Overview
Ataaz Yklwazi, also called the “Gorge of Blades,” is a dangerous volcanic canyon filled with razor-sharp black basalt formations that jut up from the ground like a forest of blades. These obsidian spikes can easily cut anyone who brushes against them. The gorge serves as the northern gateway to the Valley of Lost Honor.
Inhabitants and Threats
Firenewt Patrols
The gorge is actively patrolled by firenewts who claim the Valley of Lost Honor as their domain. They use Ataaz Yklwazi as a strategic chokepoint to ambush intruders they believe they can defeat. A typical patrol consists of:
- 4 firenewt warriors mounted on giant striders
Tinder (Tzindelor)
The gorge is also the hunting ground of Tzindelor, a female young red dragon nicknamed “Tinder” by survivors. The terrain is littered with charred skeletons of her victims.
Encounter Trigger: If the characters take a long rest in the gorge, they encounter Tinder at the end of their rest.
For complete statistics and information about Tinder, see the “Wyrmheart Mine” section.
Terrain Hazards
The black basalt blades that give the gorge its name pose a constant hazard to travelers, making navigation treacherous and combat even more dangerous.