While the city of Yanjing has many qualities which makes it distinct and memorable, it is the volcano at its heart which defines the capital of Zhongguo. Penglai Shan is the name of this volcano, skirted by Longhu or dragon lake. The royal palace of Zhongguo is also found within the maw of Penglai Shan and deep below, within the magma chamber feeding the gentle giant, is Ralgotar's Seat. This entity they call Huangdi is their eternal emperor, father to the Si Xiang and one of the primary deities of the Huaren people alongside his mother, Ylithuum, who they call Xi Wangmu.
Despite continual volcanic activity from Penglai Shan, this is a gentle patron. Lava has a steady ebb and flow, occasionally spilling down the mountain and redirected over the lake by tungsten lavaducts. There have been violent eruptions in the past but were the result of angering Huangdi. Instead, Yanjing thrives on the materials mined from this flow and revere Penglai Shan as a holy site. They proudly live in the shadow of their divine emperor and his Divine Descendants.
Purpose / Function
by Lee Stepp
This is Huangdi's Seat, his own personal and divine sanctum laying deep below in the magma chamber feeding the volcano. It is also the location of the royal palace, housing the Si Xiang. Ralgotar's descendants live inside the maw of the volcano and typically rule Zhongguo from their lofty location. The city of Yanjing, capital of Zhongguo, is built around the lake Longhu at the foot of Penglai Shan.
Design
by Lee Stepp
Most of the buildings built into the side of the volcano are constructed of tungsten or basalt, generally avoiding wood. Instead, basalt columns are painted in bright colors. A basalt cobblestone path winds up the slope as well, one final gate waiting at the summit. Everything from this point has been blessed by Huangdi himself to withstand any damage from his element. Thanks to this, a far more traditional Huaren palace seemingly floats atop the lake of lava in the mouth of Penglai Shan. Even the wood of this palace is untouched by heat or flame. However, the true wonder lies even deeper into this holy mountain, Huangdi's personal sanctum. Even his children are forbidden from entering this chamber, only permitted to wake him amidst the most extreme of emergencies—and not without serious consequences. Because of this, the chamber and it's contents remain a mystery to man.
Entries
There is only one bridge between Penglai Shan and Yanjing, guarded carefully by the Zhou clan. Even when one is permitted to pass, they must make an offering to the guardian Qinglong. They are territorial of Longhu and quite prideful, not suffering trespass or disrespect. For this additional reason, trying to cross Longhu by boat or swimming is an almost guaranteed death sentence and even flying over is a critical mistake, these dragons easily stepping along the mist the volcanic lake produces.
Sensory & Appearance
by Lee Stepp
Burnt stone, earthen or metallic and sulfur smells are prevalent. However, as this is a gentle volcano not prone to violent eruptions. The sulfur content is actually quite low. The earthy, metallic and char smell is far more common. The sides of Penglai Shan are also pleasantly humid between lava overflows, lush vegetation blooming readily between the warmth, moisture and volcanic deposits. There are plenty of native plants possessing Ralgotar or Shil blessings, able to survive if not thrive off of the lava, vivid shades of crimson, obsidian and rust prevalent.
Denizens
Contents & Furnishings
The royal palace is famous for its ornate luxuries. This has always been a wealthy nation with ample trade routes but it is also is home to an ancient and refined culture. These people live proudly as Divine Descendant and can be quite eccentric, as one might expect.
Hazards & Traps
by Lee Stepp
While Penglai Shan is a gentle giant now, it has erupted violently in the past. According to legend, this occurred in a time of great upset for their eternal emperor. Betrayal and grief had triggered a volcanic eruption that buried the ancient city preceding Yanjing. This is one of many reasons both Zhongguo and the Si Xiang are careful not to displease him. They thrive on the gifts of Penglai Shan now but it could just as easily be their doom.
Special Properties
by Lee Stepp
Penglai Shan is intimately tied to the state of Ralgotar, more than any other volcano. It's flow and volatility match his emotional state. It ebbs and flows gently while their emperor hibernates and generally remains quite mild and predictable while he sleeps—though there are legends of their emperor suffering from nightmares with dangerous consequences. His children are even able to predict his emergence based on the activity of Penglai Shan. And of course, when he wakes his mood drastically alters the volcanic flow.
Alterations
by Lee Stepp
A number of palaces and viewing decks have been built into the mountainside of Penglai Shan, overlooking the city and lake. These are for the families of Huangdi's descendants who are unable to survive in the main palace and, at their convenience, those descendants. A luxurious and dramatic palace is built inside the volcano itself, designed by Huangdi and blessed by his magic to withstand the otherwise intolerable volcanic environment. It rises and falls with the flow of lava within Penglai Shan, seemingly floating on a lake of lava. Only his direct descendants and servants utilizing specific enchantments can survive here.
Architecture
Defenses
Aside the natural defenses of the volcano, the Zhou clan and their Qinglong - Azure Dragons have long protected Penglai Shan from any would be invaders, utilizing powerful Vapri Racial Magic. It wasn't until the Kingdom of Accia invaded Zhongguo and sieged Penglai Shan that this clan had tasted defeat. Then General Allen Minx and his remaining siblings faced off against the Zhou and, while they were victorious, Duke Minx was the only survivor.
Alternative Names
Ralgotar's Seat
Type
Lair
Parent Location
Owner
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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