The Rift

Geology does not apply - smooth cliffs plummet from flat plains as a deep gouge in the earth, ancient turmoil evident.

These cliffs are known to be impossible to scale, not because of their steepness, but because of the violent updrafts of wind that spew from the thin gouge below which graces the nearby flat planes. This hot wind is known to migrate south towards the Darama Desert, amplifying the heat to traveller’s there. Local villagers claim that the heat is a result of a dragon clan that has lived at the bottom of the Rift for thousands of years, protecting their kin through an opening to the catacombs below the Plains of Havoc. Other, however argue that as dragons are solitary creatures that this theory is codswallop. Some state that the updrafts must be a result of ancient magic which protects a collection of ancient spells transcribed below (indeed, those who peer down the cliff might note some ancient runes, which increase in density towards the base of the Rift). These writing are collectively known as “The Wyrd”, and many wizards are known to make pilgrimages to the area to attempt to deciper them. Most, however, end up thrown into the valley by violent updrafts in their attempts to reach the bottom. Many local villagers take bets on where they will land, and indeed “Wyrd Watching” (The act of watching wizards be catapulted through the sky) is a favourite local sport. To this end many wizards are offered free board and beer in local communities.

FUN FACT: Only one wizard has been known to survive this procedure, going by the name of “Lobothy the Buoyant”. He has survived ejection three times yet, and plans to attempt a fourth journey later this year. He’s a bit of a dick, or else someone would have suggested to him by now that he could just try the catacombs instead.