Yampah Hot Springs
Nestled in the Colorado Mountains are several springs of hot therapeutic water. These waters are called Yampah by the local natives, which translates as "big medicine," and that name is given to the location by association.
Since they are located along the only natural east-west pass through the mountains in this area, the hot springs are a chosen rest area for weary travelers. Travelers between Hope in the East and Silvereno in the West also use this pass.
Since they are located along the only natural east-west pass through the mountains in this area, the hot springs are a chosen rest area for weary travelers. Travelers between Hope in the East and Silvereno in the West also use this pass.
Geography
The Yampah springs create a dozen smaller pools as the heated water passes down the mountainside and spills into the Colorado River.
Below-ground, there is also a maze-like system of caves full of vapor from springs which do not make it to the surface. Like the springs above ground, some of these caves are hotter than others.
Below-ground, there is also a maze-like system of caves full of vapor from springs which do not make it to the surface. Like the springs above ground, some of these caves are hotter than others.
Fauna & Flora
The hottest water, direct from underground, can be found at the highest locations. There it is unbearable to humans and their like. It cools as it travels down the mountainside, so each subsequent pool is just a bit cooler. The highest pools create a mist that envelopes their surroundings. One can find heat resistant fauna in and around these pools, and a bit if a detente has existed between these creatures and the humans that stay to the lower portions. Humanoids who venture too high might be considered a tasty snack to the higher denizens, so there are warning signs in place. Overconfident crusaders are also warned against trying to pacify the higher elevations, since it is the truce that keeps the peace, not force of arms. Like the humans below, the higher level creatures just want to live in peace and will also police themselves and harmful creatures from descending.
This is not to say that creatures and people do not cross elevations, but doing so lifts any semblance of protection they may have had from the truce. If they choose to cross elevations they do so at their own risk.
Underground, the vapor caves are the entrance to an underground reservoir, which is fed by the same source as the springs above. The closer one gets to the reservoir, the hotter the caves become. The same truce exists here below as above. Humans and humanoids are permitted unmolested access to the dry caves so long as they relinquish any travel to the submerged areas. Cave portions that are partially submerged between are neutral territory in which safety of either party can not be guaranteed. Adventurous or ignorant creatures on both sides will still venture these between cave areas.
The local Ute maintain a guard force on the human side of things to enforce the peace. A cadre of devils do the same on the other side.
This is not to say that creatures and people do not cross elevations, but doing so lifts any semblance of protection they may have had from the truce. If they choose to cross elevations they do so at their own risk.
Underground, the vapor caves are the entrance to an underground reservoir, which is fed by the same source as the springs above. The closer one gets to the reservoir, the hotter the caves become. The same truce exists here below as above. Humans and humanoids are permitted unmolested access to the dry caves so long as they relinquish any travel to the submerged areas. Cave portions that are partially submerged between are neutral territory in which safety of either party can not be guaranteed. Adventurous or ignorant creatures on both sides will still venture these between cave areas.
The local Ute maintain a guard force on the human side of things to enforce the peace. A cadre of devils do the same on the other side.
Natural Resources
The Yampah spring waters and cave vapors do provide useful therapy and healing. They will remove fatigue and aid healing. The vapors will also provide recovery effects for ailments of the mind and respiration. There is a half-life to these properties, however, and so any water taken from the springs will quickly lose its potency and revert to mere spring water in a few hours.
This half-life also creates a bit of a conflict, since the most potent healing properties are located in the areas off-limits to humankind. It is possible that one-time truces may be created for a human to access the more potent waters, but it must be in the best interests of the higher denizens to agree with it. Relying on their altruism will not work at all, especially since they are no more united in their interests than the collection of humans and deebees in the world around them.
This half-life also creates a bit of a conflict, since the most potent healing properties are located in the areas off-limits to humankind. It is possible that one-time truces may be created for a human to access the more potent waters, but it must be in the best interests of the higher denizens to agree with it. Relying on their altruism will not work at all, especially since they are no more united in their interests than the collection of humans and deebees in the world around them.
Comments