Dactyl Mountains

The Dactyl Mountains are an imposing range of volcanic mountains that surround the Epimedes River Valley. Tall enough to be snow-capped year-round, several portions of the range are volcanically active, with near-constant lava flows nestled in between peaks. Hot springs are abundant, and a common destination for adventurous colonists. The tall mountains serve to collect the rainfall that comes in from the northeast, which is a major component in the fertility of the river valley. Another consequence of this is that the lands south of the Dactyls are arid. However they are also shielded from the cold northern winds, and have much milder winters as a result.

Historically, the mountains have also served to shield Freedom Falls and other ventures in the valley from outside attack, providing a natural barrier that must be negotiated by any invading force. With most Aitian paramilitaries having limited air power, this advantage is not to be underestimated.