Journal two

[u/Legitimate_Tip_4899]

You’d think I’d be less surprised. I mean the whole world is ashen now. But still, the 20 peaks buried is crazy even for this world. The multiple valleys. The mountain peaks all the way to equal with the 20. This world is exhausting. I can almost hear the city of Half Peak. Of course, this is probably delusion. Of course, I guess it could be ghosts. I haven’t disproven them, but I haven’t seen them in a while. The 20 peaks used to be so beautiful to see. I remember when Half Peak came to be. The 20 is just a name for the region. 20 of the peaks all stand perfectly at the same height. It’s said in the valleys of these mountains lived many tribes, and on the outside of the ranges were many nations. They all sent forces with many woven treaties and alliances, betrayals, marriages, and all sorts of court intrigue. Well, all these groups climb to the tops of these 20 peaks. Now, of course, between them are other mountains, some taller, some shorter, but these 20 stand at the same height, so they used them for equality, I guess. It’s a little hazy why. All kinds fought alongside and against one another. Orcs, dwarfs, elves, the snake peoples, the dragon people, humans, and all other kinds. They fought until the sky rained all hell down and drowned the mountains up to the camps on the peaks. It was said the god Orrick was upset that his beloved ranges were being used for slaughter. This was his garden for peace. Those who survived in the camp were all that was left of the valley peoples, and the ones from beyond the ranges were too ashamed of angering a god to return. Upon the great mountain, that being the tallest, they gathered and asked Orrick for forgiveness and guidance. He showed them a cave halfway down the peak. His one rule was no fighting unless they were attacked. So came the mighty forges and great trade empire of Half Peak. They named themselves the 20 Peak Empire. Lived only within the range, and their border stopped at the edge of the ranges. They had two villages that grew into almost rival cities in the ranges. Black Fire and the aptly named Brown Creek. Black Fire was named that for how the light shone there through the peaks; the light and fire looked black and the dark looked light. The people who grow there have to wear special headgear to leave to protect their eyes. Brown Creek, well, it’s the most fertile valley ever, and it’s kept that the valley is used as a giant farm. And they keep a healthy amount of water backed up into the area, but this water is very rich for growth with minerals from up the mountain and some waste from the people. Of course, all the drinking water is grabbed from the top edges of the valley. The rest no one touches, but the plants drink from it richly. The ranches with the different spices are carved into the side of the mountain to keep even them from the brown water. The people here are called swampies. Of course, with a great interspecies mingling inside the nation, there’s no set type who take care of it. The people from Brown Creek have a natural immunity to dirty water, which is strange because they refuse to drink unclean waters. It was suspected the great book of 20 peaks this came from the farm work they people did in the brown water.

Alas, all I see is the ash-filled valleys. Hell, I can see all the peaks barely poking out of the ground. It seems even Orrick couldn’t stop the end. Oh, I wished to the great hall and walls dug by Dorrick, the first great lord. He was a leader of dwarfs and dug the walls and cave of Half Peak to make the city. I guess even the end had to take the architecture it couldn’t destroy. Depressingly, I guess I must hope to stumble upon more uncovered buildings in the great wasteland I travel. I do think I’m delusional, though. I swear I hear the banging of anvils and the bartering of trade. Maybe the stone remembers and recalls. My only friends seem to be the rock.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you /u/Legitimate_Tip_4899 for your submission in r/AmazingStories.

We really appreciate you taking the time to contribute and be part of our community.

Your participation helps make this subreddit a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive space for everyone.

If you ever have any questions or just want to reach out, you’re always welcome to message the moderators here.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.