Olgish Highlands

The Olgish Highlands are a Variscan mountain range in Belkondíl, separating the Cëlac and Brethan river valleys and the corresponding eastern and western part of Belkondíl.

Description

They form the southernmost part of the Belkondilic mountain system, beginning on the southern end of the Gap of Ton and bending southward along the Cëlac until roughly the height of Lake Gliron. Nominally divided between the Lécaronian Palatinate and the county of Gliron, the highlands are mostly inaccessible to travellers, and only at their rims can larger pales be found. Vegetation is sparse throughout the highlands, even though they are more densely forested than the Harking Hills and many small forests can be found in their valleys, especially ashore their countless lakes.

In Culture

The highest mountain range in the heartland of Olgish culture, they are intrinsically connected with Olgish history and mythology. Two legendary fortifications mark their northern and southern end, Gërwín and the Castle of Simaël, the latter hailing back to Olgish prehistory and still active in the Late Imperial Area. In literature, the Olgish Highlands are most often portrayed in light of the romantic clash of natural beauty and violence, featuring both as the backdrop for tragic love stories and serving as the main setting for the adventures of many heroes, especially those of late Olgish legend and Lécaronian folklore. The Vale of Dirvendíl, the famed most beautiful sight to behold in all of Belkondíl, is located in a chain of lakes and valleys below the eastern ridge; the legendary Pass of Ranger's Dread, famous for its central role in many heroic tales of monster hunters, especially its presumed mention in the Dragonslayer's Book, on the north-western side.