Ered

Ered is a fictional mountain range that serves as a major geographic feature in many fantasy settings, most commonly described as lying along the eastern frontier of the continent of Eldoria. The range extends roughly 350 kilometers from northeast to southwest, with a central spine of granite peaks that reach between 3,100 and 3,600 meters. Glacial valleys, sharp escarpments, and numerous passes define its topography.

Climate and ecology are defined by high alpine conditions. The highest elevations are snowbound for much of the year, while the lower slopes support alpine fir, dwarf shrubs, and scattered stands of hardy larch. The timberline sits around 2,000 meters. Wildlife commonly depicted includes snow leopards or lynxes, ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. Hydrology centers on several headwater streams that feed the eastern rivers; a prominent glacier in the central region, sometimes called the Veil Glacier in works of fiction, feeds these waters during warmer months.

History and peoples describe the Ered as a long-standing barrier and corridor. The range has been inhabited by cultures such as the Kethar and Valen, who used narrow passes for trade and seasonal migrations. Dwarven forges in the Nasek Crags are cited in many legends as a source of specialized metalwork. Cliff monasteries and sanctuaries carved into sheer faces, including sites known in stories as Sighing Crag and Echo Cell, appear as places of learning and refuge during conflicts.

Modern governance and economy place the Ered within the fictional polity of Eldoria, administered by an Ered Council responsible for border security, resource management, and mountain rescue. The economy blends mining, forestry, and ecotourism, with climbing routes and guided treks drawing visitors seeking rugged landscapes and panoramic views.

In culture and media, Ered appears in fantasy literature and role-playing games as a storied, perilous landscape that tests travelers, with landmarks such as the Gate of Winds and the Nasek Pass recurring in various narratives.