LANDMARKS

Westvale Cave: Tucked away in the Whiteout Mountains lies a formerly hidden tunnel, one that - when traveling in the right direction with enough determination - connects to a steamy cave at the edge of the Springs. The air is surprisingly cool but in a pleasant way; the humidity acts as a blanket of sorts, and occasionally a warm mist drifts through the rocks. Running water meanders gently between the cave's formations, leading to a system of pools, formed by water dripping down from the ceiling. A couple smooth paths lie above the surface of these pools, letting Vespers and other creatures pass through without getting their feet wet, and although they're slick with moisture, it's traversable. If a Vesper manages to travel this far, a small opening in the cave's walls reveals the vast expanse known as the Secluded Springs.

Krait's Fury: While smaller, less notable geysers dot the landscape, the Secluded Springs are home to a massive crater filled with constantly churning water. Most Vespers regard the high levels of activity as representing the power of the gods themselves, notably Caspen of the Ancient Krait. Although this offers an explanation to why this particular geyser holds so much power, it gives little comfort when it randomly erupts, sending hot water flying into the air, only to evaporate as steam before it hits the ground.

Scalloped Shore: Named after its unique overlying scale pattern, the Scalloped Shore lines the northern and eastern end of the Springs. While interconnected springs are spread across the majority of the region, these nearly-white formations begin at the edge of the springs and gently slope downwards for nearly a mile, creating shallow pools filled with clear water as warm as the springs, if not warmer. The depths of these pools range from about a foot to over ten feet. Adventurous Vespers may travel down the shore, possibly deciding to take a dip or fish in the deeper pools on the way to the bottom, but they must warrant caution. Injuries grasp the careless.

Rippling Coast: Said to have been formed by a god long forgotten, or possibly by Caspen long before Vespers roamed Attica, the Rippling Coast is one of the more treacherous but beautiful features of the Secluded Springs. Uniform pillars of stone rise above the ground, forming a unique rocky shore where the land meets the sea. Most visitors tend to point out the view as the Coast's best feature - the ocean stretches beyond the horizon, and the landmark itself, with its unusual pillars, is a wonderful sight to behold. As its name suggests, the rock formations seem to undulate up and down like the surrounding sea, but are instead frozen in time as stone. The pillars, however, tend to get a little slippery when the crashing waves send a bit of the sea onto the rocks, which can bring an uncomfortable end to an otherwise safe expedition or fishing trip.