere Mountains is adapted to minimal sunlight, using camouflage and nocturnal vision.
Cultural Significance
The Irere Mountains holds deep spiritual meaning for the Western Oinien, who view the mountains as both a protector and a trial of resilience.