Geography of bretonnia The Mountain Frontiers

The frontiers of Bretonnia are marked to the east and south by two massive mountain chains. These do not provide Bretonnia with natural defences. Instead these rugged peaks harbour Orcs. Goblins and other enemies ready to descend into die fertile valleys to wreak havoc.

The Grey Mountains

These high mountains mark the frontier between the Empire and Bretonnia. There arc only a few passes through the mountains which can be used by travellers and merchants, but these are treacherous and unsuitable for wagons. Only pack mules and men on foot can make the crossing. The largest of these passes is known as Axe Bite Pass. It is guarded on the Empire side of the peaks by the fortress of Helmgart. and on the Bretonnian side by the Castle de Montfort. held by the Duke de Montfort. This pass is the one chosen by invading armies attempting to cross the mountains and has been the site of many battles and skirmishes. The northern end of the Grey Mountain chain gradually declines into the hilly uplands of the Gisoreux Gap. This is the principle trade route between Bretonnia and the East and the easiest route for an invading army. Consequently it is defended by many formidable castles held by warlike barons with huge retinues of Knights and men-at-arms.

The Southern Mountains

These mountains mark the southern frontier of Bretonnia. On the far side are Tilea and Skavenblight. To the east, the mountain chain runs into the region of high peaks known as The Vaults. There are very few passes through these mountains, and those that are used by merchants; are extremely perilous. Although it is difficult for invading armies to cross these mountains, the frontier is held by numerous strong castles to guard against Skaven, Orcs and Goblins. Most of the trade with Tilea goes across a single pass leading to the plains of Marigliano or by sea around the Estalian peninsula.

The Massif Orcal

The weather beaten rocky crags of the Massif Orcal dominate the heartland of Bretonnia. The cliffs rise-above the Forest of Chalons bare except for gnarled and twisted pine trees clinging to the rocks. When the ancestors of the Bretonnians were no more than a handful of savage, warring tribes, this region was a stronghold of Orcs and Goblins. Indeed there are still enclaves of Orcs and Goblins hidden among the crags as well as the ruined ramparts of old strongholds overthrown by Bretonnian Knights in their many efforts to rid the region of Orcs. Somehow Orcs and other foul creatures manage to hide in these mountains and continue to return here no matter how many times the might of Bretonnian chivalry march in with fire and the sword to drive them out.

The region is honeycombed with caves, some perhaps delved by Dwarfs in remote antiquity. Not only Orcs and Goblins hide in these mountains, but also Skaven are rumoured to have a stronghold here deep inside Bretonnia. Many times the Bretonnian nobles have scoured the region of Skaven to curb the ravages of these foul creatures.

The Pale Sisters

The Pale Sisters are a range of limestone hills at the far northern end of the Grey Mountains. These bare hills, separated from the mountains by the River Ois, are mainly inhabited by Bretonnian shepherds and there are few castles. Here the ancestors of the Bretonnians built burial mounds with huge slabs and boulders of stone for their chiefs They may have been inspired in their work by contact with Dwarfs and Elves. Since many of these tombs, now hidden or ruined, have become the lairs of monsters, wraiths and other fiends, it is a region which attracts many Questing Knights. These often encounter Dwarf treasure hunters looking for gold.