The Crescent Cauldron

Nestled in the mountains to the far north, the Crescent Cauldron is a deep lake that sits in the caldera of an inactive volcano. From its eastern edge spills a wispy waterfall, the droplets tumbling hundreds of feet towards the wisteria forest below. Eventually they disperse into a misty vapor which lingers beneath the canopy, lending the woods its haunting beauty. The beauty of the location is not the only drawing feature. The waters of the lake are known to pass judgement: those who wish to prove the purity of their convictions will travel to the Crescent Cauldron and give themselves to the water. Any whose intentions are judged as impure will be dragged to the depths below, never to draw breath again. Those who pass rise from the waters marked with a pair of antlers, tangible proof of dedication to their convictions. This same process is known to happen to animals as well, however the crystalline waters of the lough have never been known to drag an animal to its death, but it does grant a boon upon certain creatures that will dye their fur a pristine white and bestow antlers upon them as well. Many scholars have debated the the reason for this, but none have ever been able to understand why the waters discriminate so.

Geography

The caldera itself is a deep crater filled with sparkling water that flows from extinguished magma vents deep within the earth. The rim of the cauldron is covered in a soft, mossy ground spread that often blossoms with pale purple flowers. The rest of the area is rather mountainous. Being an inactive volcano the fertility of the land is bountiful and many villages have sprung up along rocky outcroppings.

Fauna & Flora

Being volcanic soil there is a variety of flora that thrive across the alpine terrain, many of which are edible in nature. Popular specimens include:

Duskborn Chives - a long tuber plant distinguished by its deep purple stem and midnight colored bulb that grows beneath the ground. It is often used as a culinary spice.
Ashspiraea - a blossoming shrub that can be found almost anywhere on the mountain range. By day its flowers are an ashen gray but at night they glow with a gentle blue luminescence.
Prism grapes - Grown primarily around the rim of the caldera these grapes are renown for their translucent skins that shimmer like a prism when caught by sunlight. Not only do they have a particularly rich taste but wive-tales would have one believe that wines made from these grapes tend to increase longevity.
Frostflake - a six petaled flower that grows in the shade of the wisteria forest below the cauldron, it can only germinate during the first frost of the season. Superstition dictates that any who brings a Frostflake for their betrothed to wear during the wedding ceremony will be blessed with a long and loving marriage.

The fauna of the area tends towards hooved herbivorous, small rodents and a variety of birds that call both the mountain and the surrounding forest home. Notable examples are:

Tigelopes - The apex predator of the ecosystem it is a six-legged, feline-esque creature known for its voracious appetite. Slate blue in color the Tigelope tends to blend into the similarly hued cliffs. Given its rather vertical lifestyle stealth plays a surprisingly small role in its ability to hunt, instead it relays on muscle and balance to drag down its four legged prey.
Kotoris - Large owls that make their nests in the boughs of the wisteria trees, they are the only other carnivores in the area. With ashen feathers that run along their body in random patterns they are known for blending into the bark of their homes. Large purple eyes are the most prominent feature of their face, giving them an almost otherworldly gaze. Because of this many myths say catching the eye of a Kotori is bad luck.
Jumping Cotton Squirrels - Small, fluffy and indescribably cute these small squirrels look like gray balls of cotton that have grown legs. They are known for living in borrows across the rocky cliffs and are surprisingly friendly. In fact several villages have been able to domestic them and use their fur as a form of wool. Though harmless they are able to defend against those who hunt them thanks to their incredible jumping ability.
Bahrams - Hooved, shaggy and with stomachs of steel the Bahrams are the only creatures of the Crescent Cauldron to have naturally occurring horns. Their contributions to the ecosystem and human agriculture are innumerable, leading them to be considered the main resource of the area. Culturally they are the only creature who is allowed to be touched should they become blessed by the waters of the lake. However this is limited only to the sheering of their coat which is then used to create ceremonial robes for shrine keepers.

Zoologists find this area particularly fascinating to study as the mystical waters of the lake often give rise to curious subspecies. These creatures largely retain their original form, though their white coloring and branching antlers set them apart from those the waters have not blessed.

Tourism

A popular attraction for photographers and writers alike, many come seeking inspiration from the spectral-like creatures who have been touched by the waters and the misty woods they call their home. It has also become a popular way for politicians to secure their voters' belief and win over their opposition. However there are voices of dissent that claim this is not a fail-proof method, let alone a safe one to encourage.

Type

Crater / Crater Lake / Caldera

Inhabiting Species