The Aurora Spring

Usually a place of pilgrimage and vision quest destinations, the Aurora Spring scrapes the sky near the Northern Coast of Athar and is said to be touched by the goddess Amuna herself.

Geography

The Aurora Spring is nestled at the top of Waylem Peak, one of the Dea Mountains. A hot spring oasis in the midst of harsh and frozen rock, the Spring is hot enough that snow cannot stick within a 100 foot radius. On a clear day, at the base of the mountain, the steam can even be seen, pouring into the atmosphere. Uncharacteristically green grass grows near the water's edge, and thick-leafed trees remain untouched, whereas the same trees might barely hold their leaves even in the warmer months in this region.

Fauna & Flora

The oasis itself does not have a wide variety of creatures inhabiting it, mostly due to the harsh conditions of the rest of the mountain, but birds are the most abundant here, flying through the snow until finding respite in one of the trees. A few types of bugs and fish that are suited for hot, sulfuric conditions do make their home in the water, such as the Gilded Carp, a fish known for inhabiting volcanic waters in the south.

Natural Resources

The water is undrinkable, but often pilgrims that come to pray to Amuna will collect a canteen full of the water for use in religious rituals back home. The sulfur is sought after by alchemists, and some travelers will separate the water and sulfur and sell the latter. Other than the lush greenery, the rock of the surrounding area is granite, and while useful for those who might wish to handcraft a weapon, carving into the oasis is taboo, and nobody would attempt to gather granite unless farther down the mountain.

Type

Oasis

Inhabiting Species

• Gilded Carp