Cais Adarra
Overview
Cais Adarra is a mountain in the Storhvit region named by the Rediscovery Endeavor exploration forces. The mountain towers majestically over the entire region and is split from base to summit with an unceasing blue glow emanating from the rift. It is likely an Oasis or pocket of stability that repels Tumult winds.
Physical Description
Cais Adarra towers majestically over the entire Storhvit region. It is always visible no matter where one is in the region, as long as the skies are clear. The mountain’s jagged, snow-covered buttresses reach skyward like thorns piercing the heavens.
The mountain appears split from base to summit, as if a colossal axe had cleaved it in two. From this rift, an unceasing blue glow illuminates the surrounding landscape day and night.
Oasis Properties
Meteorologists have observed that Tumult winds are repelled by the rocky peak, suggesting the mountain is likely an Oasis or at least a pocket of stability. The circular glacier encircling Cais Adarra provides another clue pointing to an Oasis centered on the idea of cold. The surrounding zones are affected by the mountain’s geographical proximity, but the sharp demarcation leaves little doubt about its status as a stability zone.
Kelon Deposit
According to the Prospectors’ Guild, the blue glow from the mountain’s rift might indicate the presence of the largest Kelon deposit discovered to date.
Stabilizing Influence
The mountain emanates a strong idea of cold, ice, and winter that mitigates the mutagenic effects of The Tumult in the Storhvit region. This persistence of concept creates relative stability for Expeditionary Corps forces.
Strategic Importance
The goal of Expeditionary Corps forces is to reach Cais Adarra as quickly as possible. Though the cold there may be even harsher than in lower regions, the peak will provide a secure haven against Tumult singularities plaguing the lower areas.
Belisenki Defense (393 AC)
Territorial Protection
By February 393 AC, Belisenki (also called “White Shadows”) actively defended Cais Adarra from Rediscovery Endeavor approach. Muna attempted negotiation using The Skein, but every diplomatic effort ended in failure. Belisenki appear to be protecting the mountain, preventing anyone from approaching.
Aggression Gradient
Belisenki relatively scarce in tundra and taiga regions, but closer Expeditionary Corps forces approached Cais Adarra, more aggressive and dangerous creatures became. This geographic distribution pattern suggests mountain serves as territorial center for Belisenki population.
Suspected Colony Location
Axiom zoologists and expedition leadership theorized Belisenki main colony lies deep within Cais Adarra mountain itself. If theories correct, eusocial species divided into castes with some individuals focusing on food gathering while others care for eggs.
Guerrilla Warfare Campaign
Belisenki employed coordinated defensive tactics against approaching forces:
- Ambushes on convoys and hunting parties
- Sabotage of vehicles and installations
- Persistent harassment campaigns
- Expert use of white camouflage against snowy cliffs and trees
First recorded attack occurred when hunting party ventured into tundra in search of game. Belisenki appeared without warning, forcing trappers to retreat and abandon supplies and equipment. Since initial encounter, incidents increased with growing damage to expedition operations.
By late February 393 AC, what were sporadic skirmishes escalated into daily clashes. Already harsh environment compounded by constant fear of attack.
Strategic Dilemma
Yzmir augurs sensed coming of powerful wave of The Tumult. Expeditionary Corps forces must find shelter, have no choice but to press forward and attempt to reach safety of Oasis at Cais Adarra despite Belisenki opposition.
Temera Singh, Grand Admiral, noted in February 21, 393 AC logbook: “Under different circumstances, we might turn back and leave them in peace, but the Yzmir augurs sense the coming of a powerful wave of Tumult. We must find shelter and have no choice but to press forward and attempt to reach the safety of the Oasis. If only we could make them understand that we mean no harm.”
Failed Communication Attempts
Muna diplomatic efforts through The Skein unsuccessful. Ordis debated whether by calling upon Coalescence they could link minds to Belisenki and establish communication or understanding. However, Ordis hierarchy reluctant to welcome alien psyche into The Gestalt - understandable and prudent hesitation according to expedition leadership.
Climate History and Archaeological Discoveries - 393 AC
Pre-Glaciation Climate
Extensive soil analysis conducted by Sierra in 393 AC showed Cais Adarra and by extension entire Storvhit enjoyed much milder climate barely century ago. Climate was similar to current weather conditions in Tilted Steppes of Caer Oorun, suggesting once-lush temperate environment before sudden transformation to polar conditions.
Sudden Glaciation Event
Transformation from mild to polar climate occurred rapidly—only few decades required for once-lush land to become arctic. Deeper study of sediments and geological formations suggests shift was sudden rather than gradual. Analysis indicates Alteration may have been used to shape arctic landscapes, possibly intentionally transforming region into perpetually frozen expanse.
Archaeological Evidence
Excavations around The Nilam world-tree revealed signs of human settlement from before glaciation including rusted tools, troglodyte dwellings, fabric remnants, and pottery fragments. Evidence indicates human society once established in shadow of world-tree with colony estimated to have housed several hundred people.
Settlement dated at least two hundred years prior to 393 AC, meaning presence postdates The Confluence. Provides proof that other human communities survived within The Tumult well after founding of Asgartha. Colony appeared abandoned before onset of glacial era despite advanced technological capabilities surpassing Axiom Industrial Revolution by hundreds of years.
Questions remain whether inhabitants were descendants of The Lost Tribe or other Tumult Nomads, and whether descendants still wander world after forced migration.
Kuraokami Imprisonment - March 393 AC
Kuraokami, primordial dragon Oneiros embodying concepts of rain and snow, imprisoned at heart of Cais Adarra mountain. Entity unable to manifest as Eidolon within reality for unknown reasons. Fen successfully conversed with Kuraokami using Wind affinity, learning it claims human responsible for confinement seeking to harness its power. Kuraokami’s continued presence transformed Storvhit region into perpetually frozen expanse, creating somewhat stable Oasis. Belisenki serve as de facto jailers, benefiting from imprisonment to thrive within biome that dragon unwillingly helped create. Temera Singh documented strategic dilemma: freeing Kuraokami would likely destroy Oasis and harm settled species, but preventing Oneiros manifestation constitutes slow death.
Geographic Features
Circular Glacier
A circular glacier encircles Cais Adarra, providing evidence of the mountain’s role as an Oasis centered on the idea of cold.
The Frozen Lake
The Frozen Lake is a sprawling circular ice sheet centered on Cais Adarra, constantly creaking and groaning as ice plates shift and collide beneath the surface.
The Spur
The Spur is the final challenge before reaching the summit, a steep jagged slope with sharp rock formations and sheer cliffs.
Depiction in City of Scholars
A fresco discovered deep within the City of Scholars depicts Cais Adarra as it existed before glaciation. The artwork shows a great tree covered in leaves, nestled between the twin peaks, with roots connecting to a multi-tiered city below the mountain. This visual record suggests the City of Scholars’ inhabitants knew of or had contact with the Cais Adarra region when it supported the world-tree.
Relationships
- City of Scholars: Ancient city whose frescos depict Cais Adarra and its world-tree
- Storhvit: Parent region containing Cais Adarra
- Frozen Lake: Circular formation centered on the mountain
- Spur: Slope leading to summit
- Prospectors’ Guild: Identified potential Kelon deposit
- Rediscovery Endeavor: Organization seeking to reach the mountain
- Temera Singh: Grand Admiral who documented mountain in January 15, 393 AC log and February 21, 393 AC logbook entry on Belisenki defense
- Belisenki: Eusocial moth-like species defending mountain from human approach (393 AC), suspected main colony deep within mountain
- Kuraokami: Imprisoned Oneiros at heart of mountain, unable to manifest as Eidolon (393 AC)
- Fen: Lyra Alterer who conversed with Kuraokami using Wind affinity (393 AC)- The Nilam: Dead world-tree at heart of mountain, site of pre-glaciation human settlement
- Sierra: Axiom engineer who conducted soil analysis and archaeological excavations (393 AC)
- Tilted Steppes: Region with climate similar to Cais Adarra’s pre-glaciation conditions
- Caer Oorun: Location of Tilted Steppes used for climate comparison
- Pre-glaciation colony: Ancient human settlement of several hundred people with advanced technology