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Mountain Ranges

Mountain Ranges

ELEMENT │ REGION & BIOME

Mountain ranges are a series of mountains arranged in a chain and connected by elevated land. Fictional mountain ranges may be towering pinnacles of frozen peaks, jungle-coated rock formations, or ore-rich stone monoliths. Hidden routes may meander their surfaces, along peaks, valleys, and mountain passes. There may be cave systems that run underneath with underground rivers and streams. Temples, watchtowers, castles, or ski resorts may be located on their surface. Mountain ranges may be home to dwarves, reclusive monks, and avian species.

Synonyms: mountain systems
Example Mythonyms: the Iron Mountains, the Misty Range, the Penitents
QUICK ELEMENTS │ CLICK TO EXPLORE
Peaks
Valleys
Watchtowers
Mines
Paths
Cliff Towns
Rivers
Caves
Waterfalls
Temples
Ore Veins
Passes

Designing Fictional Mountain Ranges

Fictional mountain ranges carve across landscapes, often dividing settings into vastly different territories and regions. Most worldbuilders will not feel the need to design tectonic plates for their fictional world, but doing so can provide inspiration for where mountain ranges may form on a fictional planet. Once established, ranges have a profound impact on the local environment. Clouds traveling over mountains will release their moisture as they travel upwards in elevation. This often causes jungles or forests to form on the windward side of the mountain range. On the other side of the range will be a rain shadow, and will often be the location of a desert or badland.

Archetypes

Old Mountains
Frozen Peaks
Lone Mountains

Overview

Fictional mountain ranges may feature a series of peaks, valleys, and mountain passes. Rivers, fed by snowmelt, may cascade down the mountainside as waterfalls. Often there are cave systems that connect various regions with underground rivers and streams. In narratives, hidden routes may lead through the mountain range via a series of cliffside pathways and underground tunnels.

Sublocations

Mountain ranges are difficult terrain to cross, and may act as important boundaries between the frontier and the wilderness or as borders between countries or faction territories. Mountain passes may be heavily defended.

Fictional mountain ranges are often the sites of towering watchtowers, secluded castles, or expansive underground mines. There may be cliffside settlements established on the highest peaks.

Watchtowers
Temples
Mines

Mountain Terrain

ElementExploreIconArchetypesAdditional LinksCall Code
CoastsExploreCoast IconSandy Beaches │ Coastal Cliffs Biomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002
IslandsExploreIsland2 IconArchipelagos │ Tropical Islands │ Treasure Islands │  Wandering Islands │ Skull Islands │ MoreBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002
LakesExploreLake IconFrozen Lakes │ Underground Lakes │ Acid Lakes │ Lava Lakes │ MoreBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000007, tera0000009
Ravine LabyrinthsExploreGorge IconCanyons │ Labyrinths │ BadlandsBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000005
RiversExploreRiver IconUncharted Rivers │ Underground Rivers │ Dry Rivers │ Frozen Rivers │ MoreBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000007, tera0000009
Fire SwampsExploreFire-Swamp-IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
ForestsExploreForest IconGiant Forests │ Mangrove Forests │ Cactus Forests │ Mushroom ForestsBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000009
SwampsExploreSwamp1-IconFire Swamps │ Mangrove ForestsBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
Great HivesExploreInsect Head IconBiomes │ Places │ Terrainbior0000000, plac0000000, tera0000000
Giant ForestsExploreTree4-IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Frozen WaterfallsExploreFrozen-Waterfall-IconWaterfallsTerraintera0000000
Giant TreesExploreTree5-IconGiant ForestsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Giant Water LiliesExploreWater-Lily-Pad-IconTerraintera0000000
Giant SkeletonsExploreGiant-Skeleton-IconTerraintera0000000
Giant Industrial MachineryExploreRefinery-IconTerraintera0000000
IsthmusesExploreIsthmus IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
IciclesExploreIcicle IconIcicle Caverns │ Ice CavesTerraintera0000000
Icicle CavernsExploreIcicle-Cavern-IconIce CavesTerraintera0000000
IcebergsExploreIceberg IconTerraintera0000000
Ice CavesExploreIce-Cave-Icon-01Caves │ Icicle CavernsTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
HoodoosExploreHoodoo2 IconBadlands │ Precarious BouldersTerraintera0000000, tera0000005
Holy IslandsExploreIsland2 IconIslandsTerraintera0000000
Hollow LogsExploreGiant Hollow Log IconGiant TreesTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Frozen PeaksExploreMountain-Peak-IconMountaintops │ MountainsTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
Frozen LakesExploreFrozen Lake IconLakesTerraintera0000000
Forest ClearingsExploreForest IconFlower FieldsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Lava FountainsExploreLava-Fountain-IconTerraintera0000000
Old MountainsExploreMountain-Peak-IconMountains │ HillsTerraintera0000000
MountaintopsExploreMountain-Peak-IconFrozen PeaksTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
Mountain ValleysExploreValley IconHidden ValleysTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
Mountain RangesExploreMountain Range2 IconOld MountainsTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
Mountain PassesExplorePath IconCliffside Pathways │ Mountain ValleysTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
MistlandsExploreFog Icon2StormlandsBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Precarious BouldersExplorePerilous-Boulder-IconHoodoos │ Boulder TrapsTerraintera0000000, tera0000005, tera0000009
Mermaid CovesExploreMermaid IconSecluded Pools │ LagoonsTerraintera0000000
MesasExploreButte IconMesa TownsTerraintera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
Magma ChambersExploreMagma-Chamber-IconCratersTerraintera0000000
Lone MountainsExploreNeedle Mountain 2 IconMountainsTerraintera0000000
LogjamsExploreLogjam-IconBeaver DamsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Piranha PoolsExplorePiranha-IconLeech Infested WatersTerraintera0000000
Leech Infested WatersExploreLeech-IconPiranha PoolsTerraintera0000000
Lava RiversExploreLava River IconRiversTerraintera0000000
Lava LakesExploreLava-Lake-IconLakesTerraintera0000000
LavafallsExploreLava Waterfall IconWaterfallsTerraintera0000000
Flooded ChambersExploreFlooded Chamber IconUnderground Lakes │ CisternsTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Floating IceExploreFloating-Ice-IconIcebergsTerraintera0000000
PlanetsExplorePlanet1-IconToroidal PlanetsTerraintera0000000
MoonsExploreMoon-IconTerraintera0000000
Beaver DamsExploreBeaver-Dam-IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
BaysExploreBay IconLagoons │ Mermaid CovesTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Mushroom ForestsExploreMushrooms-IconMushroom Farms │ Mushroom VillagesBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Flower FieldsExploreFlower2 IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
OasesExploreOasis IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000004
FloodplainsExploreRiver IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Floating RocksExploreFloating-Rocks-IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Cactus PatchesExploreCactus2 IconPointyBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
Cavernous MawsExploreCavernous-Maw-IconSkull RocksTerraintera0000000
CanyonsExploreCanyon IconChasms │ CrevassesTerraintera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005, tera0000009
Circling BirdsExploreCircling-Bird-IconTerrain
Bottomless PitsExploreBottomless PitChasmsTerraintera0000000
BadlandsExploreHoodoo2 IconRavine Labyrinths │ WastelandsBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
DesertsExploreDesert IconBadlands │ Salt Flats │ Dune Seas │ MoreBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
BoneyardsExploreBoneyard-IconGiant SkeletonsBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
Ocean Drop OffsExploreOceanic Plateau IconDeep Sea TrenchesTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000006
Ocean CavesExploreUnderwater Cave IconSea Caves │ CavesTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000006
ArchipelagosExploreIsland2 IconIslandsTerraintera0000000, tera0000001
Asteroid BeltsExploreAsteroid IconTerraintera0000000
Acid LakesExploreDead-Fish-IconPools that will dissolve fleshTerraintera0000000
Fallen TreesExploreFallen-Tree-IconHollow LogsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Debris FieldsExploreDebris FieldKessler Belts │ Asteroid BeltsTerraintera0000000
Fire SpoutsExploreFlame-Trap-IconTerraintera0000000
Deep Sea VentsExploreDeep Sea Vent IconFissure or chimney structures that release geothermally heated waterTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Submarine VolcanosSubmarine VolcanoUnderwater volcanos which do not reach the surfaceTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Seagrass ExpansesSeagrass IconAreas of seagrassTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
SeamountsSeamount IconUnderwater mountains that do not reach the surfaceTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Oceanic RidgesMid Ocean Ridge MountainsUnderwater mountain systemsTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Dead ZonesDead-Fish-IconAreas of ocean with such low oxygen content that sea life cannot surviveTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Brine PoolsBrine Pool IconUnderwater pools or lakes on the seafloor composed of high salt contentTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Abyssal PlainsAbyssal PlainFlat areas on the seafloorTerraintera0000000, tera0000006
Deep TrenchesExploreOcean-TrenchTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000006
Mangrove ForestsExploreMangrove Forest IconSwamps │ Forests │ Root AreasTerrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000002
Dry RiversExploreArroyo IconProne to sudden floodingTerraintera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005
Alternate SeascapesExploreAirship-IconDune Seas │ Grass Seas │ The Skies │ MoreBiomesbior0000000
WhirlpoolsExploreWhirlpool-IconTreacherous WatersTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000006
RapidsExploreRapids-IconTerraintera0000000
QuicksandExploreQuicksand-IconTerraintera0000000
PeninsulasExploreCape IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
River DeltasExploreRiver-Delta-IconRivers │ Uncharted RiversTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Deserted IslandsExploreIsland IconIslandsTerraintera0000000, tera0000001
CratersExploreCrater-IconCrater SeasTerraintera0000000, tera0000005
Crater LakesExploreCrater Lake IconCraters │ Crater SeasTerraintera0000000
Crater SeasExploreCrater SeaCraters │ Crater LakesTerraintera0000000, tera0000001
Crater IslandsExploreCrater IslandsIslands │ CratersTerraintera0000000
Deadly WatersExploreWaves IconWhirlpoolsTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002
Root AreasExploreRoot IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000007
ChasmsExploreChasm IconBottomless PitsTerraintera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000009
Ore VeinsExploreOre Vein IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000005, tera0000009
Rock BridgesExploreBridge3 IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000009
Underground RiversExploreUnderground-River-IconRiversTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Underground TunnelsExploreUnderground IconUnderground Regions │ Mines │ Snow Tunnels │ Maintenance Shafts │ MoreTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Underground LakesExploreUnderground-Sea-IconUnderground Seas │ Flooded ChambersTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Underground SeasExploreUnderground-Sea-IconUnderground Lakes │ Flooded ChambersTerrainbior0000000, tera0000001, tera0000003
Cave InsExploreCave In IconCollapsing Floors │ Collapsing TrapsTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
CenotesExploreCenote IconSea Caves │ CavesTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Boulder ChokesExploreBoulder Choke IconNarrow passageways littered with rocksTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
FjordsExploreFjord2-IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Belly CrawlsExploreBelly Crawl IconNarrow passageways that require crawlingTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
StalactitesExploreStalactice IconMineral deposits formed by dripping waterTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
StalagmitesExploreStalagmite IconMineral deposits formed by dripping waterTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
Jagged RocksExploreJagged-Rocks-Icon-01Sharp and dangerousTerraintera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000009
Crystal CavernsExploreDogtooth Spar Crystal IconA chamber of dazzling crystalTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
ColumnsExploreColumn IconA pillar of rock formed when a stalactite and stalagmite meetTerraintera0000000, tera0000003
CavesExploreCave2 IconCenotes │ Sea Caves │ Underwater Caves │ Ice Caves │ MoreTerraintera0000004, tera0000005
CavesExploreChamber IconCenotes │ Sea Caves │ Underwater Caves │ Ice Caves │ MoreTerrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000003, tera0000007, tera0000009
WormholesExploreWormhole-IconPortalsTerraintera0000000
Tidal IslandsExploreIsland IconIslandsTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
LagoonsExploreJungle River Pool IconSecluded Pools │ Mermaid CovesTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Tidal FlatsExploreDirt IconCoastsTerrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000001
Kelp ForestsExploreKelp IconKelp FarmsTerrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002, tera0000006
Coral ReefsExploreCoral2 IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002, tera0000006
SandbarsExploreSandbar2-IconSandy BeachesTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Sandy BeachesExploreSandy-Beach-IconCoastsTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
CliffsExploreMesa IconCoastal CliffsTerraintera0000000, tera0000005
CliffsExploreCliff IconCoastal CliffsTerraintera0000000, tera0000009
Coastal CliffsExploreCoast IconCliffsTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Sea StacksExploreSea Stack IconCoastal Cliffs │Rock ArchesTerraintera0000000, tera0000001, tera0000002
Sea CavesExploreSea-Cave-IconCenotes │ Underwater CavesTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Lagrange PointsExploreLey-Line-IconTerraintera0000000
Kessler BeltsExploreKessler-IconDebris FieldsTerraintera0000000
Hidden ValleysExploreSecluded-Valley-IconValleys │ Mountain ValleysTerraintera0000000
Sacred TreesExploreTree3-IconSacred Groves │ World Trees │ Giant TreesTerraintera0000000
StormlandsExploreStorm2 IconMistlandsBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Dune SeasExploreDesert IconDeserts │ Alternative SeascapesBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
StraitsExploreChannel IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
WildernessExploreForest-01Frontiers │ Uncharted Rivers │ Primordial Jungles │ MoreBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
WastelandsExploreWastelandBadlands │ DesertsBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000
Tar PitsExploreTar-IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000005
Tall ReedsExploreReed-IconTerraintera0000000
ValleysExploreValley IconMountain Valleys │ Hidden ValleysTerraintera0000000
Uncharted RiversExploreRiver IconRivers │ Underground Rivers │ Piranha Pools │ Leech Infested WatersTerraintera0000000
Secluded PoolsExploreJungle River Pool IconTerraintera0000000
Snow TunnelsExploreSnow-Tunnel-IconIce Caves │ Icicle ChambersTerraintera0000000
Snow BridgesExploreSnow-Bridge-IconCrevassesTerraintera0000000
Skull RocksExploreSkull-Rock-IconCavernous Maws │ Skull IslandsTerraintera0000000
WaterfallsExploreWaterfall2 IconFrozen Waterfalls │ Sandfalls │ Lavafalls │ RapidsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007, tera0000009
Wandering IslandsExploreWandering-IslandTreasure Islands │ Hidden IslandsTerraintera0000000
Volcanic IslandsExploreVolcanic IslandTreasure Islands │ Tropical IslandsTerraintera0000000
Canopy AreasExploreBranches-IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
VinesExploreVines-IconCanopiesTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Tree HollowsExploreTree Hollow IconHollow LogsTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Treasure IslandsExploreHidden-Island-IconSkull Islands │ Tropical IslandsTerraintera0000000
Tropical IslandsExploreVolcanic IslandTreasure IslandsTerraintera0000000
Skull IslandsExploreSkull-Rock-IconSkull Rocks │ Treasure Islands │ Hidden IslandsTerraintera0000000
SandfallsExploreSand-WaterfallWaterfallsTerraintera0000000
Salt FlatsExploreSalt-Flats-IconDeserts │ Badlands │ WastesBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000005
Sacred GrovesExploreTree3-IconHoly SitesTerraintera0000000, tera0000007
Stone ArchesExploreRock Arch IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000002
Stone ArchesExploreArch2 IconTerraintera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005, tera0000009
HillsExploreHills IconBiomes │ Terrainbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000007
JunkyardsExploreTrashpile IconBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
JunglesExploreJungle IconPrimordial JunglesBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
Near OrbitExploreOrbital-Ring-IconBiomesbior0000000
World TreesExploreWorld Tree IconSacred Trees │ Giant TreesBiomesbior0000000
The SkiesExploreCloud-IconBiomesbior0000000
Underground RegionsExploreCenote IconCaves │ Lava Lands │Underground Seas │ MoreBiomesbior0000000
Frozen RegionsExploreFrozen-Waterfall-IconBiomesbior0000000
Underwater Ocean RegionsExploreSunken-City2-IconKelp Forests │ Oceanic Trenches │Coral Reefs │ MoreBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000001
Oceans & SeasExploreWave IconUnderwater Ocean RegionsBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
Grass SeasExploreWheat IconBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
GrasslandsExploreWheat IconGrass SeasBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000
MountainsExploreNeedle Mountain 2 IconMountain Ranges │ Lone Mountains │ Old Mountains │ MoreBiomesbior0000000, tera0000000, tera0000004, tera0000005, tera0000009

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