The Ystra Highlands

The Ystra Highlands are full of adventure and mysteries. It received its name “Ystra” from the Minotaurs who live in this area. Besides the bitter cold climate, it is these furious and belligerent creatures and the Ice Fairies with their cruel elegance that impress visitors the most. To defend against both races and to safeguard the free and secure passage on Khazor’s Mountain Road, the Order of the Dark Glory positioned a formidable army here.

Even though magical teleportation has dampened the importance of this place for transit, the number of people who travel through here has not diminished. In part this can be explained by the many legends and myths entwined within this region with its enormous skeletons on the Sea of Snow, the ancient texts from the Tower of Wailing Wind, the secret treasures of the Cyclops and many other arcane mysteries.

There are many different motives which cause people to be drawn to this place. But the legend that attracts adventures more then any other originates from the Minotaurs and refers to the 'Boundless Soul' which is the core of the Minotaurs’ faith. Some think the story is rooted in their revered messengers of God. Others believe it is a hint to a treasure of immense magical power. Another group thinks that the whole story is born out of imagination and delusions and is nothing more then a mere fairy tale. Regardless of whether or not it is just a rumour or speculation – everything indicates an unsolved mystery. And according to the legend, the answer to that mystery is buried in the Minotaur’s altar. A famous adventurer once went to investigate this secret, but he was eventually found almost dead in the Sea of Snow muttering the following words in his last breath: “The mystery of the Ystra-Highland will reveal a surprising fact that will alter the reality of this world…”

Khazor's Mountain Road

The Road was built in conjunction with the Order of the Dark Glory’s advances into the Ystra Highlands. It is named after the nobleman Khazor, who accidentally lost his life during its construction. Now a memorial plaque reminds travellers of the tragedy. The Mountain Road is segmented into three parts. The first part leads through a steep and narrow pass from the Aslan Valley into the Ystra Highlands. The second part runs parallel to the edge of the forest, where defence fortifications have been built to counter assaults on the road by Ystra’s monsters. The third part leads directly to the Dust Devil Canyon. It already existed beforehand and all the Order of the Dark Glory did, was to make some adjustments to improve the traffic flow.

Khazor's Watchtower

This defence work was erected by the Order of the Dark Glory serves as a lookout. It is the centre of the Khazor’s Mountain Road’s defences. Its main purpose is to watch over the Minotaur tribes’ activities at Snowhorn and to act accordingly in a timely manner.