The Empty Waters

Empty Waters is a large lake situated within the north of the Gregor Dynasty . It is shrouded in mystery and superstition, but those that live near it are constantly fighting for their survival because of the lake. It is said that the massive lake now known as the Empty Waters is not at all empty, but filled with dangerous aquatic creatures or some other evil force that lure Gregorians into the depths during the night. The lake is surrounded by fertile land, large trees and tall mountains, and the lake itself is a beautiful deep blue colour, and yet it holds an air of doom around it where the otherwise beautiful landscape creates a feeling of deadliness for any who see it.

Summary

When the Great Unite happened, the Feudal leader of the Gregon Dynasty, Makino Mitsuuji, resented the coalition, and, out of spite, changed the name of the 'Katakura' lake to Empty Waters and told the other countries that it was a beautiful place great for tourism. However, the natives called this lake the Katakura, meaning 'The Devil's Soul' in old Gregonian because of how it called to people at night, drawing them closer and wading in the murky depths before yanking them underwater never to be seen again. Some say that there is an entire city of aquatic undead living under the lake, charming Gregonians into joining their corrupt society. Some say that a mighty Dragon lives under the lake that collects and hoards people instead of gold. Others say that the water itself is a powerful poison, holding great psionic power in it from long ago during the Illithid reign, which draws people to it and kills them painfully. None of these are known for sure as the Lake is avoided by the people living near it at all costs. At least 100 meters is maintained from the lake to any settlement, and those Gregonians have Psionic runes of protection to protect their household during the night. However, if something happens to the runes, the people living near the Empty Waters find themselves powerless against its strange magic. Thrill-seeking adventurers sometimes come to the Empty Waters, to see if the Myths about the lake are true. Most do not return.

Spread

Many people across Velaria know of the Empty Waters but most do not believe the tales. Because the Gregon Dynasty is a very superstitious and old-fashioned country, many believe that the tales of 'Katakura' to be false, told by parents to frighten their children into staying inside at night. However, those that live near the Empty Waters take this very seriously because if they don't, they die. All maintain and spend great time on their protective runes and ensure that no one is out once the sun goes out, for they know that the pull of the lake will take them to their deaths. People from this area have adapted sayings and traditions related to the Empty Waters such as, "Waters take you!", and "Have a dry night". Also, some more fanatical visionaries have started to worship the lake and it's terrible power as a deity.

I check the perimeter of runes around my house everyday to make sure my family is safe. If even one gets some dirt over it or is bumped out of the pattern, we are all going to be pulled to our watery deaths.

— Tebengri

Date of First Recording

1090BU

Date of Setting

The Great Unite