The North Reach

The North Reach is a region located to the north-northwest of The Inbound Lands.

Region

Primarily Birdfolk and Walking Folk, though with the presence of The Library, folken of all kinds are not unusual.

The area of The Reach includes the volcanic regions of the The Calderas. This includes the inselberg of the dormant volcano known specifically as The Caldera, which houses the lava dome of Central Island, as well as the various minor calderas/collapsed domes, lava fields, mima mounds (mimas), thermal features, and steam pools that form The Hotlands.
The Reach also includes the southern edge of the Great Northern Forest. For governance means, it is distinguished from The Crags of Skuld by the remains of petrified forests that creep into the general risen forest; areas containing the Stone Forests fall under the purview of The Reach, while outside of that boundary, the general forest does not.
Though the tail of First River ends here at The Caldera, the Kkaxe River is understood to begin here. However, aside from the falls at The Slip, both the Kkaxe River and First River do not fall under the governance of The Reach.

Cool rainy summers, short springs and autumns, with cold winters and snowfalls.

Lizards, snakes, and wintering birds are especially drawn to the Hotlands steam vents and stones. Wild variants of these are common, and several exist in domesticated or livestock form, their breeding lines supplemented with wild stock.

Due to the unique geothermals, several species of fish and algae are also found here, and many are farmed as specialty dishes.

The Library at The Caldera

The Reach
The Calderas
The Hotlands
Mimas

Primarily Birdfolk and Walking Folk, though with the presence of The Library, folken of all kinds are not unusual.

North

The Eye of Corvus / The All-Seeing Eye;
The North Star;
Upriver;
Odd numbers

Dark (Black)

The North Reach is associated with the Long Face Folk figure Corvus, who is believed to reside within The Calderas area.

• The Library at The Caldera: As a tourist attraction, The Library boasts numerous scientific collections rotating in public view, as well as extensive maps, written accounts, and other kept records, available by appointment.




• Central Island : Believed to be the roost of Corvus, Central Island has a small shrine to the Long Face Figure.




• The Slip / The Mark of Corvus

Oshpe'zin Ki'kxo / Fragment Feast : Falling on the date of the Winter equinox, this festival honors the sacrifice of Corvus, whose feathers were burnt black by diverted lava, and whose festival date marks the lengthening of the night, whose time falls under her generosity. To celebrate, festivalgoers mark their faces, feathers, and furs with soot. Communal bonfires are also common: in towns and cities, residents bring sticks of firewood to burn, while in smaller gatherings (rural, or simply private get-togethers), participants come together at firepits, each contributing sticks of wood.

As many areas of the Hotlands are not heavily wooded (relying primarily on geothermal energy for heating), there is a rise in lumber trade in the month leading up to this event.

It is believed that elements of this festival may have also been used as a "shedding" ritual in days past, incorporating the burning of sentimental objects, most often in cases of large transitions (the most common of which being marriages, where the bride and groom would burn significant childhood objects as part of the threshold to an adult life). However, there is no direct link, and the practice, though present, is not wide.

It is also believed that the origins of the festival would have been rooted in harvest rituals, celebrating the end of summer's hard work, and feasting on the last of perishable goods before entering winter's fare.

Due to the Calderas, the festival is especially celebrated in this region, though aspects of it are popular throughout The Inbound Lands and, due to the presence of Corvus, among Birdfolk.

• The Library at The Caldera: The Library serves as Ranger Station and educational outpost for those interested in conservation, preservation, history, and analysis.