I suspect my affection for the Order and its Lady would be significantly reduced if it were not for that charming pool. It isn't that I've any particular love for ducks... or rather, I didn't until I spent time there! But the atmosphere is so calming... I don't remember the last time I went there and didn't fall asleep for at least a few minutes!
— Tatiara Harwick, Order of the Silver Tree
 

Overview

duckuary-2025-badge-participant by Tillerz using MJ

Deep within the Shadow Forest, Verdant Home serves as the home of world renown magical expert Oriana Tansea, her assistants, her students and the Order of the Silver Tree.

Despite the beauty of the area, it is undeniable that life under Oriana can be stressful... not to mention that the Shadow Forest itself is known to bite - or to have creatures roving around that bite.

That being the case, it's a good thing that Oriana has prepared a bit of peace for her students - an area of tranquility, called the Duck Pool of the Verdant Home.

Description & Locations

The Duck Pool is a magically warded area within Verdant Home circling a magically constructed pool and populated by, well, ducks. It is designed to be optimally relaxing and revitalizing. Oriana's spells prevent dangerous beasts from wandering near, and cause offensive spells to fizzle, preventing most forms of serious violence. There is a constant, though very slight, breeze, and the temperature remains comfortable at all times of year. The water is constantly circulating, and a small waterfall ensures that the relaxing sound of trickling water remains a pleasant backdrop to time spent there.

Starlight Ducks

The Bascily Ducks are fairly rare in the world at large, but well-represented in Verdant Home's duck pool. Their unique mix of cuteness and elegance suit the environment perfectly.

The water is maintained by Oriana's small servant staff, which is responsible for cleaning the waters and maintaining a food supply appropriate to the current and changing needs of the ducks present.

It is, in essence, a constructed area that uses and enhances all the wonders of the natural world surrounding the Verdant Home, while controlling for any dangerous or unpleasant factors that might present themselves!

The Ducks of the Pool

Several species of duck has been known to float on these clear blue waters, ensuring that the area is often host to a plethora of colorful water fowl. The abundance of food and calming atmosphere keeps them at peace with each other and the residents... and their splendid green, gold, brown, and red plumes keeps the pool looking fascinating and magical!

That said, the most commonly spotted species is the Gaean native Bascily Ducks - a low magic species often called Starlight Ducks for the ethereal sparkle of their feathers, which is most visible in darkness.