Talahoe Valley

I know this place is home, Lazul, but I can't stay here. I'm supposed to be something more than a tribe-witch. There's something I'm supposed to do out there, in the world that you're from, and I know its something important.

— Kadrisa Lrevgm

Nestled deep within the savannahs and jungles of Northeastern Kinavi lies a paradise, an isolated ecosystem with little interaction from the outside world. That location is Talahoe valley, a region of swampland and savannah surrounded by towering, snow-capped mountains on all sides. With a large lake supplied by all of the runoff snowmelt from the mountain peaks, Talahoe is a lush environment with many exotic plant and animal species. Though it is an ideal location for habitation in terms of resources, its isolation and dangerous fauna has left it untouched by all but temporary visitors and the single tribe that inhabits it.
Lake Talahoe is also the hatching place of Kadrisa Lrevgm.

Geography

Talahoe valley is a fairly small region of flatland measuring about half of a horizon on each side (approximately 8 miles) surrounded by mountains tall enough that they are capped with snow year-round. These mountains almost completely enclose the valley, except for a thin stretch of land around a river extending westward from the central lake. A significant portion of the east side of the valley is taken up by Lake Talahoe and the surrounding wetland. The western side is mostly dominated by jungle and some grassland. The edges of the valley are dominated by more temperate forests as the elevation climbs, and pine trees cover the mountains. Though it does not receive very much rainfall, most of it blocked by the mountains, constant snowmelt from the peaks and the occasional severe storm keeps the region extremely wet year-round.

Fauna & Flora

One of the most notable features of this area and the prime thing that limits Avani populations are the wildlife contained within. Talahoe valley is covered in a wide range of trees, flowers, and vegetation hidden within its jungles and swampland, such as the Noctura trees unique to this region. Many of these plants are known to have substantial magical properties and can be used to supplement a number of powerful spells. For example, the crucifixed flower (named for how the shape of its petals form a cross) is a key ingredient in enhancing resurrection spells, without which are almost impossible to cast.
It is also home to a variety of animal species, many of which are dangerous. The wetlands are inhabited by a number of deadly vipers and constrictors lurk in the jungles. Large (by Avani standards, anyway) canines roam the grassland in packs, hunting for lone animals they can hunt and kill. Draconbirds, one of which is responsible for Kadrisa Lrevgm's Undead condition, nest here during the summer, while actual Dragons are occasionally seen flying around the surrounding mountains.

Alternative Name(s)

Lake Talahoe, the valley of life

Type

Valley

Location under

Kinavi