Danger-Tourism
Capitalizing on Cathedris's greatest export
There's nothing quite like the thrill of excitement you get knowing that you're one step, one slip, one mistake from death, all the while witnessing the most spectacular sights known across all Cathedris.Born out of an excess of treacherous areas and monstrous beings, Danger-Tourism is the act of visiting the greatest sights the planet has to offer. You might take a jungle tour through a Rendling hotspot among the Shattered Isles, where you will see your armed escort kill at least one Rendling. Or, if you happen to be in the area, you can hire a guide to lead you along a terrifying mountain path through Artazia, where you can spy Avartarian rampaging in a valley, destroying any life he sees. Wherever you go in Cathedris, you'll find danger -- and anywhere you find danger, you'll find someone offering to show it to you, for a fee.
Dangerously Good Business
Every single country on Cathedris has a tourism industry, and thus also a Danger-Tourism industry. Of all the countries, 12 of them have God-husks that wander within their borders, and thus these countries have a Danger-Tourism industry that dominates the others. The possibility of seeing the undead titans that roam the planet's surface draws crowds like almost no other danger -- though not far behind is tourism based on Rendling tours. Most agencies that deal with God-husk sightings will offer tours near the vicinity of the giant beings. God-husks, some stretching over half a kilometer tall, have massive ranges of destruction -- and some are known to go on rampages at a moments notice. Thus most sane tourism coordinators will ensure at least a modicum of safety to their customers by taking roundabout paths around the God-husks, viewing them from afar.
To some, this is not enough. Some prefer to be up close and personal, and even touching what they are touring. Russin is famous for this in particular, attempting to sail a ship through Sharenskus's legs while in mid stride has gone from an unrecommended right-of-passage to a dangerous but popular tourism opportunity.
Are you tired of your quiet, easy life? Looking for some excitement? Then visit Russin's number one Danger-Tourism agency! We've only lost one ship in the last 3 months, compared to the average FIVE that other agencies have lost! Plus, our ships have padded seats, ensuring maximum comfort as we sail through Sharenskus's legs.
Snakes and Similar
Competition in the world of Danger-Tourism is fierce. There are only so many God-husks to visit, and only so many Rendling hot-spots to explore. Once one company sets up shop in a particular locale, they tend to guard it jealously, in an attempt to monopolize that particular location. Because of this, many smaller startups try to create their own danger. Fires, explosions, or trained actors wearing costumes are often used in the smaller, less reputable Danger-Tourism operations. Occasionally some innovative managers will work hand in hand with Catalurgists in order to use magic to enhance the danger and excitement. All of this leads to an environment perfect for Snakes to flourish within. Lies can be told about the actual danger, enticing would be tourists who are then disappointed by a slow speed carriage ride through the local forest. Additionally, some snakes ramp up the danger too much, resulting in no repeat customers. The country of Artazia, being one of the world's best Danger-Tourism locations, takes a strong stance against Snakes. Due to their propensity to mimic legitimate Tourism locations, as well as the growing problem of Snakes selling shoddy or counterfeit merchandise overall, the Artazian government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against snakes. It is in Artazia that the Mark of the Snake was first adopted as a strong punishment against those who would deceive.
I promise you, this is a tour like none you shall ever see again! We take danger to it's theoretical maximum, and allow you the pleasure of touring it.
Danger-tourism was first seen in the late 2000's. The exact origin of the industry is unclear, as it seems to have grown in multiple locations at once. Three local establishments claim to each be the first, however: Northern-Artazian Danger-Tourism, The Shattered Isles Events, Escapades, and Excitement, and the Degrundan Zone of Destruction Tours.
Testimonials
I saw one of our guards, a Legionnaire, devoured by a Rendling. I thought we were all going to die. An absolute perfect tour, I will be recommending this to my mother.
Dust, dirt, danger, and destruction. What more could you want?? My tour through Qurain was perfect. I'm only sad we weren't able to see Qur up close.
I opted for the route around Sharenskus, rather than the mid-stride option, but next time I think I'll try it!
I'm not even sure if what i saw was real. Am I even still alive? What in He'an's name just happened. 10/10, I will be visiting again
I would want to say this is ridiculous if i wasn't ready to go on one of those tours myself. A wonderful concept, if slightly disturbing that people have monetized real life danger. Is there some insurance policy if one of the tourists get hurt? Or is it just bad luck when that happens?
Nothing sells like adrenaline, right?! The more reputable establishments likely will have some form of insurance, along with many waivers to be signed, but a lot of the more shifty places probably dont!