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The Epidote Plateau

Most Common Population Makeup,

Main

Secondary

Notable Character

Geography and Economy

At the tail end of where the Plates shaped and moved by Midrán crashed to rise into mountains, where there are mostly hills at best, the Epidote Plateau rises from central Ytesh's plains in a manner that slightly defies the local geology. Joined by its smaller twin, the Plateau was formed later than other areas of Ytesh, somewhere during the Maturing. Some scholars postulate it was chosen as a place of elemental harmony, where earth, water, and air collided in strength. The Plateau takes its names from its rich deposits of Epidote, typically varying between the greens and yellowish-green hues. However, it is still rich in other minerals and gemstones, such as small Peridots, Garnets of varying hues, Mica, and beautifully varied Granite which is typically rich in Olivine. Besides subsisting off of the exploration of such gemstones and minerals, the Plateau is home to a variety of lifeforms that are rarely found elsewhere. Fish adapted to the high altitude, frogs capable of surviving the fall and slowly jumping up to the top of the plateau, and a considerable number of Drakes, including some varieties of Dragonnel. All of these attract tourists, collectors, and many forms of scholars, which helped rebuild the region after the Draconic Wars.

History

Epidote Plateau - History

The Epidote Plateau has always been associated with gemstones, with its beautiful green and red streaks due to the varieties within its rock. However, it was during the Draconic Wars that its link grew that much stronger.

The Plateau was a sort of... Staging area for many conflicts. Metallics were deployed to the region in order to protect its peculiar characteristics from Tiamat's brood, who seemed so intent on upturning the earth and rock so carefully yet chaotically placed by the Gods. Later, it was one of the first spots upon which the first Gem dragons and their kin landed, young yet Adults or even Ancients in power alone. The presence of Gem dragons led to a pacification of the region, with the conflict finally being pushed outwards. It is said that Tural was the one who led this effort, the inciting incident being dubbed The Push of Vaerath's Reflection after Lake Vaerath. Tural disappeared just as quickly to other battlefields that required his growing wisdom.

Many dragonborn were birthed in the Plateau, risen from the dead by being nourished with Draconic blood fresh with Divinity's touch. It is said the blood of the Gem dragons that ultimately transformed the Plateau into a place that knew peace once more still flows at the bottom of Lake Vaerath, shining in certain nights in a manner that produces an aurora upon the sky. Some priests of Sardior and superstitious folk say that the color of the aurora is dictated by the mood of the Gem dragons, or Sardior himself. It tends to shift between the Five Gem dragon colors, Sardior's burgundy always at the edge like an uneasy halo.

Some faithful may take pilgrimages to the Plateau in order to drop polished stones, geodes, or gems into the Lake, carving or infusing their intents on the stone through prayer and meditation beforehand.

Nowadays, the Plateau is ruled over by a council of people— dragonborn or not— who hold in their blood the aftereffects of the war's end. Some hold psionic powers, others magic, or even strength beyond the standard. Together, they organize the community's effort, regulate its economy, and ensure its safety.

The Plateau is shattered, formed by many smaller villages that spread from the central point that is Lake Vaerath. Each council member is chosen from one village, and remains there until a meeting is necessary.

Whispers say that the council is only a front, and that Gem dragons hold the true power in the Plateau.