The Feathered Spires of Qutarnan

A Carefully Guarded Landmark

The Feathered Spires of Qutarnan are a place that few have dared to visit and even fewer have returned from. This geographical landmark is one that is heavily guarded by The Aakaash and for good reason. Existing just on the outskirts of Qutarnan, The Decadent Wastes, The Feathered Spires have always served as a sort of barrier to the North, keeping potential invaders at bay. Plagued year-round by terrible thunderstorms, and filled with all manner of dangerous flora and fauna like Viper Hydras and Rocs, this natural barrier leaves many who look at the riches of Qutarnan wanting and weighing the risks of such an endeavor. Those who, inevitably, still decide to make the attempt find themselves harried night and day by the airborne warriors of The Aakaash, a unified tribe of the various Aarakocra species of the region. The Aakaash are zealous in their task of keeping invaders out, and rarely stop to ask invaders what their purpose is. Instead, they will often choose to slaughter the offending party forthright, taking prisoner any survivors. Those who have the blessing of the Samrat are often allowed passage, as the Samrat and the Aakaash have a very good working relationship, however, permission must first be obtained or the Aakaash will slaughter with impunity. Furthermore, an enmity has formed between the Aakaash and The Jaigra, who have been seen fighting each other frequently and who speak ill of one another with every breath. This geographical marvel, however, is not without its sights and wonders. Seen often, wandering through the underbrush and standing upwards of 20 feet, are the Wardens of the Forest, ancient elementals who tend to the lands and keep them healthy and in line with the laws of nature.

This geographical landmark is full of all sorts of wonders though such as the Diamond Falls and the SkyBridges. Such wonders cannot be found anywhere else, however, one sight above all others demands the attention of any who might travel here. At the summit of Mount Volturis, high among the Feathered Spires, lies The Apex. Here, Lumina in its purest state is said to reside and is guarded feverishly by the Aakash and their leader, The Sage of Mount Volturis. Here, the monasteries, fortresses, and cities of the Aakaash rest, surrounding the various peaks that encircle the Apex. Here, The Talavaar reside and guard the Sage and the various members who comprise the Aakaash. Here, it is said that the sky meets the earth, and the world rejoices in its connection.

Tourism

Flora

Tigerblossom: A rare flower that excretes a desirable aroma. The tigerblossom can also be used to make an exquisite tea that has been known to cure many ailments and diseases. Drinking such a concoction is said to be excruciatingly painful and not for the faint of heart.

Assassin Vines

Deceiver's Kiss: This carnivorous plant is dangerous in that it lures in prey with a toxin it releases into the air that shows a person that which they desire most. The person is drawn to the plant and swallowed whole where they are then slowly digested while still infatuated with the memory or desired thing.

Eyebite Orchid: This flower does not necessarily bite your actual eye. It does, however, fire a small barb at any who get too close. This barb releases a toxin into the bloodstream of the target, sending them into a rage by showing them that which they hate most and desire to kill. Accounts of the effects suggest a real rage, and blindness to reason and words. Some more severe cases tell of men who have killed their friends while in such a stupor.

Blood Lily: This flower only opens itself to the light during a blood moon. However, when it does so, any who come across one should hope to harvest it as this flower's petals have been known to strengthen the body of those who consume them. (Outlawed in most countries for its addictive properties)

Fauna

Sky Rays: Huge flying sky mantas that can be seen lazily drifting between the mountains of the Feathered Spires.

Viper Hydra: Dangerous hydras with viper heads. Their bite is terribly fatal due to poisons and they like to lurk quietly in still lakes, waiting for prey to come to them before dragging it into the water.

Grimhulks: Huge bipedal apes, believed to have descended from giants though they have become more feral in their evolutionary chain.

Noklura: Also called abyssal snakes, Noklura are huge jet black serpents that lure the unwary in with the glowing (lumina-like) bulb on the end of their tail. (Think angler fish, but on a giant and blind snake).

Dragons

Displacer beasts

Rocs

Nagas

Rakshasa

Hill Giants

Trolls

Goblins

Owner

The Sage of Mount Volturis

Owning Organization

The Aakaash

Characters in Location

• The Sage of Mount Volturis