Sylith's Eye

This lake is considered to be one of the most spiritual place in the entirety of Estara, hosting the gateway between the continent and the gods' haven. It was named after Sylith; the god of travel and gateways, and is said to be his final resting place. After the destruction of The World Before, the lake was where the spark of life was re-lit by Nurena, eventually spreading across the land and creating a new world. For this reason, Sylith's Eye is regarded as religious ground by the species of Estara, and in mage society, touching the water as someone of sin is one of the most heinous crimes a person can commit.

Environment

Surrounding the lake is a rich and biodiverse area, with the species there being stronger and healthier than anywhere else. It is assumed that this is due to the magic from the gods leaking into the water. For this reason, many species such as witches and mages come here to conduct rituals, either beside the lake or collecting water for future use. A strange aura can be felt around Sylith's Eye; the closer to the centre of the lake, the stronger it is. The animals have also been known to act strangely, seeming more intelligent and in tune with their surroundings.

For the most part, Sylith's Eye is eerily calm, with the surface being completely still due to a lack of breeze. However, in times of great conflict, the lake has been known to host large waves and swirling currents, the sky inky black and lightning striking the water at regular intervals. It is assumed that this is the god's wrath, warning the species of Estara that they are waking. Many centuries have passed since the last great awakening and many people believe this to be a myth, with only a few old enough to remember what it was like.

History

During the destruction of The World Before, the gods sheltered from the chaos in a rift in time and space, finally emerging at the end, when no life remained. They each took new roles and identities and began to carve the world anew from the ashes and power of the rift. One god - given the name Sylith - became the guardian and protector of the gateway, managing those wishing to enter and exit. Over the years, the gods returned to their haven as their work was finished and the world was granted a new life. Eventually, only Sylith remained, now revered as the god of travel and doorways, granting safe passage for all who pray to him. With the gods all resting in the rift, and the people of Estara no longer requiring any interventions, the once busy gateway had been forgotten and abandoned, leaving Sylith with no purpose. However, he didn't want to seal the rift completely, knowing that while everyone was at peace at the moment, a time would come where the gods were required again. Instead, he fell into a deep sleep around the rift, cradling it, protecting it, until a time would come when he was awoken to return to his position as guardian of the gateway, signifying a new age of Estara. As the years passed a lake formed over his sleeping corpse, the great guardian of the gateway being lost to myths and legends.