Wenua Lumaʔa Haloʔa /we.nua lu.maʔ.a ha.loʔ.a/
Geography
The Grand Archway
On the southern coast of the island stands Hellgate Rock, a massive, jagged structure of black basalt, rising vertically from the ocean. It’s a monumental stone arch, stretching a hundred feet high with an opening large enough to let small ships pass through. The arch appears to be carved by the relentless forces of nature—winds, salt, and sea have eroded its surface over centuries. The structure is pocked with deep grooves, where ancient lava flows cooled into natural patterns, giving the rock an almost otherworldly texture.
Passing beneath Hellgate Rock feels like entering another world—one of shadow and towering stone. The space beneath the arch is often mist-covered, adding to the eerie atmosphere, and the tides are known to shift dramatically at this spot, making passage dangerous at certain times.
The Great Hole
Past the Grand Archway is a colossal, perfectly round hole. This massive depression, stretching nearly two miles in diameter, plunges into the earth like the mouth of a titan. It is a pristine circle, its edges carved from ancient volcanic stone that has withstood centuries of erosion. Its smooth, perfect form is a mystery to scholars and adventurers alike. It is often referred to as the “Eye of the Isle” due to its shape and its eerie, almost sentient presence.
From the edge of the Great Hole, the view is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The rock walls are steep, sheer cliffs, at times rising hundreds of feet, and they stretch down into an abyss. The hole is filled with dark, calm water that seems to reflect the sky above unnaturally. Some legends say the water is bottomless, though no one has ever dared to test this claim.
What is truly mysterious about the Great Hole is the strange whirlpool currents that form near its center. These currents are far stronger than would be expected for such a remote region, and some believe there may be hidden tunnels or ancient, forgotten chambers deep within the island's core.
Coastlines and Cliffs
The coastline of the island is equally dramatic. The southern coast, dominated by Hellgate Rock, is a wild stretch of jagged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea. Waves crash violently against the rocks, and at high tide, the cliffs are frequently mist-shrouded, making it nearly impossible to see the top of Hellgate Rock from below.
On the opposite side of the island, where the Great Hole is located, the cliffs are slightly gentler but still formidable. The northern coastline is lined with rugged, black sand beaches and sharp outcrops of stone. The land here is often barren, with little vegetation, and the sea roils ominously just beyond the shoreline.
To the west, the island curves gently into a secluded bay with calmer waters. Here, a small collection of ancient caves is found, their entrances hidden beneath the dark waters.
Volcanic Activity and Geothermal Features
The Isle of the Hollow Gateway is not entirely dormant—beneath the surface, volcanic activity still stirs. Steam vents and geysers dot the landscape, releasing sulfurous fumes and hot steam into the air. In certain areas, the ground is warm to the touch, and the water near the geothermal springs is notably hotter than elsewhere on the island. These hot springs are often used by local inhabitants and travelers, offering a chance to rest and heal, though the area surrounding them can be dangerous due to the instability of the land.
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