The Spine of Emer — especially the central region — is a rich repository of valuable minerals. It is no wonder that Stroane has become a wealthy nation with such a copious base. In addition to coal, iron and copper, the mountains yield up quantities of gold and silver, Shaalk, Keron, Eogs, and even Kregora.
The Mountains of Gold were once a plentiful and easy supply of that yellow metal, but their easily-accessible supplies seem to have dried up. Tales of new veins are always circulating, but most are dismissed as wild rumors. A rare vein of Orhan Marble is not completely depleted in the Forbidden Ridge, but it is also difficult to reach. The only practical access is by water over the Sea of Votania, a voyage few dare to undertake.