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Xiaya Territory
Xiaya Territory
Xiaya territory was birthed when the Gods molded the Mortal Plane for all of their creations. At the edge of the world stood a great mountain, rising from the jagged hills, it stood higher than the rest---nearly reaching the clouds, some said. A vast sea of crimson flowers, aspen forests, seemingly endless fields, hot springs and so much more, surrounded that great mountain. Xiayan territory was beautiful, lush, full of life and mystery.
Until one day a wolf rose to godhood, splitting that impossibly large mountain in two. From that mountain, fire burst into the world, great plumes of smoke darkening the air, streams of lava rending trees from the earth, and covering all in its flame.
Xiaya was his name. In his absence, the All Mother rose to lead the Cult that Xiaya had left behind. For there was no one more worthy to govern their people, than the one who had aided in his ascension.
After the volcano's eruption, the land was scorched and changed. For years, what is now known as the Molten Planes, was nearly intraversable. But over the decades, the wolves of Xiaya realized what a boon they had been given. A new place of worship was erected in His honor: Inferno's Sanctuary. Hot springs were unearthed nearby, and even the Sicarius don't know the true depths of the cavern that lay below the hardened magma.
Decades passed before a meteor struck, again devastating the land and forever changing it. The crimson fields were nearly wiped out entirely---a great forest burnt to the ground. What is left even decades later is not the same. Herbs haven't returned anymore than prey. Resources are growing scarce in Xiaya with so much of their territory in ruin.
Backed on all sides by great rivers, Xiayan territory might be ravaged, but it wasn't entirely dismayed. The rivers kept them safer from rogue wolves. Their territory was easily guarded. The great aspen forest still stood, and after decades of harsh winds on the decimated plains created by the meteor had created a thick, layered shelf, the perfect back against the wind. There lies the Cultist Quarters (Main Den) and the Pup Den further to the east.
With seas to the north and east, Xiayanites truly believe they are at the edge of the world.
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
Xiaya's Fame
Xiaya's Fame
[Photo/Inspiration; Kīlauea, Hawaii]
The volcano Xiaya created from a mountain, Xiaya’s Fame is the most important landmark in Xiayan territory. The volcano is seen as sacred, as is the area around it.
The Summit: The top of the volcano where Xiayanites take their Ascension of Embers and commune with Xiaya. Though the area is extremely hot, the Sicarius have created a path of seaweed soaked bark and logs to walk along---easier on the paws.
Peril’s Pass: The path in which all Xiaynites take their Ascension. It is a dangerous area with steep drops and narrow passes, some of which overlook great chasms of lava or jagged rocks, making it the most treacherous portion of the journey.
Molten Planes
Molten Planes
[Photo/Inspiration; Lava Beds National Monument, California]
Though the planes were once said to be nothing but rivers of black from the hardened fires of Xiaya’s volcano, they have since developed into uneven fields, rocky terrain and hills at the base of the volcano.
Inferno's Sanctuary [Temple of Xiaya]: Part of a series of caverns formed from past eruptions. These caverns are many, and lead to confusing mazes if one isn’t careful. The paths into the earth have never been charted and are off limits to all wolves, even the Sicarius. The Inferno's Sanctuary itself is a large cavern with a center of mostly smooth stone with an underground lake around it. A Flame of Xiaya is kept at its center, protected and tended to by the Sicarius so that it never dies. [Inspo] [Inspo]
Saturnia Springs: Nestled in the shadow of Xiaya’s Fame, the hot springs are warmed by the volcano itself, and can be delightful for dips in the cool autumn months. Crystal blue water surrounded by dark stone. [Inspo][Inspo][Inspo][Inspo]
Cultist Quarters (Main Den Site)
Cultist Quarters (Main Den Site)
Protected by hills and the higher shelf of land the crater sits upon, the main den site is surrounded by a harsh hill on one side with caverns dug out or uniquely made by the landscape for dens. At the center of the den site is a bonfire maintained by the Sicarius year round. Protected by large animal skulls, logs and at times their own bodies, the Sicarius have not once in generations let the flames die.
There are two main exits from the den on either side, one that leads up onto the sheer hills overhead, and the other leading towards the Auric Falls Forest. The Main Den Site is always protected by several Paladins, and is inaccessible by outsiders.
Auric Falls Forest
Auric Falls Forest
With leaves like the sun and stars, the Auric Falls Forest has stood tall for centuries, a well respected landmark that has fed the Xiayanites, given them herbs and generally blessed them with its bounty. The forest is dense, filled with aspen trees, and thick with moss and overgrowth.
Xiaya Coastline
Xiaya Coastline
With a volcano at the northern peek of Xiaya territory, the surrounding coast is hardened with molten black. Smoke often wafts up from the waves, giving it an eerie feel. While the northern coast has been blackened by time, the eastern coast fades into a much more picturesque landscape, sheer rocks and clear waters. Off the coast are large rocks in unique formations. Some say these rocks move at night, as they often appear different by day.
North Coast:
North-East/Parts of North-West:
East Coast:
Off the Coast:
[Inspo]
Major Rivers
Major Rivers
Eastern River
Eastern River
Known as the Serpent of the East, the Eastern River connects a large bay to an enormous lake. It is a generally calm river, but can be extremely dangerous during stormy seasons.
Western River
Western River
Otherwise known as The Divide, the Western River protects Xiayanites from threats to the west.
Southwest River
Southwest River
The Key to the Marsh, the South West River is the barrier between vast marshlands and Xiaya, who’ve never been keen to traverse the watery grounds.
Native Plants and Animals
Native Plants and Animals
For an exhaustive list of potential species that can be found within Xiayan Territory, please see the inspirations below. Linked is a special resource created by the National Parks Service (US).
PREY ANIMALS
Mule deer, squirrels, eastern cottontail, elk, black-tailed jackrabbit and various species of bass, trout and salmon.
PREDATORS
Black bear, coyote, kit fox, mountain lion, lynx and gray fox.
Common Companion ANimals
Snakes, lizards, bats, toads, bats, river otters, grouse, magpie, woodpeckers and various birds of prey.
For Additional Inspiration please check out the Xiaya Pinterest Board!
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