Bluefire Peak

Bluefire Peak stands proud and solitary on the island that it dominates, just southeast of the larger island of Diof. Although a somewhat unassuming volcano by day, when the light is low, one can see rivulets of electric blue flame that run across the slopes of the the mountain. The result of burning sulfur gases from the volcano’s depths, the unearthly flames of Bluefire Peak are among the most visually striking of Vesarca’s natural wonders. The gases sometimes condense while still burning, resulting in streams of what appears to be blue lava running down the mountainside.

  Naturally, Bluefire Peak is the home of a lucrative sulfur mining operation, worked by thousands of serfs. To maintain the tourist appeal of the volcano, however, this is limited to the northwest slope, while the remaining faces are kept pristine. Night-cruises around the island, excluding the northwest face, are a popular pastime for the nobility.

  Pilgrims also frequent the island, for it is said that Saint Eridanus fell in battle against Algol(habit) there. According to legend, while pursued by his former comrades, Algol used the prodigious sulfur clouds to cloak his presence and then ambushed Eridanus, swiftly destroying his Habit. Dismounting from the Hanged Man on the slopes of Bluefire Peak, he threw the wounded Eridanus into a volcanic vent with his bare hands. A shrine now stands over the alleged vent, which pilgrims must wear protective gear to enter.