Territory
The Lair and Important Locations Within
The Lair
The clan lair is located in a cave within the Wispwillow Grove. A series of tunnels branch from the main entrance, which is hidden from sight by illusions and the surrounding trees and vines. The lair is rather large, considering the breed that founded the clan, plus the addition of other large species. The tunnels allow for the bigger breeds to move about freely, though some of the largest dragons can't be in the lair for too long, due to feeling restricted.
The Heart
The Heart is the largest cave in the lair and serves as the main space for relaxation and conversation. It is filled with comfortable pelts for lounging and tables. The bar and kitchen are located here as well. Food is brought out to the tables where it is shared with friends. A raised flat rock sits towards the right, for entertainment purposes. The walls are lined with art, poems and stories that are deemed good or funny enough to hang in the lair.
The Grove
Also known as "Pleo's Corner." The Grove is a small cave covered with herbs, plants, remedies and medicines. Shelves sit near the opening that hold both Pleo's and Dak's medicines. Each container is labeled with the contents of the container and who made it as both use different methods. There is an opening at the top that allows for light to stream through for the plants and patients that need sun. A small raised platform covered in pelts sits near the back for those who need medical attention.
The Library
The Library is located towards the back of the lair and is rather small and well, pathetic. The clan hasn't been around long enough to have an elaborate collection of books and scrolls. Plus, the clan is mostly made up of warriors and fighters, so for a long time, the library didn't even exist. However, there are those who would love to see the library grow, and have been key contributors to the collection of books. It has been slowly gaining more material and now, books are copied and preserved for future use and posterity, especially books that are gifted to the clan.
The Brewery
The Brewery, which is a nickname that stuck, much to Dak's displeasure, is where Dak does his alchemy. The cave is full of shelves, lined with potions and ingredients, all labeled accordingly. The cauldron is always clean, except when in use. There are multiple chests filled with ingredients that will not fit on the shelves. A sign of caution hangs near the entrance to warn others to be careful when they enter. Thore and Impa are officially banned from The Brewery due to multiple incidents that have ended with Dak chasing the two clear out of the lair, though they still manage to sneak back in. The guardian knows very well that the duo is
really after his secret stash of alcohol, which he makes himself, and he's had to re-hide it multiple times due to them finding it. He probably should get someone to ward the room with sigils or something, because this is getting ridiculous.
The Tech Station
This small station is located across where Dak's space is, past the library, where Lyuze does all of her engineering. The space is covered in blue prints and small projects and bulletins are set up with formulas and the lair floor plan. It's far enough away from the library and Pleo's space that any noise Lyuze makes while working doesn't interrupt the clan's few avid readers or any of Pleo's patients.
The Surrounding Area
i. The Lair
The actual entrance to the lair is covered in illusions and spells, made to look like a solid rock surface covered in sprawling vines. Behind the mirages is a dark tunnel, lit only by the glowing fungus that thrive in the Tangled Woods. If an intruder manages to find the actual opening to the lair, they are bound to be confused by the enchanted tunnels that change their layout every couple days.
ii. The Training Grounds
The Training Grounds are located outside the lair, in a convenient open space towards the front. The area is open, well as open as a space in the woods can be, with very few trees and fungi around. It serves as a place to train new warriors and those who wish to master a certain weapon or fighting style. The area itself is free of weapons, as no one wishes to clutter the only open space, so weapons and armor are kept in or near an individual's own space and nest.
iii. The Pit
The Pit is, well, a pit. It is located towards the back and is filled with a tar like substance that hatchlings and those with too much energy find fun to play in. It is not very deep, but younger dragons are not allowed to play there without supervision. Dak has tested the substance and concluded that it is safe and will not harm those who come in contact with it, though he's still not fond of it. The substance is thick and sticky and gets everywhere and he's sick of chasing certain troublemakers down after they leave a trail of prints all over the lair's walls and floor. It also does not help that The Pit has been used in many prank wars. So no, Dak does not enjoy it, in fact, Dak kind of loathes that it's there at all.
iv. The Lake
The Lake is, well,
strange. Those in the clan are aware that the lake is Ausha and Dak's charge and while some fear going near it due to the guardian's protectiveness, some fear going near it just because. Though they couldn't tell you why. It's just,
eerie. Some say the waters glow, some say the lake talks, whispering strange things in your ear if you visit at night, and so on. Some think Ausha and Dak know
exactly what's going on with the unique lake and some say they have no clue. Either way, many are wary of the strange lake near their lair. There are those, however, that do not fear the lake and find it rather beautiful and relaxing. It's also quite abundant with fish and serves as a food source for those who enjoy seafood. Since it's an open lake, there are rivers and streams that lead back to the ocean, which is cause to worry according to some. You never know what will push it's way up those rivers.
v. The Mysterious Island
While the lake itself is strange enough, there is an island far out in the lake's waters that appears and disappears with no discernible pattern. There are those that claim they can see the vague outline of what appears to be stone walls and towers, but even if that were possible, who would want to live on an island in the middle of such a sinister lake?? Whether it is a mirage or real, it casts an ominous feel over the lake with every appearance and smart dragons turn tail when they see it's shifting shape cut through the thick fog that blankets the dark waters.
vi. The Ancient Ruins
Across the lake from the lair lies the crumbling remains of an old city. Unsure of what kind of ancient civilization lived there, the clan was originally hesitant about stepping foot anywhere near it. However, the more curious dragons have made attempts to get in the ruins to see what they can scavenge, but they never reach the actual structures. Despite the previous notion of there being no survivors, there seems to still be a barrier in place and every once in awhile, high pitched screams and loud crying can be heard. Declaring them haunted, Ausha and Dak have declared the ruins off limits, though that doesn't stop the others from whispering about them in the dead of night and sharing stories and theories by candlelight.
vii. The Deadlands
A giant scar on the land where everything is either already dead or about to be, the Deadlands are not to be trifled with. No one can say for sure what happened, but it's best to not think about it too much. The area is to be avoided as much as possible. With no cover and so much open space, any dragon worth their salt knows that it's a huge deathtrap waiting to happen. Everyone knows that once you go into the Deadlands, you don't come out.
viii. The Korudo Mountains
On the far side of the woods, the snowy mountain range has served as home to many non-draconic species. Many of the clan's mountain dwelling allies live in these mountains and as such, frequent trips are made for trades and negotiations. While the mountains are beautiful, they are also dangerous and not all who live in the mountains are friendly towards the clan, so any trip is a dangerous journey that one must be properly prepared for.
