Kasumiaruandes

Kasumiaruandes is a mountain range located in the northern highlands of the fictional continent of Ardentia. It extends roughly along 1,400 kilometers from the coast toward the interior, with elevations ranging from about 1,800 meters to more than 6,000 meters at its highest summits. The range is noted for its persistent mists on the western slopes, which contribute to a distinctive cloud-cover landscape. The name combines kasumi, a local term for mist, with a suffix echoing Andean naming traditions.

Geology and topography: Kasumiaruandes formed during the late Oligocene to Miocene era as a result of plate collision between the Sirean and Valan plates. The geology is diverse, featuring granitic intrusions, andesitic lava flows, and metamorphic rocks. Glaciated valleys, amphitheater-like cirques, and long, steep ridges characterize much of the terrain, with ongoing rockfalls and landslides shaping the landscape.

Climate and ecology: The western flanks receive heavy orographic rainfall, creating lush montane forests at mid elevations, while the eastern side is comparatively drier. Above roughly 2,000 meters, conditions become alpine, with sparse vegetation and expansive meadows. The region hosts a range of flora, including numerous endemic orchids and cushion plants, and supports alpine fauna such as the fictional Kasumi ibex and other alpine mammals, along with diverse bird communities.

Human activity and conservation: Indigenous communities have historically inhabited valleys and used terraces for agriculture and trade. In modern times, ecotourism, scientific research, and limited mining occur under regulatory oversight. Kasumiaruandes National Park and associated protected areas aim to conserve critical habitats, preserve endemism, and monitor climate-change impacts on glacial retreat and ecosystem connectivity.