Shimmering Valley

Deep within the Zapno Mountains lies a valley with glistening gems, the Shimmering Valley. The Shimmering Valley was created roughly 14.5 million years ago when a meteorite impacted this part of the Zapno Mountains, creating a large crater about 8 km2 big. This meteorite was carrying unusual crystals with it, planting its crystalline seeds within the rocky soil. These crystals grew slowly and over millions of years the crater would transform into what is now known as the Shimmering Valley. 
The environment in the Shimmering Valley is unlike any other natural environment that can be found in Bataf. Large crystal spikes dominate the landscape, in a multitude of colours. When the largest of these crystals are disturbed they let out an energetic pulse harming everyone in its vicinity. The few plants that did survive in the area have transformed into crystalline versions of themselves. Trees are covered in colourful gems and the leaves glistening the same as a regular tree leaves do in the morning dew, however the crystal leaves shimmer all at any moment. Creatures have undergone a similar transformation. Their bodies have adapted to eaten small crystal entities found on the grasses. And the predators adapted to eating the crystal filled meat. Most animal have developed a protective coating of made of crystals, which at the same time functions as a means to find a potential partner. The more the colourful the crystals, the higher the likelihood that an animal can find a mate. The few predators that are left have developed sharper crystal like fangs to pierce the protective coating. However the biggest threat in the valley is a mysterious crystal rock combined entity. Few things are known about this creature but the locals call it the Guardian. Claiming that the being only comes out when the valley is threatened.
The small group of people that live in the valley try to maintain a peaceful relationship with the crystals. They do this by staying clear of the largest spikes. Additionally they have mostly settled on the edges of the valley, in the areas the least taken over by the crystals. These mysterious crystals eventually turned into religious objects, believing that the crystals carry a form of powerful magical energy. In the later years the people of the valley formed the Shimmer Keepers, an organisation focused on keeping the location of the valley a secret. The Shimmer Keepers try to accomplish this task by using deception, magic to alter minds and illusions to conceal the entrances to the valley.
Category:Alex
Category:Locations