The Geldfrey Mountains

The Geldfray Mountains dominate the north-eastern corner of Aranthaes, their jagged peaks crowned in snow throughout the year despite the island’s otherwise warm climate. Sheer cliffs plunge into the sea along the eastern coast, while to the north the quaint fishing village of Rochpont clings precariously to their stone flanks. To the south, the fertile Geldcrass Plains spread beneath their shadow, watered by streams born of the eternal snows.

Setting & First Impressions

Seen from afar, the Geldfrays are an awe-inspiring wall of jagged stone, their peaks glittering white even under the hottest summer sun. The mountain light is cold and piercing, and avalanches are common after storms. Paths vanish under rockslides, and entire valleys can be sealed by snowdrift within hours. Despite their beauty, the mountains carry a sense of hostility, as though daring mortals to test their heights.

Settlements & Fortifications

The range is dotted with scattered fortified hamlets and watchtowers, where hardy folk eke out lives as goatherds, hunters, and traders in mountain herbs. The largest of these is Geldfray Keep, a stone fortress built up to the snowline, whose towers overlook the high valleys and guard the few passes into the eastern sea. Most communities cling to defensible crags, ringed with crude walls against both brigands and rockfall. Ancient troglodyte dwellings – carved into the stone long before the keep was built – lie abandoned in the deeper valleys, relics of a time when the land may have been less harsh.

Dangers & Mysteries

Travel through the Geldfrays is dangerous even in good weather. Rockslides and avalanches are constant threats, while thin air and sudden storms tax even the strongest travelers. Rumors persist of hidden valleys within the range, warmed by hot springs, where strange flora grows and ancient prehistory shrines remain untouched. The abandoned troglodyte dwellings sometimes show signs of recent use, though no one admits to living there.

Notable Places

Geldfray Keep: A heavily fortified stronghold guarding the passes, seat of the mountain region’s limited authority.
Rochpont: A cliffside fishing village beloved as a retreat for wealthy Aranthaens, perched where mountain meets sea.
Troglodyte Caves: Labyrinthine dwellings cut into the rock, their chambers blackened with ancient smoke and scattered with indecipherable carvings.

Encounters

When traveling through the Geldfray Mountains, roll d10 for possible encounters…

  1. 1d4+1 mountain goats startled by travelers, sending a rockslide down the slope.
    Goats: AC 12, HP 9, ram (1d4+1), no armor.
  2. 1d4 brigands hiding in a ruined watchtower, seeking to ambush passing caravans.
    Brigands: AC 13, HP 14, shortsword (1d6), leather armor.
  3. A sudden avalanche thunders down, forcing saving throws to avoid damage or burial.
    Avalanche: 2d10 bludgeoning damage if caught in the flow.
  4. A hermit dwelling in an abandoned troglodyte cave, claiming to guard a sacred secret.
    Hermit: AC 11, HP 16, staff (1d6), no armor.
  5. A patrol from Geldfray Keep demanding tolls for use of the pass.
    Soldiers (3): AC 16, HP 20, longsword (1d8+2), chain mail.
  6. A sudden snowstorm reduces visibility and halves travel speed for 1d6 hours.
    Survival checks required to avoid becoming lost.
  7. 1d4 giant eagles wheeling overhead, territorial and quick to attack.
    Eagles: AC 13, HP 26, talons (2d6+2).
  8. Signs of recent habitation in a troglodyte dwelling: campfire smoke, footprints, or strange symbols daubed in ash.
    Investigation reveals nothing conclusive.
  9. 1d4+2 wolves driven lean by winter hunger, hunting anything that moves.
    Wolves: AC 13, HP 11, bite (1d6+2), pack tactics.
  10. A collapsed trail where an old stone bridge has fallen into a gorge, forcing a dangerous detour or climb.
    Athletics checks required to cross safely.
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