The most impenetrable mountain range in the Empire is unquestionably the Spine of the World Mountains, which neatly bisects the Empire and separates half of the Great Clans from their counterparts. Some believe the existence of this mountain range has prevented more wars than any other force, but of course such a claim can never be authenticated. The Spine of the World Mountains are extremely tall, and are less stable than most of the Empire’s other ranges. Although there are cultivated regions of the range that have existed without incident for decades or centuries at a time, those who explore the wilder portions of the mountains soon come across areas prone to avalanches and landslides. Only the most experienced mountaineers can traverse the range with impunity.
Beiden Pass offers one of the only major routes through the mountains large enough to move an army or large trade caravans. The western side of which is monitored and defended by the Scorpion Clan while the eastern side by the Lion Clan.
By river it is possible to traverse near Shiro no Soshi, but only in small boats that can handle the treacherous rapids, shallow draft, and narrow passes. Nonetheless this forms a common trade route between Ryoko Owari and The City of the Rich Frog.