Bearskin Canyon
It began with a simple crack in the rock on the ground. But after a few million years and that crack opened into a deep winding gorge in the ground, with a narrow path and sheer sides. The crack has become a slot canyon.
Bearskin Canyon (aka Owlbear Canyon) is the longest slot canyon in all of Esau - named because of the sighting of rare desert Owlbear species, who have been seen inside. It is located near the edge of Gallic Desert on the Northern Isle, opening out towards The Whale Sea. It's also one of the most dangerous - being so close to the sea and known to have Giant Snakes, Giant Scorpions, Fire Drakes, and other dangerous desert creatures who make the canyon home.
The 12-mile path barely stretches more than 10 feet wide, and the walls are about 400 feet tall at the canyon's deepest point. The colours are brindle tiger-striped and browns. A little more than halfway in, there's a single escape route—but otherwise, if a quick storm pushes through and sends floodwater careening into the canyon, adventurers' are in big trouble.
The water seeps into the crack, bringing with it rocks, sediment, and other debris that carve a little bit away from the inside edges of the crack. Rain, flood, repeat. Sandstone is most susceptible to this kind of earth carving, but slot canyons can also form out of limestone, granite, basalt and other types of rock.
Once formed, careful adventurers can trek through the base of these otherworldly canyons, shimmying through tapered sections, bracing themselves against both walls in the narrowest portions and beholding scenery unlike just about anything else in the world.
They must be sure to plan carefully or take a guide, as flash floods and extreme conditions can make these canyons as dangerous as they are beautiful.
Bearskin Canyon (aka Owlbear Canyon) is the longest slot canyon in all of Esau - named because of the sighting of rare desert Owlbear species, who have been seen inside. It is located near the edge of Gallic Desert on the Northern Isle, opening out towards The Whale Sea. It's also one of the most dangerous - being so close to the sea and known to have Giant Snakes, Giant Scorpions, Fire Drakes, and other dangerous desert creatures who make the canyon home.
The 12-mile path barely stretches more than 10 feet wide, and the walls are about 400 feet tall at the canyon's deepest point. The colours are brindle tiger-striped and browns. A little more than halfway in, there's a single escape route—but otherwise, if a quick storm pushes through and sends floodwater careening into the canyon, adventurers' are in big trouble.
Slot canyons
The narrow, tall channels through otherwise solid rock - where the perfect canyon-forming combination of soft rock and extreme climate collide. It happens like this: the initial crack is covered by a flash flood from heavy rain pooling - a natural wash.The water seeps into the crack, bringing with it rocks, sediment, and other debris that carve a little bit away from the inside edges of the crack. Rain, flood, repeat. Sandstone is most susceptible to this kind of earth carving, but slot canyons can also form out of limestone, granite, basalt and other types of rock.
Once formed, careful adventurers can trek through the base of these otherworldly canyons, shimmying through tapered sections, bracing themselves against both walls in the narrowest portions and beholding scenery unlike just about anything else in the world.
They must be sure to plan carefully or take a guide, as flash floods and extreme conditions can make these canyons as dangerous as they are beautiful.
Localized Phenomena
The Sun Temple
The remaining temple for Taiia, is a large white stone cathedral located in the Gallic Desert. It stands in the desert near Bearskin Canyon. A old temple with tall arched stained-glass windows, flying buttresses and intricately carved masonry. The large double doors lead to a beautiful 3-story tall chancel with rows of white wooden benches and a central aisle leading up to a white stone altar, with a beautifully back-lit massive sun window behind it. Braziers line the walls, and ample sunlight flows through the large windows. White banners with Taiia's symbol hang from the ceiling, stretching all the way down to the floor.Many think of it as another temple of The Morning Lord.
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