Like massive stone sentinels casting their shadow across the cold waters of the Turarctic Ocean, the passage through the wind-chiseled columns of the Spur Passes provides a vital trade route between the kingdoms to the east and west of the Upper Spineridge Mountains.

A painting of the Spur Passes (Click for larger version)

The Spur Passes cover most of Dolan, Bartravia and Urssia and the strange formations also extend into the Turarctic Ocean where some columns form islands. Others lurking just beneath the surface pose a potential threat to shipping. Groupings of the spur formations are found on some of the larger islands north of the mainland.

The ocean-bound spur formations provide a substantial defense for kingdoms on the coast against seaborne attack by unfriendly forces. The narrow straights between submerged columns are easily defended by the small warships of the kingdoms in the region. Also some of the more strategic locations are guarded by well-equipped island fortresses. Even an experienced ship captain can have trouble navigating this area, because only a parts of the maze of underwater pillars have been mapped. From time to time a new pillar is discovered, usually through a ship captain's misfortune. Whether these new pillars have just been overlooked in the past or are newly formed is unknown.

In general, the lowlands at the base of the spur formations consist of an even mix of plains and coniferous forests. The whole region rests atop a plateau extending from the Rone Hills in the east to the Smoking Glass Desert and Plains of Ro in the west. To the south some hilly areas are found approaching the Upper Spineridge Mountains.

Large herds of deer and elk roam the woodland areas, providing a rich source of food for the people of this region. Farms dot the plains areas, producing moderate yields of grains and fruits. However, the raising of livestock, especially sheep, has proven much more profitable in the region. In the hill terrain to the south, a few vineyards produce average quality wine and melony, but the region is not known for the quality of its products.

Chief among the predators in the region is the bulette which for some reason finds this region particularly suited to its needs. This dangerous creature thrives in the Spur Passes and each of the kingdoms in the area sponsors a bulette hunt at least once a year. Substantial cash prizes are awarded for the largest kill. The bulette hunts also serve to keep the populace well practiced in arms and help to quell aggressive behavior among restless nobles who save their heat for the hunt.

Other predators which cause problems in the area are the various species of dragons who hunt the region, but largely stay away from human and humanoid settlements for fear of reprieve. The stupider, if not more dangerous, rocs and griffons also menace the area. The rocs and griffons while not as dangerous as the bulette or dragons serve as a constant menace to animal herders.

Humans of Juad descent make up the majority of the population of the region with Arrakians a sizable minority. The other human subraces are rarely found dwelling in this area.

Among the demihuman and humanoid races gnomes are the most numerous. Their principal settlement, Rockspire, carved from the interior of a massive stone pillar to the south of the region provides a home for approximately 12,000 rock gnomes. Other races represented in substantial numbers include Hestlegartle dwarves, Paladian elves (mostly to the east), orcs of the Black Skull clan, and hobgoblins of the Dogsofstrife clan.

In the hills to the south, several hundred stone giants make their homes in isolated holds spread over several thousand square-miles. The stone giants usually keep to themselves, causing few problems for the smaller races but have been known to grow angry at what they deem as encroachments upon their territories by the smaller races. Other breeds of giants and their kin such as hill giants, mountain giants, ogres and trolls also live in the Spur Passes (mostly in the hills) but do not maintain the same ‘live and let live’ attitude as the stone giants. Their numbers have noticeable suffered from their hostile behaviors in the past. The rulers of this region follow raids by these creatures with quick reprisals utilizing their vastly superior numbers to destroy the belligerents.