Qattara Cave Network
The limestone caves and caverns attached to the Al-Abyad Sinkhole are a natural wonder of the Great Kingdom of Edeli. The network of caves stretches for miles beneath the desert sands, with many twists and turns and hidden chambers to explore.
The limestone formations that make up the caves are both beautiful and awe-inspiring. One of the most famous formations is the "Stalactite Palace," a massive room with stalactites hanging from the ceiling like icicles, and stalagmites rising from the floor like spires. The room is illuminated by phosphorescent fungi that glow in the dark, casting an eerie blue light throughout the space.
Another notable formation is the "Crystal Cathedral," a massive chamber filled with glittering crystal formations that reflect light in a thousand directions. The floor of the chamber is covered in a thick layer of soft, white sand, giving the space an otherworldly feel. This room is thought by many of the faithful to be the home of Raja, the deity who controls the waters of Baiun, the River of Time itself.
The caves are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bats, insects, and underground fish. In some areas, there are underground lakes and rivers that flow through the caverns, creating an entire ecosystem hidden beneath the desert sands. This is a well-kept secret from the people above, however, as the water would be stolen and the ecosystem destroyed.
One of the most interesting features of the cave network is the existence of underground gardens. These gardens are sustained by the phosphorescent fungi that grow throughout the caves, creating a source of light and energy for the plants. The gardens are home to a variety of crops, including mushrooms, herbs, and even underground fruits. Many herbalists from various communities come here to take clippings of these plants; Margaretta Treefeather considers the underground garden a sacred place to be protected at all costs.
In addition to their natural beauty and wonder, the caves and caverns also hold significant cultural and historical significance for the people of the Great Kingdom of Edeli. It is said that the caves were once used as a refuge for the people during times of war and persecution, with the hidden chambers and passageways providing a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the dangers of the outside world. They saw significant use during the occupation by Lyras and are attributed as the only reason many of the outlying hunter-gatherer clans survived.
Today, the caves are a popular destination for tourists and adventurers from all over the kingdom. Members of both the Royal Society for the Exploration of the Natural and Physical World and the Imperial Science Corps are constantly in attendance, studying the multitudes of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
Overall, the limestone caves and caverns attached to the Al-Abyad Sinkhole are a true wonder of the natural world. From the stunning rock formations to the underground gardens and lakes, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to behold. Whether you are a nature lover, adventurer, or cultural enthusiast, a visit to these underground wonders is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The limestone formations that make up the caves are both beautiful and awe-inspiring. One of the most famous formations is the "Stalactite Palace," a massive room with stalactites hanging from the ceiling like icicles, and stalagmites rising from the floor like spires. The room is illuminated by phosphorescent fungi that glow in the dark, casting an eerie blue light throughout the space.
Another notable formation is the "Crystal Cathedral," a massive chamber filled with glittering crystal formations that reflect light in a thousand directions. The floor of the chamber is covered in a thick layer of soft, white sand, giving the space an otherworldly feel. This room is thought by many of the faithful to be the home of Raja, the deity who controls the waters of Baiun, the River of Time itself.
The caves are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bats, insects, and underground fish. In some areas, there are underground lakes and rivers that flow through the caverns, creating an entire ecosystem hidden beneath the desert sands. This is a well-kept secret from the people above, however, as the water would be stolen and the ecosystem destroyed.
One of the most interesting features of the cave network is the existence of underground gardens. These gardens are sustained by the phosphorescent fungi that grow throughout the caves, creating a source of light and energy for the plants. The gardens are home to a variety of crops, including mushrooms, herbs, and even underground fruits. Many herbalists from various communities come here to take clippings of these plants; Margaretta Treefeather considers the underground garden a sacred place to be protected at all costs.
In addition to their natural beauty and wonder, the caves and caverns also hold significant cultural and historical significance for the people of the Great Kingdom of Edeli. It is said that the caves were once used as a refuge for the people during times of war and persecution, with the hidden chambers and passageways providing a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the dangers of the outside world. They saw significant use during the occupation by Lyras and are attributed as the only reason many of the outlying hunter-gatherer clans survived.
Today, the caves are a popular destination for tourists and adventurers from all over the kingdom. Members of both the Royal Society for the Exploration of the Natural and Physical World and the Imperial Science Corps are constantly in attendance, studying the multitudes of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
Overall, the limestone caves and caverns attached to the Al-Abyad Sinkhole are a true wonder of the natural world. From the stunning rock formations to the underground gardens and lakes, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to behold. Whether you are a nature lover, adventurer, or cultural enthusiast, a visit to these underground wonders is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
"The natural beauty here is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I can't imagine a more pristine landscape, and it's found underground, beneath a desert, thousands of miles from home." - Margaretta Treefeather
Type
Cave System
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