Whitecape

Whitecape is a small but strategically important region lying east of the Frosthold Plains, named for the constant veil of white snowcaps that cling to its cliffs and peaks year‑round. Though less populated than Frosthold, Whitecape is a vital crossroads between:

• Frosthold 
• The Griffin Peaks 
• The Kogur Mountains 
• Terralode and the Dark Dwarven underways 

Because of this, it is heavily watched by the Terra’Gar (Dark Dwarves).

The Griffin Peaks are a dramatic mountain chain dominating northern Whitecape. Their jagged, uneven summits resemble the silhouettes of wings or beaks, especially during dawn and dusk when shadows stretch long across the snow.

Frostgraven Outpost

Frostgraven Outpost is a heavily fortified Dark Dwarven surface installation made of black stone, frost‑tempered metal plates, glowing runic vents and defensive ballista towers designed to fire frost‑bolts.

Being so close to the Kogur Mountain pass into Central Illdoridri, it is:

• Constantly guarded by Dark Dwarf hammer‑guards and rune‑smiths
• Drill chambers descend deep into the mountains, connecting to the Terralode tunnel‑network 
• Emits columns of faint blue steam from subterranean forges 
• The sound of metal striking metal echoes across the peaks at night 

Many Frosthold locals refuse to travel near Frostgraven, claiming the dwarves “cut too deep” and disturb ancient things within the mountains.

Frostgraven

Frostgraven Village is the small but vital Dark Dwarven settlement built directly beside Frostgraven Outpost, serving as the only permanent surface habitation of the Dark Dwarves in the northern icy plains of Illdoridri, unlike Dul'varr which is mainly a military outpost. Though dwarves traditionally avoid long-term life above ground, Frostgraven exists because it fills a necessary function:

• Frost-Forge Labs: The cold climate allows rune‑smiths to attempt metallurgies impossible underground. The faint blue steam rising from the cliffside is often the result of these experiments. Some of the strongest frost‑bolts and hammer‑guard plate components originate here. Specializations include: 
• Frost‑tempered alloys 
• Deep‑cold bonding techniques 
• Cold‑steam rune activation 
• Ice-crystal metal infusions 
• Tunnel Gate Monitoring: Several surface tunnel vents, supply chutes, and drill access points are scattered around the village. Frostgraven’s residents monitor these constantly and the village is small because its population must be loyal, specialized, and tightly controlled.

Kogur Mountains

To the south of Whitecape lies the massive Kogur Mountain Range, an infamous stretch of towering stone and ice feared for its violent avalanches, hidden chasms, unpredictable weather frostbeasts and burrowing horrors. The Kogur Mountains act as a natural wall between Whitecape and the deeper south.

Hidden deep within the Kogur Mountains is a narrow, unmarked mountain pass known only to the Dark Dwarves. This passage leads directly into the subterranean territory of Terralode.

The Whitecape Passage

The Whitecape Passage is a narrow mountain corridor cutting through the southern Whitecape region and weaving into the base of the Kogur Mountains. It is one of the only natural routes connecting the northern ice frontier to central Illdoridri’s fertile lowlands.  

Treacherous terrain, froststorms, and high cliffs make it dangerous - but its strategic value is enormous.

Whilst the Dominion have no reason to use this corridor except to raid Covenant villages, the Covenant use this passage to:

• Move supplies north toward Fisherman’s Cove, Greywyn, and frontier camps.
• Travel toward the northern watchposts and the Evermoor scholar encampment .
• Maintain a presence in Frosthold and the western territories.