Fire Nests - Deadly but Worth It?

'Fire Nest' is the name of the massive craters left behind when a giant harvests a Peak for its core crystal in order to reproduce. The crater eventually becomes a volcanic pit scattered with leftover crystal and flowing with rivers of molten metal. They are one of the primary locations for harvesting metal, considered safer than diving down to the darkest ravines in the Gloamwood because the intense heat prevents the forest from overtaking them for years after they are formed.

Hazardous Hotspot - Phoenix Nests

The heat and volcanic activity of fire nests make them the perfect nesting spots for phoenixes. When the lava starts flowing and heating up the rocks within the crater to a degree that is deadly for most living things, mature phoenixes will migrate in to build nests out of the burning coals and stones in order to attract a mate. Phoenixes judge nests based on heat, the prospective mate's ability to maintain that heat, proximity to lava or metal rivers (nesting territories are the cause of many fights among phoenixes) and the overall construction of the nest. Once a nest has been chosen and a brood of eggs are laid, the phoenix parents become extremely territorial and pose a threat to anyone coming down in hopes of harvesting liquid metal from their nesting sites.

Draconic Real Estate

Fire nests are very popular among dragons with flame-based abilities as lairs and nesting grounds. The prospect of finding a river of molten gold attracts many of them and causes fights over territory and harvesting rights. Many well-established fire nests will have a dragon acting as 'lord of the nest', and it is in miners' best interests to ask permission and stay in their good graces when trying to establish a harvesting operation. Brooding dragons expecting hatchlings may not be so accommodating.