View source for The Boundary Mountains

{{Template:Mountains
|title=Boundary Mountains
|subtitle=The Iron Wall of Terasil
|image=[[File:Boundary Mountains.jpg|thumb]]
|caption=The towering, iron-rich peaks of the Boundary Mountains, a natural barrier protecting Terasil.
|label1=Name
|data1=Boundary Mountains
|label2=Location
|data2=Western Terasil, bordering the Highlands
|label3=Highest Peak
|data3=Vorl-Kharn
|label4=Climate
|data4=Cold, arid highlands; extreme weather at higher elevations
|label5=Inhabitants
|data5=Orasians, Earth Spirits
|label6=Significance
|data6=Natural defense, rich in iron, home to Hek-Val and Shem-Kal
}}

== Overview ==  
The Boundary Mountains are a formidable range marking the westernmost border of Terasil, separating the Orasian lands from the Highland Plains beyond. Their towering, iron-rich peaks and jagged ridges form an impenetrable natural defense, long regarded as the final bastion of Orasian strength. Unlike the more eroded mountains of Cairnwall or Scarspire, the Boundary Mountains stand defiant against time and erosion, their sheer cliffs and blackened peaks symbolizing the endurance of the Orasians.

The southern pass through the range is fortified by Shem-Kal, a strategic outpost, while the town of Hek-Val, carved into the mountain’s lower slopes, serves as a key trade and defense hub.

== Etymology ==  
The name "Boundary Mountains" reflects their historical and symbolic role as the final barrier between Terasil and the lands beyond. To the Orasians, they are also called “Vorl-Kharn”—meaning “The Wall of Iron”—a name referencing both their rich metal deposits and their unyielding nature.

== Geography ==  
The Boundary Mountains stretch along Terasil’s western frontier, forming a steep, nearly impassable ridge.

=== Major Landmarks ===  
* Vorl-Kharn – The highest peak, standing as an unconquered monolith of iron and black stone.  
* The Iron Wall – A continuous ridgeline of nearly vertical peaks, forming an unbroken natural fortress.  
* The Highland Gateway – The only navigable passage, leading to the Highland Plains beyond.  

== Climate ==  
The Boundary Mountains experience harsh, unpredictable weather, with strong winds and extreme temperature shifts.

* Lower Slopes: Arid and rocky, with occasional hardy vegetation.  
* Higher Peaks: Cold and windswept, with perpetual iron frost covering the summits.  

== Geology ==  
The range is famous for its iron-rich composition, making it one of the strongest natural barriers in Terasil.

* Metal Deposits: High concentrations of iron, nickel, and hematite.  
* Rock Formations: Massive slabs of basalt and hardened black stone, giving the mountains their distinct dark color.  

== Settlements and Strongholds ==  
Despite its harsh conditions, the Boundary Mountains house important Orasian strongholds.

=== Shem-Kal ===  
A fortress guarding the southern pass, ensuring that no unwanted forces enter Terasil.

=== Hek-Val ===  
A stone-hewn town, positioned along the eastern slopes, acting as a trade and defense hub.

== Ecology ==  
Life in the Boundary Mountains is scarce but resilient, adapted to the rocky, iron-heavy terrain.

=== Flora ===  
* Ironroot Shrub – A plant with roots strong enough to penetrate iron deposits.  
* Kharnvine – A creeping, black-veined vine that clings to the cliffs.  
* Windthorn Bramble – A low-growing shrub that thrives in harsh mountain winds.  

=== Fauna ===  
* Steelclaw Vulture – A massive scavenger bird, with razor-sharp talons.  
* Vorl-Wyrm – A serpentine predator, its scales resembling iron.  
* Kharn Ram – A large, mountain-dwelling beast, with horns as hard as steel.  

== Cultural and Historical Significance ==  
To the Orasians, the Boundary Mountains are sacred, representing resilience, endurance, and unyielding strength.

=== The Iron Veil ===  
An Orasian belief that the Boundary Mountains are the shield of Terasil, forged by the will of [[Oras]].

=== Legends and Myths ===  
* The Sleeper in Iron – A legend speaks of a great Orasian warrior, encased in iron within the mountains, waiting to awaken.  
* The Wind’s Price – An old tale warning that any who seek to cross the mountains uninvited will be lost to the winds.  

== See Also ==  
* [[Terasil]]  
* [[Hek-Val]]  
* [[Shem-Kal]]  
* [[Orasians]]  
* [[Highland Plains]]