Coronis Shard

Coronis is a shard of unknown size accessible only by shapeshifters, located somewhere deep within the Amazon Basin of the Old World. Legend claims that it was created by the Hidewalker as a refuge for his chosen people, and it persists as the only permanent settlement of the typically nomadic race. The ambiguity of Coronis's true borders make it impossible to properly define the shard; it's surrounded by a supernatural mist which only shapeshifters seem able to navigate, keeping all other races out, and leading many to the natural conclusion that Coronis remains under the protection of the mysterious god.
There are theories that Coronis may not even be a shard at all, but rather a magically protected region still physically existing within the Old World. There are also theories that it has no connection to the Old World whatsoever, and instead exists deep within the Otherlands . It's generally accepted that it's unlikely there'll ever be a definitive answer.

Climate and Geography

Sharing the climate of the jungle it resides in, Coronis and its surrounding lands are hot, humid, and prone to heavy rains. The land is enormously fertile and covered in thick undergrowth, providing ample sources of food for the shapeshifters who call it home. In the center of the shard, the land rises into a relatively rocky outcropping referred to as the Horned Mountain, which serves as the site of Coronis itself. The mountain is still largely covered by jungle, but the ground composition is much more stable and supports an extensive warren of caves and tunnels underneath that seem magically resistant to flooding.

Population and Governance

Coronis's population is constantly changing, though at any given time it's thought to support something in the realm of 5,000 permanent inhabitants; an enormous number for the often-solitary race, and one that increases greatly during times of conflict or gathering. Shapeshifters come and go from Coronis as they please, and it's customary for young shapeshifters to travel there for a short span of time after their coming of age in order to meet others from distant lands and learn more of the history and customs of their race.
Though shapeshifters are largely independent as a culture and only draw together in dire circumstances, Coronis is ruled by the Council that holds official authority over all the individual clans. During global crisis, elders from each clan will assemble at Coronis to form the Great Council; either version of the Council doesn't 'rule' in the same way that humans or elves would recognize, but they're considered the wisest and most experienced of the shapeshifter race and make all guiding decisions by general consensus.
Due to being the seat of their power and the home of the leaders of a traditionally mistrustful race, no other races are permitted within the shard. This rule isn't entirely a decision on the part of the shapeshifters; past attempts by shapeshifters to bring guests into the shard have failed, leading to the thinking that the mists are actually part of the Dreamroad and that the Hidewalker maintains control over who is allowed entry.

Capital

CORONIS
Coronis itself is the only settlement within the shard and its de facto capital; any shapeshifters who don't take up residence within the Horned Mountain itself tend to live in the abundant jungles that surround it, most often in their wilder forms. Compared to a human settlement, Coronis would appear very primitive. There are few standing structures on the surface, mostly existing to complement larger cave openings in the mountain's sides; the vast majority of the city's population lives underground, in the naturally occurring caves and burrows. The interior of the mountain is dry and comfortable, and its honeycomb structure is lightly furnished to the preferred levels of its various inhabitants. There are various large communal spaces where fires can be lit, with the natural tunnels helping empty any resulting smoke out into the open air.
With no agricultural or commercial practices much to speak of, Coronis's population is largely responsible for feeding themselves from the bounty of the jungle that surrounds them. The city is a place for shelter and community, and has little in the way of shops or trade beyond individuals with a talent for crafting.

Other Notable Locations

THE EYE OF THE MOON
A large cave located at the peak of the Horned Mountain, with a wide hole in the ceiling that exposes it to the sky. It's the traditional meetingplace for gatherings of the Great Council, and is sometimes also used by the smaller Council when meeting over matters of importance. Business conducted within the Eye of the Moon are thought to be presided over by the Hidewalker's watchful presence.
THE MISTS
The encircling mists that surround Coronis, concealing whatever entrances to the shard exist. Theorized to cross through the Dreamroad, shapeshifters traversing the mists are hard-pressed to say how long the passage takes them, or how exactly they know the way.

map of Coronis Shard

Quick Facts

Approximate Size: unknown
Number of Entrances: unknown
Capital City: Coronis

Dominant Race: shapeshifter
Approximate Population: (varies)

Type

Territory