Realm of the Mount

The Realm of the Mount was a region of volcanic, wood-cloaked wilderness. It was located in the Border Kingdoms, near Jundarwood.

Geographical Features
This realm was centered on the Mount, a wood-covered volcano whose fume holes vented steaming vapors that sometimes caused individual trees to burn down in flames while letting the rest of the forest untouched. This led to the place being known as the flaming wood in ancient times.

Defenses
The realm of the Mount was tightly guarded by patrols, usually comprised of three dragonkins, six gargoyles, two undead owlbears, and several pixies. In addition, they carried flying snakes in back-pouches to help in case of though fights.

History
The region was originally a wilderness roamed by monsters and watched over by elves, who prevented gnomes and dwarves from settling in the volcano.

It was discovered by the wizard Xavanter Relurvor during the, who was looking for a place to hide with his family after his brother Ormalin embezzled a large portion of Ravens Bluff's treasury. After settling in, he used the volcano to melt the treasure, minting counterfeit Amnian and Calishite coins with the resulting metals. Various family members faked their death and moved to the Mount, and after some internal strife Ormalin fell into a lava rift and Xavander established his kingdom.

Once his realm established, Xavander rented territory to Ravenaar individuals who could afford it. Those "Tombs" were officially sold as a place for their loved ones to rest, but were actually used as a hiding places where the "Tomb Holders" hid stolen goods, kidnapped rivals, or allies trying to lay low for a while.

When Xavander was killed by a more powerful wizard, his son Tholander took over. Not smart enough to actually rule, but smart enough to realize it, Tholander hired and ennobled some of the most vicious Ravenaars in exchange for them ruling in the shadows acting as tutors for one of his own sons to prepare him to rule.

When Tholander died and Helemvo ascended to the throne, he assassinated his tutors and most of his siblings, cementing his position as the head of state. The "Dread King" Helemvo then murdered several wealthy Tomb Holders, and used their wealth to build a small army of dragonkin, giving them gargoyles and undead creatures to command.

Inhabitants
The warm caves on the sides of the Mount sheltered many monsters and ne'er-do-well. As such, fights were a common occurrence in the realm's forests.