Storm Horns

The Storm Horns was the name given to the mountains that marked the western and northern frontier of Cormyr. They were wild and untamed, the cliffs and crags teeming with monsters.

Description
The Storm Horns were among the tallest and steepest mountains in central Faerûn, composed of hardened rock that was more difficult than most to break through. They were exceptionally difficult to traverse and those attempting a trek across the jagged terrain were in for a grueling trip.

The highest of the Storm Horns' peaks stood far above the others, piercing the clouds in the sky. While it was a stunning view to behold, the treacherousness of the mountainside made it one best appreciated from afar.

Climate
As its name suggested, the Storm Horns were battered with horrific thunderstorms all year round. The eastern slopes of the mountains were battered with most of the rain as wind nearly always blew westward, and the highest peaks received snowfall much of the year save for summer.

Geography
except for High Horn Pass and Gnoll Pass, the only easy routes, both of which were defended by Cormyr.

Geographical features

 * High Horn: One of the tallest peaks in the region at 1000 feet (305 m).

Flora & Fauna
The majority of plant life found in the Storm Horns grew along its eastern slopes. Turis trees could be found at the upper end of the treeline, along with the ubiquitous Bowen's flower, and bentilan spice. Maxor plants could be found to the south, only near the Tun River.

A wide variety of mammalian animals made their home throughout the Storm Horns, including deer, bears, mountain lions, wloves, and the rather uncommon serow. Some of the more monstrous or fantastic beasts found within included kobolds, aurumvoraxes, rocs, minotaur lizards, and in the deepest of its caves, the vicious chimerae.

History
These mountains were once home to several strongholds of an ancient goblin empire. The empire fell to dwarven attacks, long before humans appeared in Cormyr.

In the 14 century DR, the tribes of the mountains occasionally launched raids, although some had learned to trade peacefully. As of 1372 DR, there were two human settlements in the mountains, Eagle Peak and Skull Crag.

In recent times, the ravaging armies of the Goblin War resulted in many of these settlements being deserted.

When the extra-dimensional city of Grodd was drawn closer to the Prime Material Plane, gates started to open and close in these mountains.

Rumors & Legends
Due to their majestic size the mountains inspired numerous writers to recount their grandeur in poetic verse.

Landmarks

 * Castle Kilgrave, a solitary castle that was taken over by the avatar of Bane during the Time of Troubles.
 * High Horn, large military hold near to the peak of the same name.
 * Mist's Lair, a huge natural cave with its entrance overlooking the road between Waymoot and Suzail. The cave served as a temple at one point in the distant past, later was home to an ancient red dragon Mistinarperadnacles Hai Draco.

Settlements

 * Eagle Peak, small hamlet and popular caravan stop.
 * Skull Crag,A small mining community.

Inhabitants
The peaks were inhabited by dragons and tribes of humanoids, and some orc survivors of the attack on Arabel made their home in the eastern Storm Horns and the flatlands beneath.

Aarakocra made their home in the Storm Horns in the 14 and 15 centuries DR.

Monstrous humanoids such as bugbears, and orcs made their home in the mountains, as did several species of giants, including hill and stone giants, and among its tallest peaks, cloud and storm giants. Even the malevolent fomorian gains were known to lair deep within abandoned mines.

Like the nearby Thunder Peak Mountains, the ecology of the Storm Horns was strongly connected to its population of dragons.

Notable Inhabitants

 * Mistinarperadnacles Hai Draco
 * Thauglorimorgorus

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Into the Dragon's Lair
 * Novels
 * Azure Bonds