The Grey Mountains, Axe-Bite Pass

The Grey Mountains divide Bretonnia from the Empire, the other great realm of Men in the Old World. There are Dwarf settlements within the mountains, but these are fewer in number and less wealthy than the mighty Dwarf Holds of the Worlds Edge Mountains. The few large passes through the Grey Mountains are guarded by Bretonnian and Imperial fortresses. Most of the passes are small and dangerous, wide enough for a merchant and his donkeys but unsuitable for carts and horses.

The largest pass lies to the south-west of Altdorf and is known as Axe Bite Pass. The Empire end of this pass is protected by the fortress of Helmgart, a massive tower which rises out of the mountain side and whose battlements overlook the narrow path below. This is the favored route of invading armies marching in either direction. The northern tip of the Grey mountains gradually declines into a hilly upland region known as the Guisoreux Gap, the principal route between Bretonnia and the Empire.

¤ In Search of Bretonnia