Hardvenel

Hardvenel is a fictional geographic location that appears in the fantasy novel "The Serpent's Shadow" by author Elara Vance. It is described as a desolate and rugged mountain range situated in the northern territories of the continent of Aeridor. The region is characterized by jagged peaks, deep ravines, and harsh weather conditions, making it largely uninhabited and difficult to traverse.

According to the lore established in the novel, Hardvenel is believed to be a source of ancient magical energy, though this has never been definitively proven. Legends speak of forgotten ruins and hidden passages within the mountains, hinting at a lost civilization or a place of great power. The few settlements that exist on the fringes of Hardvenel are small and isolated, populated by hardy individuals who have adapted to the unforgiving environment. These inhabitants are often depicted as stoic and self-reliant, with a deep understanding of the mountain's dangers. The primary flora consists of tough, low-lying shrubs and stunted trees, while the fauna includes resilient mountain goats and elusive predators. The harshness of the terrain has made Hardvenel a natural barrier, separating the northern kingdoms from the lands to the south.