On the east coast of Cyphrus near Claridon, an ancient maze of caverns is etched into the face of the cliffs overlooking Zindal Bay. Every entrance varies in size and placement along the stone face, ranging from as small as a child's ball to the height and breadth of an inn. No one has been known to have ever ventured any further than a few hundred feet into any of the tunnels leading to the caverns at the heart of this network. There are no maps, records, or believable tales about the place. Only far-fetched rumors and claims shrouding the caves in further darkness and mystery.
The tunnels themselves are nothing special. They're what anyone would expect. Damp, rough walls with treacherous ground under foot. There is a heavy metallic smell permeating the air, and if one with some knowledge of mining were to venture inside with a good enough light source they may notice the copper veins spider-webbing the walls. The deeper in one would venture these veins and their wet smell would eventually cease. Along the way there are many paths branching into others, leading to smaller rooms or dead ends. At some point though, if lucky, one may discover the main caverns.
In these rooms there is a wide variety of unique organisms, flora and fauna alike. Most are exclusive just to these caverns alone thanks to years of evolution and seclusion from the outside world. Strange, alien-like fish and various plant forms thrive in the darkness. There are six caverns altogether, grouped rather close and connected by more tunnels. The water can be anywhere from ankle deep to meters. One false step and you could find yourself floundering for the surface of the water, surrounded by dark, brackish nothingness. All of the water in caves is like this; a mixture of sea and rain. Enough salt to make it displeasing to consume but a balanced amount of rain water to make it safe to drink if needed. Many would choose not to, though.
This is not all that awaits those willing to venture into the belly of the earth. Some wonder how the place got its name, the Hymnal Caverns. On windy days the sea air travels through the tunnels, and as it makes its way to the central caverns the sound if weaves through the rocks sounds like women sowing beautiful, mournful songs for the gods themselves. Though, because rumor dictates all knowledge about the caves, no one knows if this is true. The fear of the unknown keeps most away from fear of what may lie in the darkness.
Only the gods know if anything lives within the watery depths. What might wash down those tunnels during high tide or storms, when the sea crashes against the cliff face? Unless a curious soul happens to have wings or equipment to repel, the only way to the small few cave mouths accessible on foot is a narrow ledge, barely wide enough for single file after years of wear by nature and Laviku's strength.
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by Calavera on November 28th, 2012, 11:04 pm 
