Vhalvakka Lake

Vhalvakka lake is one of the largest sources of water on the continent of Savorah and this size has been a source of curiosity for many scholars as the only comparable freshwater masses are the Emerald Cove and the endless font of the Shivius Mountain. While no one is entirely certain about what the lake is so large there are a few leading theories.
The one most scholars find to be credible is that early on in the history of the world shortly after the dwarves became a species in their own right they found one of the few aberrations to have remained hidden deep in the original much smaller lake, which itself was one of many smaller lakes that scattered the area. Those dwarves who found what was likely an aboleth fell under its sway and gathered more followers and began to dig out the lake larger and larger until it reached its current size when the aboleth was slain. There are recordings in ancient dwarven ruins that suggest a dwarven hero fighting against a water-bound many-tentacled beast, it is believed that is in reference to the lake itself forming.
Another is that the lake had always been this large and that it is cursed to hold the essence of a monster that once plagued the oceans, according to legends a Kraken was causing untold harm to the waterways near Ormir and Arcessa and through complex means, mages were able to capture and teleport the Kraken away, they had hoped to send it to the plane of water but their magic couldn't banish the creature there for good, so instead they teleported it to Vhalvakka lake where it would quickly die from the different waters, lack of food, and likely the local dwarves who would be displeased about such a beast in their land. From that point the mages cursed the Kraken to be forever bound to the lake, it is this part that has many believing the lake to be cursed as on the nights of the Harrowing many will not tread near the water as supposedly the spirit of that Kraken remains in those waters angry at its eternal imprisonment but only able to be manifest under a Harrowing.

Ecosystem

The lake is rather warm for the climate it is in, this is due to geothermal activity around the lake and inside it. As a result, there is a wide variety of flora and fauna that can thrive even during the winter where only part of the lake will freeze.

Localized Phenomena

Vhalvakka Lake is large enough to have waves and generate storms though it is often producing a heavy mist due to the difference in temperature between water and air.

Fauna & Flora

Vhalvakka lake is known to have some truly enormous catfish said to be able to swallow a dwarf in a single gulp and drag ships by their nets as they try to escape. This is only the start though as many have described seeking large crustacean creatures gathering supplies from the shore and dragging them down into the depths. It is regarded as a highly diverse and potentially dangerous location, despite its placid appearance.

Tourism

Vhalvakka Lake is a popular fishing destination for those who seek large freshwater fish without having to brave the deadly Emerald Cove Jungle.

Type

Lake