STONEWARD RING
THE ENCLOSURE & ITS THRESHOLDS
The immense mountain ring that shelters Rootmere while concentrating every ordinary crossing into Mercy Cleft, Ironward and Rootlock.
STONEWARD RING
THE MOUNTAIN ENCLOSURE
Colossal steep mountains of slate, dark stone and forested ledges surround Rootmere in dangerous broken slopes.
First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
MERCY CLEFT
THE ONE PRACTICAL
PASS
A deep, wind-cut cleft of dark mountain stone gathers passage, defence, trade and escape into one controlled point.
First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
IRONWARD
THE INHERITED DEFENCE
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A vast black-and-dull-iron mass is integrated into mountain stone, with buttresses, crown walk and gatehouse.
First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
ROOTLOCK
THE ORDINARY GATE
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Thick black-iron bars close a high arch within Ironward, making every departure visible and consequential.
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First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
OLD FAILED INNER WALL
THE DEFENCE LEFT BEHIND
A low broken run of blackened wall stones lies half-buried in roots, damp soil and forest litter.
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First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
THE FOREST'S PRACTICAL ALARM
FIRST WARNING LINE
Bent reeds, bone chimes, ash signs, cords and cleared sight gaps form a capable warning circuit in wet woods.
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First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
EASTERN PATH
THE NAMED BOUNDARY ROUTE
A named eastern path is tied to Rootmere's bone-chime warning logic, though its permanent layout remains deliberately unvisited.
First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.
ROOTMERE HOLLOW
THE SETTLEMENT THE RING PROTECTS
Beneath the mountains lies a warm working settlement whose safety depends on the very defences that can become a trap.
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First recorded: Book 1, Chapter 1.