Location The Glistering Geysers

[Balderdash]

The Glistering Geysers An open field situated between Syliras and Nyka, near the border with Taldera, covered in fissures in the earth akin to cracks in old pottery, hot springs, and geysers. Prismatic steam erupts out of the geysers and fissures, and algae every color of the rainbow covers the stone where the water touches, giving the fields their name. The bubbling water in the hot springs is a similar color. There is very little grass or other plant life in the fields, and what does exist is almost always warped somehow. Iridescent fog is often hanging in thick ropes over the fields as well. While the geysers themselves existed since time immemorial, they only got their name, and came to prominence after the Valterrian. The breathtaking appearance of the water is, unfortunately for anyone foolish enough to cross the fields, the result of Wild Djed accumulating under the earth following the Valterrian. The Djed was trapped with the water, and eventually mingled and became part of it. Anyone and anything that has the misfortune to come into contact with the water will gain a very sudden, very unpleasant crash course in the effects of Wild Djed. Strange creatures make their home here, and many the foolhardy fortune seeker and overeager tourist has become a snack for them… Or joined their ranks. Despite the dangers, travelers from all different walks of life still come to the geysers for a chance to see the gorgeous display of color, or, for the more brave, a vial of the prismatic water. An expert philterer can, with a lot of work, narrow the range of effects to a very broad category, confining the effects to specific organ systems. A master philterer can specify the effects further still, narrowing them to a single organ. What will happen exactly, however, remains unpredictable. Of course, the biggest challenge in such an endeavor is finding something that will contain the fluid, as just about any traditional container will be warped by the water, as well as any idiot’s hand. Moderator's Note: This location does not require moderation, but be warned against trying to get superpowers from the water. Flora and Fauna: Flora : Akvatari Algae Frequency: Low Major features: Sparkling texture, wildly fluctuating smell, unpredictable nature Uses: Marzipan monkeys subsist almost entirely on this algae, but they are one of the few animals that can eat the plant without unwittingly discovering one of its other, much more gruesome uses. Poisoncrafters have found to their delight that the algae has the same effects as the Glistering Geysers’ water when ingested. An expert poisoner or better is still required to refine the algae. Alchemists can also find many interesting uses for the compressed plant as a charger. Of course, any attempting to do such a thing should be well aware of its capricious nature. A great many filters are recommended if one decides to use Akvatari algae. The more vain can also use the ground algae as an absolutely gorgeous dye, or glitter. Most common in: All of Sylira. Unless harvested, it can only be found in the Glistering Geysers. Miscellaneous: Named by Sylirans for their vibrant colors. There is no actual connection between the Akvatari and the algae. To harvest the algae, one must carefully scrape it from the stone of the springs without touching the water. Doing so almost never ends well. The Glistering Geysers have an unfortunate tendency to violently transform whatever poor soul decides to touch the rainbow. Once that is done, it is best to dry it by any means necessary to avoid accidental contact. The algae is safe to handle once it is completely dry to the touch. Fauna : Marzipan Monkeys Frequency: Medium Threat level: Medium Major features: Brightly colored fur, immunity to Geysers’ water and algae. Abilities: Instinctive magic use, capable of neutralizing Wild Djed through digestion. Most common in: The Glistering Geysers Physical characteristics: For the most part, a marzipan monkey looks like a regular primate. The first thing that sets them apart from others of their kind is the shocking color of their fur, which is sticky to the touch. From hot pinks, to lime greens and fluorescent yellows, to neon reds and oranges and ocean blues, a drab marzipan monkey is impossible to find. Their teeth are much more rounded and accustomed to chewing plant life than others of their kind, and their eyes seem to glow softly at times. Some monkeys can also be seen sporting symptoms eerily similar to that of human overgiving. That is because they are symptoms of overgiving. An odd side effect of a diet consisting entirely of Akvatari algae, marzipan monkeys are instinctive magic users, and while rarely a match for a human wizard, it can still be disconcerting to see a bright purple monkey void one’s dog. Social structure: Marzipan monkeys are social animals that live in groups of ten to twenty, and are led by a single dominant male and two or three lieutenants. There is a strict hierarchy in both males and females that is dictated by age. Positions in society are hereditary, with the sons and daughters of higher-ranking members of a troop inheriting their parents’ position when they grow old enough. Unlike other primates, marzipan monkeys have little need to leave the springs they call home, which offer them protection from just about any predator, and house their main (and only) food source. Rather sedentary creatures, they spend most of their time picking for algae, moving to another spring when their current one is depleted, and sunning themselves. Young monkeys play quite often, which can be quite a sight when they begin to learn to use magic. Marzipan monkeys show affection by grooming, and will bare their teeth and, oddly, raise their arms when threatened or angry. They are not very violent, fortunately, and will generally only attack if provoked. That being said, the dominant males will see anything getting too close to their troops as a threat, and will often preemptively attack travelers. Said travelers are advised to remain cautious around them. Miscellaneous: Marzipan monkeys cannot be bred outside of the Glistering Geysers. The children of monkeys taken outside of their habitat will have dulled fur color, and lack magical ability. The children of those monkeys will be indistinguishable from mundane ones.