Deeplight Pass

The Magyar Mountains

The Magyar Mountains are an expansive mountain range which runs east-west, separating fertile farmlands and forests to the south of the mountains from a frigid and desolate coastline of a mighty sea to the north. The mountains remain mostly unmapped and uncharted, but prospectors from distant cities and civilization from the south have been journeying into the mountains more and more frequently in search of wealth and prosperity.

Many people make their living in the mountains and trappers, prospectors, miners and explorers, and many others call the mountains home – from dire and dangerous creatures to exploratory dwarves, adventurous elves, and hardy goliath.

The Deeplight Pass

Deeplight Pass is a natural landmark in the Magyar Mountains, acting as the only known mountain pass connecting the regions north and south of the mountain range. The pass begins in the south along the Ironborn River as it exits the mountains. Following the river north, one is led to a beautifully secluded loch within a expansive vale which hosts the town of Deeplight. Within the valley the soil softens to a degree that which it can be tilled and farmed for crops.

The vale is large and diverse, hosting forests, rolling hills, jagged rocky outcroppings and mysterious dark caves. Due to the uniqueness of the pass amongst the mountain range, many have made use of it over the years and it’s not uncommon to encounter new sights and scenery on each and every outing. The pass leads to many other paths which lead further into the mountains and away from civilization.

Upon reaching the Deeplight Vale, one continues the journey north through the pass by hiking a steep path between two mountains, where mountains lead to the foothills, plains, and eventually to the sea of the northern lands.

The Town of Deeplight

Location

The town of Deeplight is situated along the ancient roadway as it crosses the Ironborn River north of the loch (named the same as the river). The industry of the town is aided by the flowing river via a network of waterwheels and aqueducts redirecting the flow where required.

History

Deeplight originated as a small rest stop in the Deeplight Pass for travelers passing through the menacing Magyar Mountains. The area began to grow as more and more travelers began frequenting the pass, and merchants realized there was profit to be had in the desolate area.

After several short years, Deeplight grew from the site of a single large inn, to a town of hundreds of people who make their living in the pass. The town now has several large inns to host travelers, bars and eateries, shops to purchase gear, arms and luxuries, and also hosts industrious citizens including blacksmiths, tanners, trappers, miners and more. Deeplight was once a simple and humble spot next to a river, and now is a fully self-supporting and governed town.

As Deeplight grew, prospectors began arriving in droves to pursue rumours of valuable minerals in the mountains. Still an unnamed settlement at this time, Deeplight came to be known as such due to mysterious lights seen in natural caves and caverns by these prospectors as they were hunting for minerals such as iron and gold.

The Deeplight Lights

The Deeplight Lights (or sometimes just called “The Deeplights”) are mysterious strange lights seen in the depths of mines, caves, or sometimes off in the distance on the surface of the valley surrounding Deeplight. The town and the pass are in fact named for these strange lights.

When the vale grows dark at night, if one is lucky they can see these mysterious lights for themselves by simply looking off into the distance of the mountain walls; a strange green glow can seldom be seen off in the distant hills, illuminating trees and rock faces. More often, when venturing into caves and mines, lights can be seen at the deepest depths. Whenever they are investigated by braver individuals, nothing is turned up.

To this day it is still not known what causes these strange lights. Scholars and explorers have tried to investigate the mystery, but always come up empty handed. Theories range from aberrant creatures from the Underdark rising to scout out the surface, to ghosts and hauntings, to simple pranks of mischievous mundane people. Some say competing mining outfits are trying to scare out the competition of their own mines.

Society and Government

Deeplight is governed by a noble ruler with an appointed lord mayor to oversee administration alongside a small council with interests of the common folk. The town hosts a sizable contingent of soldiers acting as town guards and personal protectors of the noble in residence. Rules are strict in the streets of town, but an “underground” society of mischief does exist.

In terms of commerce, basic goods and services are easy to come by, including arms, armor, trading gear, as well as hospitality, food and drink. Harder to come by in Deeplight are exotic, luxurious and magical goods. Finding items such as these depends on the traders passing through town and selling wares at the market.

The town caters to most all walks of life; guilds exists for tradesmen and merchants, temples dot the town for the worship of gods. There are even rumours of a thieves guild in town.

Common is the language of choice in the area. All races and types of people pass through Deeplight, so nothing is really out of the ordinary. Magic is a less common sight in Deeplight, but mages and wizards seem to be flocking to the town for unknown reasons. Melora, Pelor, and Avandra are the most commonly revered deities by residents.