Lake Eskion (leɪk eskaɪɒn)

Geography

Lake Eskion is the largest lake in the Montius continent, and is notable for its status as the most famous crater lake in the Caesium Empire, the extensive caverns that extend far beneath its surface, and its thermal vents that keep it warm and unfrozen even throughout the frigid Montius winters. The lake is composed of fresh water mainly from rainfall in the warm seasons, but it is also supplied from small creeks and rivers that descend down from the melted ice in the nearby remains of an ancient, now dormant volcano. The area itself is greener than the rest of Montius, and attracts all manner of wildlife. Native predators are also attracted to this area, however, which has prevented the establishment of any kind of permanent settlement. There is also the threat of the nearby volcano, which has remained dormant since its erruption 7,500 years ago, but the nearby aasimar clans believe it is only waiting for the right cue from Cielara to erupt once again. The lake itself is notable for its extremely deep blue color, which results from its record breaking depth of 900 meters, and the lack of sediments in the water.

Localized Phenomena

After its volcano erupted and collapsed, Lake Eskion remained protected by a ring of raised hills and mountains. As a result, the lake's surface itself can reach an almost glass-like surface while it is protected from the raging winds in the nearby area. Traveling to Eskion to see the northern lights reflected in the water is a dangerous, but deeply rewarding experience for those who are ever able to survive the trek through the surrounding woods and mountains. Eskion is also situated above a series of geothermal vents, and the magma beneath the earth's crust runs close to the surface at the bottom of the lake. This means that the water, while cool, remains suitable for the average human to swim in comfortably even throughout the dead of winter. 
This lake is also dedicated to Cielara, and water from Eskion is highly sought after by her clerics as it is believed to already be holy and blessed. The natural beauty of the area that never seems to diminish favors the idea that the area is divinely touched. However, since the start of the reformation era in the past century, there are also rumors of dark creatures that prowl around the edge of the volcanic remains, taking down herds of deer and packs of wolves alike. There are even stories of shadows moving through the water that swallow whole schools of trout that travel north in the fall. Native aasimar clans have reluctantly moved away from the area for the most part as a result of these threats, and the occasional adventuring party that attempts a reconnaissance rarely manages to come back with all its members in one piece. These parties claim to have no distinct memories of what exactly happened to them, and can only remember the glimpses they saw before the attack itself.

Alternative Name(s)

Cielara's Mirror; The Mirror

Type

Crater / Crater Lake / Caldera