Massif Cardussien

The Massif Cardussien ("Cardussian Massive" in Ellish) is a highland region in north-western Savam. It forms the boundary between Quènie and the rest of Savam. Lower ridges extent in the Brocquian Cardussian Piedmont (famed for its wine producing areas) and far to the south in northern Adaque up to the Gaste river. The Massif is composed of undulating hills and lower ridges; the Cardussian main crest-line reaches 950 metres above sea level; the highest point is Quicheri de Bollère at 959 m above sea level. Though they are generally considered separately in geographic terms, the Massif forms the eastern end of a long highlands chain that stretches all over northern and western Messenia, from the Massif to the Aphrasians via the Rindarian Range and the Odannach Uplands. All those regions are related in geological terms.

The Massif is characterised by many long rigdges that are locally known as quiche (from the Quenian dialect)

Despite its relative low elevation, the Massif's terrain is quite rough, with many steep ridges and tightly packed river valleys; it is also heavily forested. Overall the rougher terrain form a 40 km deep barrier. Historically, this has made it quite difficult to cross, allowing Quènie to be protected from threats arising from the Sabamic Plain. The three main natural passage through the massif are, from west to east: the Sillon de Velcour, the Col aux Corbeaux, and the Passe du Mitoire. The Sillon de Velcour is a deep cleft that forms a clear demarcation between the surrounding higher terrain, separating the Massif from the Rindarian hills to the west, and require almost no ascension as its altitude is similar to the plains on both sides.