Overview:
The Forgotten Pools, nestled within the secluded expanse of the Shadow Aisle Mountains, near the southern edges of Donatus Stultitia, are a mysterious natural wonder, lost to the people of Siar’Morrin. Known for their tranquil beauty and the enigmatic aura that pervades the area, these pools are hidden gems amid the stark, arid landscape that marks the boundaries of the Mirage Plains and the Shadow Aisle Mountains.
Description:
The Forgotten Pools consist of a series of natural springs and small ponds, nourished by underground rivers that flow from the Shadow Aisle Mountains. The waters here are remarkably clear and refreshingly cool, forming an oasis amidst the dry and harsh terrain surrounding them. The vegetation around the pools is unexpectedly lush, with tall grasses, vibrant flowering plants, and ancient trees providing shade and a haven for wildlife. The pools themselves vary in size and depth, ranging from shallow waters ideal for wading to deeper, enigmatic ponds whose secrets are veiled beneath tranquil surfaces.
History:
Long before the Gnolls claimed guardianship over them, the Forgotten Pools were revered across Siar’Morrin as a sacred site of communion. Legend has it that these tranquil waters served as a divine conduit for mortals to interact directly with Vilcren, offering solace and refuge from the chaos she unleashed to the north in the Mirage Plains.
Over time, these pools were discovered by the gnolls of Donatus Stultitia, who began to revere the site in their own right. Their presence became increasingly defensive of this treasured site, and conflicts deterred visitors and travelers. Over time, as the original worshippers abandoned these lands, the memory of the pools’ significance faded from common lore, leaving them isolated and largely forgotten by the broader population of Siar’Morrin.
Significance:
Today, these pools remain a sacred site for the Gnolls, who continue to guard the area fiercely, ensuring that its sanctity is not violated by the uninitiated or the unwelcome. In stark contrast to usual gnoll behaviours and influence, this fierce protectionism has kept the pools pristine and largely untouched by modern encroachments, maintaining their mystical allure and integrity.
Notable Features:
- Gnoll Village: Near the Forgotten Pools lies a Gnoll village, where the Gnolls watch over and protect this sacred site from.
- Vilcren’s Pool: The largest and deepest of the Forgotten Pools is known as Vilcren’s Pool. This expansive body of water is said to be the heart of the pools’ mystical properties and acts as a focal point for the spiritual energy permeating the area.
- Exotic Wildlife: The ecosystem around the Forgotten Pools supports an array of exotic wildlife, much of which is endemic to this region.
Local Legends and Stories:
One prevailing legend holds that the Forgotten Pools still serve as a mystical conduit to Vilcren, offering a rare gateway for those in Staterum seeking to reconnect with the gods whose presence has dimmed over the ages. It is said that those who visit the pools with a true devotee’s heart and pure intentions can experience visions or communications from the divine realms.
Another tale speaks of the transformative power of the pools on the local Gnoll population. Unlike their northern kin, known for their ferocity and relentless aggression, the Gnolls of the Forgotten Pools exhibit a serene harmony with their environment. Legends suggest that the sacred waters of the pools have purified their spirits, quelling the insatiable hunger that drives their species to savagery. These Gnolls are portrayed as guardians not only of the physical site but also of the peace that pervades it. Although still formidable and ruthless defenders of this site, they do so out of duty, not bloodlust or unquenchable hunger.
Visitors’ Experience:
Visiting the Forgotten Pools is not for the faint-hearted, due to the protective Gnolls and the challenging terrain. However, those who manage to reach the pools with respect and caution are rewarded with a serene experience unmatched in beauty and tranquility. The clear waters invite relaxation, while the surrounding flora and fauna offer a rare glimpse into an ecosystem preserved from ancient times.