The lurking darkness in the dead woods around, the haunted castle crumbling in front, the stone giant submerged within;
It is undoubtedly folly that has drawn me here to this lake. My late husband might have called it 'a courageous undertaking', yet it is folly all the same.— Suzi's Journal of the Lake
Stone Knight Lake, also known as
Jalagam, formerly named
Clear Waters, is an extensive freshwater lake situated at the heart of the Auburn Broadleaf Forest, west of the coastal city of
Stoker. It serves as the primary source of freshwater for the humans of Auburn, as well as a hub for a variety of plant and animal species.
The lake, along with its surrounding forest, have been known to propagate many superstitions and dark legends by the local human population. Tales such as of witches, monstrous fiends, and the titular Stone Knight have managed to keep most folk clear of the area since the third century.
History & Art
There is a saying among us people of Auburn: "Tales are plenty where the past lays therein."
I would dare say there is nowhere else which holds on to the past with such tenacity. It is as if this place defiles time itself.— Suzi's Journal of the Lake
First references to the lake (once called
Clear Waters) are not found in historical records or holy scripts, but rather through various art pieces spurred by the
Despaired Intellectual Period. Many such works portray the lake as a wondrous place full of life and hosting pleasant climates. In Menkar Walpole's book of poems - 'Lees of the Vast', the duke dedicates over half of the anthology to the lake, at one point calling it the "last remnant of eternity".
Walpole would later take hold of the lake and build his castle on its banks, declaring his dukedom over the surrounding land. Disputes over access to the lake and the issued water tax eventually led to a bloody conflict between the duke's forces and the people of Auburn. Walpole managed to crush most of his opposition and even claimed its leader, Agnes of the Lake, as a concubine, thus ending the conflict.
In the years following the union, the lake grew suddenly and mysteriously inhospitable. Rumors spread of a dire curse being placed on the lake, and few still ventured to see its darkened beauty by the third century.
Great article, it was a joy to read :D Also, the choice of music was excellent and really helped to get the feeling of the cursed lake across.
Thank you! Glad you liked the atmosphere hehe.