Umamthakom Mountains

The **Umamthakom Mountains** or Ortus Mons is a large mountain range located in the middle of Sahul. The highest mountain peak can be located here. The mountain range is currently under control by Wal-Rauvar the realm of Giants. This mountain range was also the center of the old Dwarven Imperium before its collapse in the Troigh Leud. The ruins of the old mountain home Aurum Invicta can be found here.

## **Geography**

Umanthakom contains some of the highest peaks in Sahul. With the Magna Paulum being the highest of the mountains at 5129 meters tall. Further more many rivers which flow in Sahul find their origin here. These powerful rivers carve their way through the mountain. These rivers then flow towards lower valleys. These valleys are one of the most beautiful sights to see in the mountains and more easily accessible than the highest peaks. Doted around the mountain range smaller lakes can be found.

### Passes

The mountain range contains many different passes. Following is a short list of some of the most important ones:

* Golden pass
	+ This passage leads directly to Aurum Invicta, located in the heart of the mountain. Holes were carved out into the sides of the mountain, here stood tall golden statues of every kaiser of the Dwarven Imperium. Most statues have been looted by the giants and later by scavengers. Only a few statues were rescued by the Dwarves when they retreated to Tyrias Rupes. Rumors are that there is still some gold remaining, scavenger try their luck but usually get buried beneath the mountain.
* Smada's pass
	+ Connects the northern parts of the mountains with the lands of Drazenia.
* Moldath's Pass
	+ Named after a dwarven necromancer of old.

## **History**

The history of the mountains is a long and complicated one. The mountain range itself having many names for many different cultures. From Umamthakom in Giant or Ortus Mons in Dwarvish. From hence forth the range shall be refered to as Umamthakom, since most people throughout Astrohansia refer to it by this name, a major exception being the Dwarves and their close allies.

### Time of Dwarves

For as long as it has been known Umamthakom has been home to the Dwarves. In these mountains their history started, hence the name Ortus Mons meaning something akin to birthplace mountains. During the early eras the Dwarves settled many mountain tops, with Aurum Invicta being the capital or Mountain Home of the Dwarves.

From Umamthakom the Dwarves delved many metals creating fine armour and even finer weapons. The metals granted the Dwarves incredible wealth and therefore power. Their lust of gold wasn't satiated and so they started conquering outwards. Owning large portions of Sahul, from the most western border at the Quartz River all the way to the east where the land ends and the Sea of Resonance begins.

#### Troigh Leud

*Main article: Troigh Leud*

However nothing lasts forever and the downfall came after the Dwarves tried to vassalize lands of local Giants. This diplomatic mission resultated in a failure and eventual war with the Giants. This war now known as the Troigh Leud became the downfall of the Dwarven Imperium and they were chased out their ancient homelands retreating to Tyria Rupes in the east.

### Giants of Wal-Rauvar

After the fall of the Dwarves the giants came to rule the mountains, eventually the new giant name of Umamthakom became common place.

## **Etymology**

*Umamthakom*in the Giant language means Soaring Mountains, so whenever a foreigner refers to it as the Umamthakom Mountains it is really a tautology.

The other name for the mountain range Ortus Mons comes from the Dwarven language and has multiple meanings. If translated it translate roughly to sunrise mountains. In Dwarven the meaning is usually described as a place of birth or homeland. Signifying that the mountain range was the birthplace of Dwarves and they still see it as their home. Alternatively Ortus can be interpreted as 'All it Must have seen'.