Drukhullenvaten

Drukhullenvaten is a fictional valley located in the northern highlands of the fantasy continent of Elaria. It is a glaciated trough bordered by basalt cliffs and dense pine forests, drained by the Drukh River, which rises from snowfields at the valley head and flows southeast toward the Lowsea. The name reflects the valley’s shade-drenched terrain, with the element Drukh meaning “dark” and vaten a regional term for “valley.”

Geography and ecology

The valley runs roughly 22 kilometers in length and up to 5–6 kilometers in width. Its landscape features peat bogs, scree slopes, and several small alpine tarns. The climate is subalpine, characterized by long winters and brief, cool summers. The ecosystem supports spruce and pine forests, mosses, and lichens; native fauna include brown bears, Eurasian lynx, beavers, and a variety of waterfowl. The Drukh River sustains a wetlands complex along its lower reach, providing habitat for amphibians and migratory birds.

History and culture

Prehistoric tribes such as the Gorhath inhabited the upper terraces, and archaeologists have documented stone cairns and cave paintings near the Sable Caverns. In later periods, the valley was a contested corridor during regional conflicts. Today it forms part of the Drukhull Preserve, a protected area administered by the Elarian Conservancy, with an emphasis on conservation and cultural heritage.

Economy and access

Only a handful of settlements remain, supported by sustainable forestry, ecotourism, and guided hiking. Access is via a seasonal road and a network of footpaths, complemented by a ranger station that coordinates wildlife monitoring and preserve protection.