Massive Maelstroms (Patreon)

From the desk of the resident griffon,

Hello everyone! I'm back once more for another Sunday post! It's been a little bit since we've talked about some lore regarding the world of Cancordis, so that's exactly what we will be doing.

Our writer, Silk Wright, will be taking you all farther in depth into the World Vents!

There are 4 World Vents in total. These massive maelstroms wider than some nations are a significant geological feature that has significant effect on the planet’s seasons, as well as the lands surrounding them.

The Searing Caldera

The Searing Caldera, a vent of ferocious spectacle and daunting beauty, captures the unrestrained power of the planet. Its rim, a steadfast bulwark of stone and earth, withstands the relentless onslaught of the ocean waves. Below this rim, torrents of ocean water cascade down, vaporizing upon meeting the seething, roiling surface of magma that comprises the vent's core. The union of sea and fire fills the air with billowing clouds of steam and the scent of scorched stone, creating an atmosphere as sublime as it is intimidating.

Along the rim, a labyrinth of tunnels and caves stretch deep into the vent's rocky crust. Within these hidden spaces, life thrives in defiance of the surrounding inferno. Hardy flora and fauna, adapted to the sweltering heat and dim light, form vibrant ecosystems of their own, a testament to nature's unyielding will.

But the true spectacle of the Caldera lies at its depths. Here, so close to the planet's fiery core, the laws of reality seem to bend. Magma ascends in mesmerizing globules, resembling a gargantuan, molten lava lamp. Suspended in the air, glowing embers and fragmented rocks float idly, caught in a gravitational anomaly. Some even host minute, hardy organisms that cling to life against the odds, enhancing the dreamlike quality of this harsh yet wondrous environment.

Under the scorching rays of the sun, the Caldera comes to life in a display of raw elemental power. The sight of this vent, with its molten heart and bizarre phenomena, is a stark reminder of summer's relentless fury.

The Blossomwell

The Blossomwell is a spectacular display of spring's awakening. Surrounding the gaping maw of this World Vent, the land is a verdant tapestry, painted with a wild profusion of colorful wildflowers whose sweet aroma hangs heavily in the sea-kissed air. As the ocean meets the vent's edge, it cascades down in a sweeping curtain of shimmering water, creating a vibrant, misty veil that mirrors the riotous color of the blooming fields.

Rising from the sea and the surrounding land, floating islands hover, adorned with the same vibrant flora and tethered by long, sinewy vines that anchor them to the ground. Some daring islands float over the vent’s edge and even inside, creating a fantastic spectacle of suspended, blossoming land amidst the falling waters.

Below, the water tumbles into the abyss, disappearing into a realm of shadows and mist, the heart of the vent concealed by an enigmatic shroud. The air is filled with the symphony of spring — the soothing melody of trickling water, rustling leaves, and the cheerful serenade of birds, heralding the resurgence of life. Despite the alluring beauty and tranquility, the Blossomwell is a constant reminder of the untamed, potent force that slumbers beneath its serene surface.

The Glacial Maw

The Glacial Maw, a foreboding sight indeed, is a chilling testament to the cold, merciless grip of winter. The entrance to this World Vent is a gaping cavernous maw, surrounded by towering, jagged icicles that shimmer like lethal diamonds under the frosty sunlight. The chilling wind howls through the Maw, carrying whispers of hidden secrets and tales of yore.

From afar, the Vent appears as if it is ceaselessly devouring the ocean, the surrounding sea cascading down into its icy depths in the form of enormous frosty waterfalls. The water flows with a beautiful, deadly serenity, freezing upon contact with the frigid air before plunging into the abyss, a spectacle that mirrors the harsh, breathtaking beauty of the winter season.

Within the Maw, the air is thick with cold and permeated with a silence so profound it sends shivers down the spine, a silence only interrupted by the distant echo of the falling water. This is a place where time seems frozen, where the world seems to hold its breath in anticipation.

Despite the harsh conditions and foreboding atmosphere, the Glacial Maw has its own stark, cold beauty. The refracted light from the falling water creates a mesmerizing display of dancing lights, casting eerie, ethereal glows on the ice-cloaked walls. It is a world of endless white, a sanctuary of silence and frost.

The Ember Chasm

The Ember Chasm is a majestic sight to behold. It's a sprawling abyss where the ocean's waters cascade down in massive waterfalls, disappearing into the smoldering depths. As the Sun's Arrow pierces the heart of this chasm, a spectacle of light and shadow dances across the waterfalls, painting them in hues of auburn, gold, and crimson.

The surrounding landscape is a mix of autumn's chill and warmth. Thick, deciduous forests skirt the chasm, rising up from the waters despite their flow, their leaves a riot of fiery colors, mirroring the hues of the Ember Chasm. The trees release the scent of burning wood and ripened fruits, teasing the senses in perpetuity. The ember-lit atmosphere is further enhanced by the warmth emanating from the chasm, creating a stark contrast to the encroaching chill of the permanent autumn air, reminding all of the fleeting warmth before the grip of winter.

There will be more to see! But that's for another update to reveal. So, goodbye for now! Thank you all once again for your continued support. Progress is going great on both Homestead and Hereafter, and I can't wait to show you more, friends. I hope you all had a great weekend, and a great upcoming week.

Until next time,

~ DongDiagram

Post