Fukutsu no Seishin (Clan of Fortitude)/The Lair

Overview

Members

The Lair

Fukutsu no Seishin
About
Flight	Arcane
Location	The Focal Point
Username	TsarinaTorment

Introduction to the Lair

The lair of Fukutsu no Seishin is a floating island positioned somewhere to the north west of the Observatory, within its airspace. Due to the sheer volume of magic permeating the air in the area, it is surrounded by violent winds that are an unpredictable and difficult to navigate as the Twisting Crescendo on a good day. Thus, most Wind dragons have minimal issue in accessing the lair, but many other non-residents (and even some of the residents) require help to access the island through regular means.

Defences

The main defence for the lair is a large, invisible barrier-ward that wraps around the entire area, as well as some of the surrounding airspace, in a spherical bubble. While the magic itself is invisible, and indeed undetectable to all but the most magically-attuned creatures, its location can be easily determined by the bodies of those that have fallen victim to it.

The barrier does not serve to isolate the clan; they are more than willing to receive visitors at any time. However, their home is a place of sanctuary and thus the barrier functions to keep it as such. Anyone who attempts to pass through the barrier with ill intent towards anyone inside the ward, whether that be an individual or the clan as a whole, finds themselves blocked out. At least, those are the lucky ones.

The original design of the barrier was merely to be a first line of defence, although as KetsuekiRyuu's power has grown with age and wisdom its power strengthened into a nigh unbreakable ward. However, with later additions by other members of the clan, most notably the space and time mages Kukan and Jiki, it is no longer a simple barrier and now contains traps for those with hostile intentions. Many end up trapped in an eternal time loop, seemingly merely frozen in place to the casual observer. They may glitch as the spell shifts in intensity. Others are sucked into worm holes or, if particularly unlucky, a black hole. Where they end up is anyone's guess.

To date, nothing has breached this defence, however the lair's warden, Kasai, is always attuned for danger towards the land itself (his Charge), and has the power and ability to best many in battle. Of course, the rest of the clan is also trained to fight against the best.

Layout

A map of Fukutsu no Seishin's territory

The clan's territory is actually split into three islands - the main island and two smaller ones. Most of the clan inhabit Crystal Terrarium, which is many times the size of either of the other two islands and can comfortably hold hundreds of dragons if required.

Crystal Terrarium

This is the main island in the territory. Despite being a single landmass, the main island consists of many different landscapes, including a central mountain range and other, smaller mountains and hills across the island. Some of the edges of the island manifest as dramatic cliffs, while other areas taper away with less ceremony.

The surface of the island is largely covered in regular earth, as found in the Focal Point the island was once part of before being torn upwards by the Arcane currents. Different flora serves as the carpet in different areas, with types of grass being the most predominant but other heathers and short stemmed flowers are also present, particularly in the wooded areas.

Underneath the surface, the island is a raw chunk of chalcedony, with jagged spikes descending downwards - many of which appear snapped off. The depth of the island is several hundred imperial wingspans at minimum; some of the spikes, particularly closer to the centre of the island, can reach double that again.

The Northern Cliffs

The largest and most dramatic cliffs on the island, this is the main exit from the clan.  Situated on the northern tip of the island, it's a long way from the centre of the lair, but Ryoshi says it's easiest to control the wind currents from this spot and no-one else feels like challenging him over it. As it's one of the furthest points from the Observatory, and also sheltered by the Outpost it's a convincing argument.

The Watching Cliffs

A good place for stargazing.  The cliffs here are also used as a base by the dragons that don't linger here long.

The Flower Gardens

There are three gardens kept here, close together.  They're situated on large, rolling hills and look very picturesque.  The northernmost garden grows edible delicacies.

The Herb Garden

The central garden grows primarily herbs.

The Vibrant Garden

The third and final garden is closest to the centre of the island.  Everything here is poisonous.

The Hidden Clearing

Usually full of insects, and only accessed by flying or going through the forest.

The Forest

A little bit of the Starwood Strand?  No-one's quite sure, but the clan largely avoids remaining in here for too long.

The Sunken Land

Not all of the island is on the same level, and at some point this small stretch of land almost broke away from the main island.

The Training Grounds

As a warrior clan, the residents all like to keep their eye in.  Not all are fit or willing to leave the clan, so they will come here to hone their skills instead.  It also doubles as a true training grounds for youngsters learning to fight, at least until they stop fleeing in terror - once they reach that point, they're sent out the coliseum.

The Lake

Barring the water system in the depths of the caves, this is the only body of water found on the island.

The Woodland

Largely used as shelter for the dragons that live near the lake, especially at night or in the rain.  It isn't as spooky as the forest, but many still skirt around it.

The Western Plain

Used as a second meeting point, usually for the dragons not too fond of the hustle and bustle of the central area.  Others come and go, but generally don't stay for long.

Home

The main area of residential caves, and home to the majority of the dragons.

The Clan Heart

The residence of some of the most respected members of the clan.  Each dragon has their own cave carved into the side of the mountain here.

The Portal

Due to an alliance with a fellow Arcane Clan, who has a detailed and largely reliable portal system, Fukutsu no Seishin has access to their portals.  This one is a permanent fixture, although it is not offered to visitors as a means of transportation as it isn't strictly reliable.  It's mainly used to access the coliseum.

The Central Area

While not the centre of the island, this is the centre of the activity, with many dragons spending their downtime here.  Some of the dragons who perform for a living can be found doing recitals when bored, or occasionally in an organised concert.  This area is also where visitors are normally greeted, if they have business with the clan as a whole.  Its final function is as the meeting place, on the rare occasions that announcements need to be made.

Craftsdragon Workshops

The industrial part of the lair, where the forge and other such areas are located.  Some dragons live in their workareas, others don't.  Not all of the craftsdragons have workshops here, but the majority do.  The caves on the northern edge of the central area are more of the same.

The Abandoned Cavern

For some reason, part of a river seems to flow through here, including a small waterfall.  Presumably Arcane magic is at work here, although it doesn't bode well for the poor creature swimming in the river - wherever it may be - only to find themselves suddenly in the heart of a cavern far from where the'd been before.

The Silent Cliffs

Despite not being far from the hubbub, not many dragons find themselves here, and it has become a place of contemplation and meditation.  The view of the Observatory from here is fantastic.

The Landing

Usually the area visiting dragons descend upon.  Many members of the clan prefer to use this area, too.

The Southern Point

Crevasses lining the southernmost area of the island.  No-one with any sanity goes here.

The Outpost

Covered in nothing but trees, cliffs and animals, it's an almost totally uninhabited part of the lair.  While nowadays it isn't connected to the main island at all, once upon a time it was just another part of the landmass until the Arcane currents pulled it apart. The flight to this island is short, so the chaotic winds don't affect journeys to and from it much. The fauna and flora here is widely varied, and it has its own microclimate that tends towards either heavy rain or burning sunshine. What lives here has adapted to these strange conditions over time, and even the dragons that occasionally visit have learnt to read the weather patterns.

The Menagerie

Home to all of the familiars not bonded to a dragon of their own, this small island off the coast of the main one is rarely visited by dragons unless they're seeking a new companion.