The Moon-Catcher of Asafoetida
Everyday I asked the moon and stars to give me a child. I promised them anything to give me someone to carry on my legacy. The day I slipped into the Moon-catcher, I knew my wish had been granted. You were that wish. ~Kailani TurnurothSurrounded by rocky mountain cliffs and volcanoes, the Moon Catcher is located in the Mea 'ala region. The Moon-catcher is a volcanic crater lake formed when Huggleland's largest volcano, Arobmat, collapsed after ushering in "The Long Dark." The city of Asafoetida was built around the Moon-catcher and is considered the single most important part of the city. Legend says the Moon-catcher was so named by the first dragons to arrive. They say that no matter how dark the skies, the lake would glow at night with moonlight and make it possible for the dragons to see all of Mea 'ala from the surrounding cliffs. To this day the lake is said to be plain and ordinary during the day and full of mystical light and life under a moonlit sky.
The caretakers of Asafoetida, and therefor the Moon-catcher, is a large clan of Dragonborn who believe the lake has a direct connection to their ancestors and mythos. It is the center of all important ceremonies and it is not uncommon for there to be several clan members praying for fortune, happiness, and more. The lake grows a variety of plants used for ceremony, decoration, pigments, and medicine. The aquatic life is plentiful and most is used for ceremony and cuisine except for the turtles that inhabit the lake. The young princess Moonlight Turnuroth declared them protected after receiving a turtle as a pet and companion. The dragon born clan holds the lake in high regard and access is limited to their clan only. The last time an outsider was found in the lake, one of the smaller nearby volcanoes cracked letting out molten lava that destroyed a small missionary outpost. Since then, any outsiders that get to close to the lake are made to walk across hot coals to a cliff where they are tied to hang from said cliff overnight.
by by Roxanlita
The Moon-catcher
Also the protector of turtles.
Related Traditions
by inkarnate- Roxanlita
Oh dang, woe to the outsiders who dare trespass in this crater! I love that you've outlined such a deep cultural connection for this place, from legend to current times where the plants and fish have such healing or sacred purposes. And that art! Lovely work, Mooncake is stunning and I adore her little turtle :D
You are doing a great job! Keep creating; I believe in you!
Luridity: Where love is love and life is lived. Contains NSFW content.
Now with serialized fiction on Ream!!
Thank you for the encouragement and appreciation. The little turtle was my daughters idea for that character. She wanted a little pet to bring levity to everything. His name is "Turtolini"