Shiantun

Location: Shiantun is a massive shield volcano whose caldera forms the foundation of Chotalcoatl. Its gentle slopes contrast with its fiery heart, representing Quisai’s duality—destructive power and life-giving energy.
Significance: Shiantun is both a source of natural wealth and a spiritual symbol, worshipped as Quisai’s earthly manifestation. Its obsidian flows and geothermal vents fuel the city’s economy and religious rituals.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Rituals at Shiantun:

• The Offering of Flame: Sacred items, such as jade or obsidian blades, are cast into the Flame Crater during annual festivals to honor Quisai.
• The Rite of Embers: Warriors seeking to join the Forgeguard must descend into the caldera and survive a night near the Magma Pools, demonstrating their endurance and faith.

The Balance Doctrine: Priests teach that Shiantun represents balance and harmony—just as lava destroys, it also nourishes the land. This philosophy underpins Chotalcoatl’s governance and its people’s resilience.

Geography

The Caldera (Heart of the Volcano): The central caldera is a vast basin surrounded by terraced cliffs, where the city of Chotalcoatl is perched. Hot springs and magma pools dot the basin, used for rituals, forging, and healing.
Obsidian Fields: Surrounding the volcano are vast fields of hardened lava flows, rich in obsidian. These shimmering black stones are mined and shaped into tools, weapons, and ceremonial items.
Lava Tubes and Steam Vents: Beneath Shiantun are miles of lava tubes and steam channels, some of which are ritual sites or used for geothermal energy. The “Breath of Quisai” is a famous steam vent that releases rhythmic, thunderous bursts of steam, seen as a manifestation of the god’s voice.

Ecosystem Cycles

Volcanic Renewal Cycle: Shiantun’s eruptions, though rare, reshape the surrounding land with layers of hardened lava, creating new fertile soil over decades. eruptions, plants and fungi adapted to volcanic soil quickly recolonize the area, forming a lush post-volcanic ecosystem.
Seasonal Variations: Warm, dry winds sweep through the caldera and surrounding regions, causing wildflowers and succulent plants to bloom. Heavy rains replenish the caldera’s hot springs and lava tubes, feeding the terraces and fostering the growth of crops.
Steam and Heat: Shiantun’s geothermal vents and magma pools create microclimates within the caldera, where heat-loving species thrive, even during cooler seasons.

Localized Phenomena

The Obsidian Guardian: Stories tell of a spirit warrior made entirely of obsidian who guards the volcano’s sacred sites. Pilgrims claim to have seen this figure during rituals or times of crisis.
The Song of Shiantun: Locals believe the rhythmic bursts of steam from the Breath of Quisai are part of an eternal hymn, sung by the god to keep the cycles of life and death in balance.

Climate

Overall Climate: Shiantun enjoys a tropical climate with high humidity due to its proximity to jungle ecosystems.
Volcanic Heat Zones: The caldera and surrounding slopes maintain warmer microclimates year-round because of geothermal activity.
Rainfall Patterns: The area experiences abundant rainfall, particularly during the wet season, which sustains agriculture and replenishes water sources. Mist from steam vents combines with rain, creating a foggy atmosphere around the caldera.

Fauna & Flora

Flora of Shiantun

Obsidian Vine: A unique, dark-leaved vine that grows in lava fields, known for its silky, reflective tendrils, used in weaving ceremonial garments.
Flameblooms: Bright orange flowers that grow around steam vents, their petals releasing a warming scent believed to be a blessing from Quisai.
Ash Ferns: Hardy plants that sprout quickly in volcanic soil, their silvery fronds absorbing minerals to thrive in the nutrient-rich terrain.
Cacao and Corn: Key staples grown on terraced farms, sustained by volcanic soil and irrigated with spring water.
Sacred Herbs: Rare plants used in rituals, including Quisai’s Balm, a cooling herb that grows near magma pools and is used in healing.
Forested Areas: The volcano is surrounded by lush forests, home to towering trees and moss-covered stones. These areas are rich in fruit-bearing plants and medicinal flora.

Fauna of Shiantun

Magma Lizards: Small, heat-resistant reptiles that dwell in the lava tubes. Their scales shimmer like obsidian, and they are often regarded as guardians of sacred sites.
Steamwing Bats: These bats use steam vents to warm their roosts, and their sharp calls echo across the caldera.
The Obsidian Guardian: A legendary spirit said to appear during times of crisis, resembling a humanoid figure made of molten obsidian, tied to Quisai’s divine presence.
Firefang Cats: Large predatory felines with coats resembling glowing embers, believed to be Quisai’s emissaries.
Sunfeather Falcons: Birds with golden plumage that hunt along the cliffs, revered as symbols of Quisai’s guidance.
Glowwing Beetles: Insects that emit a faint light, seen as carriers of Quisai’s messages during rituals.

Natural Resources

Obsidian Mining: Shiantun’s lava flows produce obsidian of unparalleled quality, fueling Chotalcoatl’s crafting and trade industries. Artisans carve obsidian into blades, mirrors, and jewelry, prized across Ysanaf.
Geothermal Energy: The volcano’s steam vents power the Ember Forges and provide heat for the city’s baths, homes, and workshops. Hot springs near the caldera are also used for healing and purification rituals, attracting pilgrims and traders alike.
Volcanic Agriculture: Fertile volcanic soil supports terraced farms, where crops like corn, cacao, and herbs are cultivated.

Location under

Kirishin