The idea for Azroun came to me after watching - long ago - a documentary about the dead left in the Everest Death Zone. What caught my attention was how many of the bodies remained in positions that resembled people resting, which gave an eerie feeling, almost as if they were still alive.

Some of these dead ended up gaining well-known names — such as Green Boots, Sleeping Beauty, and the Frenchman — and became landmarks on the mountain. This combination of constant presence and anonymity seemed interesting to me to apply to a fantasy setting.

So when I created the mountain pass that leads to Ukra Dor, I decided to include a skeleton sitting on the side of the road as part of the environment. From this, I created a quick mini-adventure, which may seem small, but has the potential to have a bigger impact on the valley or even the continent, depending on the players' decisions.

Cheers

Or they come out from inside and end up, sometimes badly, outside lol.

As for the cave, I hope this icon can be used as an entrance and is versatile in slopes and mountains with or without snow.

The Origin of the Circle of Belthara

A figure dressed in a black cloak, of unknown origin and time, appeared in the Vale shortly after the southern refugees' pact with the entities of the Vale. Known only as Belthara, she carried glowing fragments of an ancient comet, which she buried in five specific locations throughout the forest. Within a few days, the monoliths sprouted, forming the circle.

The Surroundings of the Monoliths

The stone blocks that make up the Circle of Belthara are hewn from rough rock, a deep reddish-black, marked by veins of crystallized amber that seem to pulse with dormant energy. Covered in lichen, these stones react subtly to the magical touch of the Bearers, vibrating in soft tones or exuding arcane heat. The circle stands in a rough clearing where vegetation does not grow. Beyond the clearing, the Forest of Ukra Dor stretches out, silent and watchful.

The Activation Ritual

Only trained ones can activate the circle. In unison, they chant ancient chants inherited from the Core of Sap. Each note attunes to a monolith, which glows a distinct color. When all five glow in unison, a veil of multicolored light condenses in the center. Through it, Stargazers can travel to distant places, connected by ancient pacts with the Vale.

The Return to the Vale

Exhausted and sometimes wounded, Bearers return to the Circle of Belthara through the same arcane paths. The surrounding forest recognizes their crystalline cores and does not attack them—instead, it makes way. Their return is marked by reverent silence.

I took a small aerial photograph of the place to be able to complete a missing part of the scenario, more information about the portal.

I honestly found it quite interesting and original. Since most of the road options in Default are made up of perfect lines, which don't really emulate reality.