The Dust Devil Canyon

Area description
The Canyon is split into an upper and lower half by the river Ikaoils, which in the old language means “snake path”. The hawk totem worshiping settlement “Tempest Height” has lived here for a very long time. This area is known for its presence of the “Might of Wind”.

A highly evolved nation lived here during the time of the old Realms. The ruler of this nation was obsessed in further advancing the use of the rune stones. With their abilities they used the ample available mystical power of the wind.

Obsidian Stronghold
About 40 years ago a trading company for steel erected their outpost in the Dust Devil Canyon. At the beginning this outpost was only a small settlement to ensure room for the ore prospectors and mercenaries which protected the caravans. Later they built defensive fortifications all around the settlement due to their encounters with “Tempest Height”. In succession to a glorious victory over the warriors of “Tempest Height” and their banishment from this side of the Valley, their leader erected a real city wall in remembrance to this victory.

Using this basis they extended their Stronghold step by step. Since the company had to fight back barbarians, protect the streets and outposts in the Ystra-Highlands, they began to train excellent mercenaries.

The Big Dig
Also known as the Great Mine.

Near the “Obsidian Stronghold” one can find a mine which was created by humans. At first the surface was rich with ore deposits, which lead later to the digging of the “Great Tunnel”, the “South-west Tunnel” and the southern “Slanting Tunnel”. Rich ore deposits can still be found, although it may be difficult to get to since lizards and spiders have now made these tunnels their new home.

Kal Turok Hive
When the accident at the “Tower of the Seal” took place, the surface of Dust Devil Canyon transformed and many buildings were buried beneath the earth. When this happened many creatures died that still lived in the demon dwellings, only a few monsters with inorganic structures survived. Except for one other group, these were the creatures called “Human Ants”.

The “Order of the Dark Glory” felt that these Ant People were monsters which only represented danger for the mine. This feeling counted especially toward the Ant soldiers who came to the surface in their search for food and to hunt edible living beings. They saw humans as potential food and were therefore extremely dangerous.

Red Valley & Mesa of the Fallen
The name “Mesa of the Fallen” originates in the conflict between “Tempest Height” and the “Order” and the many battles they had here. Since great heroes fought on both sides, the plateau is also called “Battleground of Heroes“.

The name “Red Valley” came to be through the iron ore within the rocks, which slowly rusted and therefore started to dye the walls red. Another story goes back to the time of the encounters between Tempest Height and the Order. Both sides did not wish to retreat and instead slaughtered each other without mercy, which covered the entire valley in blood.

Karzak Camp
Karzak Camp lies at the entrance to Hawk's Cliff. Back then the population of Tempest Height used this for their sacrifices. Two years ago a few unarmed barbarians were slain by a brigade of the Order of the Dark Glory, which caused uproar within Tempest Heights.

But the chief of the time, Chailik, did not wish to wage open war against the Obsidian Stronghold. Due to this decision disputes erupted and the first warrior of the clan took a bunch of people to the tent of their chief, demanding from him to lead them to battle.

Tempest Height
The settlement of Tempest Height consists of a Clan of barbarians, who worship the falcon totem. They believe that they inherited the power of the wind elementals and for this reason they feel responsible to help the ghosts that guard the hidden secrets here. They have been living here since the destruction of the Old Realms, far away from the rest of the world.

The culture of Tempest Height is an independent civilization with a long history. According to historical records, the tribal territory was expanded throughout the Qilar Highlands nearly up to the mountain fortress of Snowhorn.

Hawk's Cliff
Hawk's Cliff is unbelievably high. If one looks upward to the top of Hawk's Cliff, it would seem that the only way to reach the top is to fly like a bird, hence the name Hawk's Cliff. This is also a common resting place of the Harpy.

The inhabitants of Tempest Height believe it to be a place of great importance. The local tribe worships the Hawk Totem and they believe the Harpies are people of the wind soul.

Kalin's Shrine
During ancient times, the Kalin Shrine was one of the seal towers. Even at that time it was regarded as an ancient relic, which was believed to help prevent the demons from spying. The humans then secretly began to build this seal tower underground.

In the legends of Tempest Height this place was described as the sunken palace, and was said to be where the “Sea Kings” dwell. When people go fishing here, it is common practice to kneel down and pray in the direction of the shrine to ask the Sea King to give them food and grant them passage to the lake.

Other links

 * Dust Devil Canyon quests
 * Dust Devil Canyon titles