Kakans

## Basic Information

### Location

Fabugalia, Lorvidelia, Maveilagos, Adhourbasia, Pedria, Knutsted, Harlow, and Palmeieirosia.

## Dimensions

### Width

211 km (131 mi) at widest point* 176 km (109 mi) on average

### Height

6,724 m (22,061 ft) at highest point* 5,547 m (18,200 ft) on average

## Map

The **Kakans** are the highest and most extensive mountain range that is entirely in Sendatio, stretching approximately 1,754 km (1,090 mi) across eight Kakan countries (from north to southwest): Fabugalia, Lorvidelia, Maveilagos, Adhourbasia, Pedria, Knutsted, Harlow, and Palmeieirosia.

The Kakans are split from the Sobrian Mountains by the Texcoac Valley, located in northern Gragosia and southern Palmeieirosia. Together, the two mountain ranges define the continent of Sendatio as the peninsular landmasses north of the ranges.

### Etymology

'Kakan' comes from the Maveilagosian word for 'icy slope.' The Kakans are, however, known by several different terms across Verdénia.

### Religious Significance

The Kakans are religiously significant to various followings. This significance has sparked religious conflicts, including wars and crusades.

#### Berberan Shamanism

Berberan shamanists traditionally make pilgrimages to the peaks of the Kakans, where they worship in large temples. These temples are located above aquifers of Harrier-rich mineral water, which Berberan shamanists traditionally claim is a gift directly from Aghmat.

According to Berberan manuscripts, Aghmat, then a human, traversed the Kakans and drank from the Harrier water to sustain himself through the annual ultrafreeze, along with intense meditation. Annually, in the Pilgrimage of Berber, thousands of Berberan shamanists travel from their home countries across borders and up the slopes of the Kakans. From there, they live in secretive hidden temples built to sustain the ultrafreeze. Pilgrims attempt to survive the entire ultrafreeze solely on Harrier water and meditation. The majority of the pilgrims fail, and either escape the Kakans or die in the process. Around 20 or 30 pilgrims are able to survive the ultrafreeze. A remarkable feat, the pilgrims are said to be freed from the struggles of life and are greeted with great riches upon return to their home country.

Typically, those who fail the pilgrimage will return eastwardly or southwards in waves towards Berberan aligned countries. These pilgrims will return the following year to attempt the feat again. Occasionally, it is impossible for pilgrims to return to Berberan aligned countries, and they must escape the slopes into Berberan-hostile countries such as Pedria or Maveilagos, causing religious conflicts and wars.

#### Maveilagosian religions

In Maveilagosian and Old Maveilagosian traditions, Condezanoas, a monotheistic deity which lives under Verdénia, breathes the Harrier water into the mountains. Maveilagosian-aligned nations believe that Berberan shamanists are not worthy to consume the Harrier water and should be purged from Maveilagosian-aligned territories. Pedrian armies often hunt down Berberan pilgrims entering Pedrian territory. Maveilagosian and Fabugalian armies have also engaged in conflict with Berberan pilgrims, but to a much lesser extent.