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=== Major Planetary Zones | Regions | Geographic Features ===

====== RALAR MOUNTAINS ======

  * **Type:** Mountain Range (featuring an active volcano)
  * **Location:** Southern border of the [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]], adjacent to [[ralar_bay|Ralar Bay]] and the [[dark_sea_region|Dark Sea]]

===== Overview =====

The Ralar Mountains stretch roughly 200 kilometers from west to east, forming a volcanic mountain range that encircles the namegiving and highly active [[ralar|Ralar Volcano]]. Serving as the southern boundary of the [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]], they rise alongside the geothermally active coastline of [[ralar_bay|Ralar Bay]].

The centerpiece of the range is Ralar Volcano — one of the highest elevations on the [[dark_side|Dark Side]] of [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]. With an altitude of 4,800 meters and a sprawling footprint of 2,500 square kilometers, the volcano is both a geological marvel and an ecological driver, shaping the surrounding terrain through frequent eruptions and continuous geothermal activity.

===== Local Climatic Conditions, Geography and Landscape =====

The Ralar Mountains are characterized by steep, ash-covered flanks, jagged lava ridges, and expansive flows of solidified magma. The main crater of Ralar Volcano measures two kilometers in diameter and is surrounded by several smaller secondary craters formed by historic eruptions.

The geothermal influence makes the Ralar Mountains one of the warmest places on the Dark Side. Frequent lava flows and sulfur venting contribute to the development of extremophile ecosystems along the slopes and into the Ralar Bay. The terrain is volatile, with rockfalls, ash storms, and seismic tremors being common.

==== Weather Patterns: ====

  * Volcanically warmed microclimates around geothermal sites
  * Periodic ash storms and toxic gas emissions
  * High seismic activity and occasional lava flows
  * Nighttime fog and vapor clouds along the Ralar Bay shoreline

===== Local Flora =====

Flora in the Ralar Mountains is adapted to extreme heat and mineral-rich soils. Despite the harsh conditions, unique species have evolved around the volcanic terrain:

  * **Geothermal Mosses** – Thrive near hot springs and sulfur vents
  * **Volcano Lichen** – Resilient crustose lichens that coat lava fields
  * **Ashbloom Ferns** – Rare ferns that grow in cooled lava tubes, drawing nutrients from volcanic sediment
  * **Shika Me La** – A bioluminescent mushroom ([[luminofera|Luminofera dualis]])

===== Local Fauna =====

Due to the founding of the [[the_humans|Exohuman]] settlement [[firetown|Firetown]] during the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], the Ralar Mountains are the most explored area of the [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]]. However, this does not imply thorough scientific understanding. Since the signing of the [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]] in the early [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]], all targeted Exohuman research has been officially prohibited by the [[native_human_behavior_supervision|Permanent Supervisor]] of the [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes]]. As a result, new findings in the Gamma Age rely solely on accidental discoveries, often lacking proper scientific documentation.

Nevertheless, the geothermal activity of the Ralar Mountains has fostered the richest known wildlife in the region. Documented species include:

==== Mammals ====

  * [[korozo|Korozo]] – Coyote-like pack hunter (up to 1.3m long), uses ultrasonic sounds and acute hearing to locate prey.
  * [[nokari_mouse|Nokari Mouse]] – Small, fur-insulated rodent originally native to the Asari Region. Now the only documented rodent in the Ralar Region.
  * [[Skycleft Howler|Skycleft Howler]] – A cave-dwelling glider-mammal with glistening membrane wings and a sonar-based echo call. Hangs upside-down from rock ceilings and emits deep, resonant pulses to map its environment. Known to shriek in response to magnetic storms.
  * [[xzonomi|Xzonomi]] – Large, blind mammalian mount (up to 3.8m long) domesticated by the Drop Outs. Uses echolocation for navigation.

==== Reptiles and Amphibians ====

  * [[kajanga|Kajanga]] – Amphibian-fish hybrid, blind yet possessing large, functionless eyes. Known for its extreme longevity and mythic status.
  * [[naka_tula|Naka Tula]] – Low, winged cave predator native to both the karst systems of the Asari Region  and the volcanic tunnel networks of the Ralar Region.
==== Birds ====

  * [[zapor|Zapor]] – High-speed bird of prey (wingspan of 3m), diving at speeds of up to 250 km/h. Lacks eyesight and uses echolocation and scent.

==== Invertebrates and Insects ====

  * [[bero_hiki|Bero Hiki]] – Small omnivorous worm with thick skin and spikes. Notable for having a mouth at both ends.
  * [[cockroach_from_earth|Cockroach, terrestrial]] – Introduced by Exohumans aboard the Last Frontier. Adapted to harsh conditions.
  * [[Talikra]] – Large, winged insect (20cm long) with powerful jumping legs, allowing it to leap up to 3m to evade predators.

===== Local Population and Settlement History =====

==== Native Presence ====

The Ralar Mountains are home to the [[the_zark|Zark Tribe]], an outcast subtribe of the [[the_honga|Honga]] who were exiled due to ideological conflicts. Unlike most Native Tribes who inhabit the Habitual Belt, the Zark have adapted to the geothermal caves near Ralar Volcano. In the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]], they have formed a strategic alliance with the [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]], exchanging loyalty for protection and access to supplies.

==== Exohuman Exploration and Factions ====

Since the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], Exohuman settlers — primarily from the [[free_state_of_settlers|Free State of Settlers]] — have operated industrial and logistical facilities around the volcano. The settlement of [[firetown|Firetown]] was founded as a working-class hub, supplying the geothermal power plant and the regional copper mine. Firetown quickly attracted settlers, entrepreneurs, and opportunists.

In the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]], three Exohuman factions dominate the region:

  * **Federal Citizens** – Legally registered under the [[federal_confederation|Federal Confederation]]; reside mainly in Firetown and work in official industries
  * **Outlaws** – [[outlaws|Outlaws]] are self-exiled and criminal individuals living in geothermal cave systems and hidden enclaves
  * **Prisoners** – Held in the [[federal_prison|Federal Prison]] near Firetown and forced into penal labor within the copper facilities

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

The Ralar Mountains are perfect for adventure arcs centered around industrial sabotage, forbidden rituals, outlaw politics, and volcanic hazards. The factional conflicts between Federal authorities, outlaw groups, and the Zark Tribe offer layers of intrigue, while the volatile landscape can serve as a dynamic backdrop for environmental threats or survival scenarios.

The regular volcanic activity and the presence of rare flora and fauna offer unique opportunities for quests involving specimen collection, relic recovery, or diplomatic missions between rival groups.

==== Adventure Hooks – Beta Age: ====

  * **Ashes of Memory** – Firetown is under construction, and a series of brutal murders threatens to derail the entire settlement effort. The players are sent as undercover investigators to find the killer before panic breaks out among workers and families. With volcanic tunnels, power plant sabotage, and old personal vendettas surfacing, the trail grows darker with every clue …
==== Adventure Hooks – Gamma Age: ====

  * **The Seventh Flame** – Seven inmates in the [[federal_prison|Federal Prison]] have committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Some were even days away from release. The Federal Sheriff suspects foul play and sends the players in as undercover inmates to investigate. But the deeper they go, the more they uncover whispers of a secret cult, forbidden experiments, and something ancient stirring beneath the prison’s foundations …

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]
  * [[dark_side|Dark Side]]
  * [[ralar_region|Ralar Region]]
  * [[ralar_bay|Ralar Bay]]
  * [[ralar|Ralar Volcano]]
  * [[the_zark|Zark Tribe]]
  * [[firetown|Firetown]]
  * [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]]

**Mountains in the Region Ralar:**

  * [[atrana_mountains|Atrana Mountains]]
  * [[bilu_oruzi_mountains|Bilu Oruzi Mountains]]
  * [[ralar_mountains|Ralar Mountains]]