[Maplore] Goldleaf Gap

[BobBox 3798]

The land of Amara Veythiel

 

 

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"When man speaks of land, given from God, their mind rightfully wanders to Goldleaf Gap."

Words from a bygone peasant.

 

 

 

Located above the mountain chains that sprawl throughout all of Ruhnskar in the south, and below the forests that blanket Ilharcress and Ironhowl Range, is a land full of golden trees and rich soil, where rivers lazily wind throughout the countryside and give life to fresh flowers and brush. Here, small rocks slick with moss and algae blanket the land, offering only a small obstacle to those who travel in wagons and atop horses. This is the once-holy land of Goldleaf Gap.

 

Goldleaf Gap is comprised of two notable landmarks. Firstly, a couple of small ponds feed into a river that slowly snakes around the land before it reaches and travels deeper into Ilhacress. During its path, the river is surrounded by steep rocky cliffsides that linger overhead. Patches of shade gently cover the pathway, tempting travelers to rest for the night as they continue through the wondrous lands. The second notable feature is the golden trees that appear across the countryside in sparse bands and as beautiful patches. These trees dot the landscape like a pile of golden coins tossed onto a tavern table, and they occupy the minds of merchants in the same fashion as well.

 

The golden leaves of the trees are known to occasionally shine bright, as if light is reflecting off of some precious metal. During a full moon, when the moonlight is especially intense, the region can be seen over the neighboring mountains, akin to stars in the night sky. Rumors have spread around Azuras for years, speaking of a mighty paladin who once carved and shaped the region by herself.

 

 

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Evil is a universal force that afflicts all continents and walks of life without restraint or fear, and Azuras is no different. Notes and scattered pages from descendants of the past mention hideous creatures, evil entities, and malevolent spirits that often lurked in the shadows of various regions. While some areas were safer than others, there was no place where one could live completely without fear of the darkness and what might be hiding within it. This was until Amara Veythiel arrived.

Where Amara was from is unknown in the stories. What is known is that she possessed an incredible blessing from Xan and an even stronger will. At first, she wandered the lands, killing all darkspawn she could find, though it soon became clear that the continent was too vast to patrol constantly. Seeking a more permanent refuge, she established the Goldleaf Gap. Some say that Amara herself carved out the valleys, allowing water to flow freely through the land. Others dispute this and claim that she merely established a zone that darkspawn would dare not enter.

Two things are certain. First, Amara used her blessing to create artifacts of immense power. These artifacts were used to bless the land and to repel dark forces trying to attack it and its inhabitants. Those who believe that Amara physically carved the land cite this as their explanation. Second, it is known that Amara created the golden trees still growing in the region, which initially bore the color of pure ivory.

This sacred region endured for a long time, but the forces of darkness were not content to stay at bay forever. A powerful army ultimately swept into the land and overwhelmed the holy defenses. Here, Amara sacrificed herself to ensure the safety of those within. As she died, witnesses reported that she was consumed by a radiant light that burst outward into the ivory trees she had created. The trees began to glow intensely, infused with the holy powers, though over time - and with the death of Xan - they gradually dulled to their current golden hue.

It remains unknown how many artifacts still exist within Goldleaf Gap, though it’s said that their powers likely have waned, just as the trees no longer glow with sacred energy.

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