About one and a half days away from Syka lies a steep indentation in the region. A lush area surrounded by cliffs on all sides, it seems to be comprised of lighter density foliage. An ancient switchback trail leads down into the Bowl. It is seemingly absent of any animals larger than a bird.
The first part of the Bowl, visible when one begins to descend the trail, is the waterfall. It empties into a sizeable lake that takes up about a quarter of the jungle recess. Next to the rocky shore is a large, overgrown grove of trees, most of them hanging with edible fruits. More sunlight than usual reaches the bowl because of the open lake. Close to shore is a cave, hidden by other facets of the cliff and nearby vines. This cave leads to an opening behind the waterfall at the opposite end of the lake.
Growing into the grove are many flowers that attract different species of butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, and bees. There are many varieties of orchids, mosses, and colorful shrubs. Around the center of this garden is a cobbled path. The stones are ancient and the pathway is falling apart. The trail disappears before it reaches the lake.
The Tower :
If one follows the trail the opposite direction, however, they come across a dark tangle of jungle. Small amounts of stonework are visible in the right light. With some effort, one can see that there is a tall, abandoned tower hidden in the growth.
The Dangers of Bala's Bowl
Not everything is perfect, and Bala's Bowl is no exception. Despite the lack of very large predators like tigers, the Bowl is home to a large variety of insects and spiders, both beautiful and lethal. Wasps, bees, fire ants, tarantulas, and giant bird-eating spiders make their home in the gardens and groves. Many snakes, too, make their home here, preying on nesting bird-eggs, bats, and anything else they can fit their mouths around. Not all of the fish in the lake are benign, either - leeches and parasites are buried in the muck.
NPC
Cres :
Notes :
Location by Ines.
