The Great Chasm

It is like one great scar that runs from the north down to the south as far as the eye can see.

— Liu, Planus Local (from Amaya's notes)

Overview

Knowledge of this geographic wonder comes from Captain Amaya Quickwind's notes. In those notes, she describes a conversation with the locals of Planus Continent where they told her of a vast canyon that is said to run the entire length of the continent from north to south. Amaya never saw this natural wonder in person as she could not spare the time nor resources to venture deep enough into Planus to have a look. As for spotting it from a distance, an entire mountain range would've blocked her view.

Origin of the Chasm

The chasm was possibly created during The Great Collapse, a time when wild magics caused widespread destruction across Awldor. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that the collapse greatly expanded the scale of a once much smaller canyon that itself was produced over time through natural erosion.

Geography

The canyon is as deep as are the tallest mountain ranges. Both flora and fauna become scarce the further down it is. No one is sure if this is due to the environment becoming uninhabitable the further one goes down, if there are all manner of monsters lurking in the shadows, or if fragments of dangerous fragmentary arcane energies are concentrated along the bottom.
To the north of Planus, the Great Chasm lies in the middle of two vast mountain ranges to the east and west. Further to the south, and the eastern side becomes bordered by the sea. This can create the illusion that the mountains on either side of the canyon are far taller than they really are. As for the canyon itself, layers upon layers of rock formations are said to be visible. When one looks down they will be hard pressed to find the bottom of the canyon.

Endless Depths

While there is a definite floor to most of the canyon, which is still unmistakably lies a great distance downward, it is said that other parts of the Great Chasm descend all the way to the underworld with no bottom in sight. It is these areas where it is said the wind howls loudest.

Localized Phenomena

They say that the Great Chasm cries out in lamentation for the continued ruination of the world.

— Liu, Planus Local (from Amaya's notes)

Howling Winds

It is said that the Great Chasm has an ever present voice. Sometimes it whispers, at other times it howls. Perhaps the canyon is haunted by all manner of horrors. It is said that many avoid traveling into the canyon because of what might be waiting for them within. As such, the Planus Continent would appear to be divided with only a few who have the courage and strength of will to travel across the chasm.

A Widening Maw

One of the stranger claims about The Great Chasm is that it is growing. Whether this is caused by lingering magics from the collapse or if the collapse merely expedited a natural phenomena is difficult to determine. The Archivists Guild has second hand sources at best on this subject.

Natural Resources

Rumor has it that great veins of gold, silver, and platinum lie untouched within the canyon. These rumors are difficult to confirm. Amaya's expedition did not learn enough to know of any attempts to mine precious minerals within the canyon. It is presumed that such efforts have and are occurring.

Alternative Name(s)

The Wailing Gorge, The Widening Divide

Type

Canyon

Location under

Planus Continent

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Common Flora

(This is an educated guess)

• Dry bushes
• Flaveria

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Common Fauna

(This is an educated guess)

• Crows
• Vultures
• Bobcat
• Bats
• Rattle snake

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Typical Magic Fields

(suggested through rumor)

• Aero
• Igni
• Stamina

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Note(s) from the Archivists:

I want to see this place. - Archivist Bob 
You can go right ahead. I think I'd rather go to the Verdant Archipelago instead. - Archivist Enna 
Don't you want to hear the howling? - Archivist Bob
No. - Archivist Enna