Aunea

Lake Etoran

The jungles near the ruins of Ymbotro on the shores of Lake Etoran are a vibrant anomaly in the Aujir Homeland. Unlike the arid savannas and sparse woodlands that dominate most of the surrounding region, this jungle and the nearby swamp around the lake bursts with life, a verdant pocket of biodiversity that seems almost enchanted. Towering trees with emerald canopies form a dense, multi-tiered forest, their roots weaving into the soft, moist earth. Vines dangle like curtains, swaying in the humid breeze, while patches of sunlight pierce through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the jungle floor.

This lush environment teems with wildlife. Birds with iridescent feathers flit between branches, their calls forming an otherworldly chorus. In the underbrush, colorful frogs and insects shimmer like living jewels, while larger creatures—some docile, others less so—prowl in the shadows. The air is heavy with the mingled scents of blooming orchids and the earthy aroma of decaying vegetation.

The proximity to the ruins of Ymbotro adds an air of mystery. Ancient stone structures, draped in moss and lichen, peek out from between massive trees, their carvings almost swallowed by nature. Local legends whisper that the jungle’s vitality stems from unseen guardians who have made a pact with the spirits of the land.

Despite being full of life, the jungle is not without peril. Rapidly shifting weather, hidden predators, and strange phenomena have kept all but the bravest explorers at bay. Still, for those willing to risk its dangers, the jungle near Ymbotro offers the promise of untold discoveries—both natural and ancient.

Lake Orn

At the head of the Jhin River is Lake Orn, best known as the location of the Conclave of the Orneaic Heptarch, its frigid snowmelt-fed water, gigantic and delicious salmon, and the Czamthovaloryc (ZAM-tho-va-lori-ic) family. The Czamthovaloryc quintuplets were an extremely rare multiple-birth of White Dragons, made rarer by their unusual level of familial devotion to one another. These siblings call the mountains surrounding Lake Orn their home, and they play a central role in preparing and hosting the annual Summit.

In Lake Orn, the island of Gurthos is largely cold and inhospitable, but the town of Folle is an exception. The villagers (largely Suli) make a tidy profit from their harvest of Luminescent Choroan Mussels – a rare and delicious delicacy. These mussels are found only in the icy waters of Lake Orn. Those who harvest them are known as Ice-veined, from their seeming immunity to the cold.