Skyline Lake: History and Rumors

Few can recall a time when Skyline was an active volcano, but it is safe to say it has been dormant for generations. Excavator's and researchers came here many years ago and unearthed signs dating back hundreds, possibly a thousand years ago of early man having lived and farmed on the lower plains.

To the northern edge of the volcano, a small entrance to a tomb was discovered, also dating back many centuries. It is believed that the keitai, before the forming of Telish Throne, may have used these tombs to bury their royal dead, and so it was decided not to break their peace.

Skyline Lake sits central in the recess of the dormant volcano, and many winding and twisting paths lead people from the lush, fertile fields below up to the top. The lake has long been a place of great importance and religion. Many would make the journey to sit and meditate by its shores and stare out across the land from their vantage point.

Around the edges of the lake, which has a depth that rises and falls with the weather, it would not be surprising to find several stone benches and small statues carved straight from the hard stone that makes up the volcano. It was a stoneworker by the name of Gallen who carved most of the benches and statues. The tale states he escorted his wife weekly to the summit where she would spend the day in prayer and meditation. A little bored by this and weary of sitting on the jagged rocks, he carved several benches around the lake shore with his name carved on the side of each and every one of them.

Benches are not the only thing Gallen carved. Several of his carvings are memorable, including the lion's head carved into the wall of the northeastern crater and the piper figurine carved on the southwest. However, the most memorable carving is only seen during the height of summer when the lake falls to its lowest depth. It is during this time that Gallen's family of squirrels poke their heads from under the water, seemingly playing with each other. Gallen must have spent a lot of time carving these since it could only be done during times when the lake was extremely low, and the attention to detail on each of the seven little squirrels is exceptional.

The fields below the lake are in constant use by local farmers, the land being some of the richest for miles around. Although no actual recognized village is around, there are small hamlets no bigger than a handful of houses where travelers and adventurers may rest for a few true.

Wildlife can be seen making its way to the summit to drink from the lake. Animals make their way to the lake to rest and drink, and it has been noted with much curiosity that all hostilities between animals near the lake come to an end. Families of deer have been seen moving past predators such as lions and wolves and not a single altercation has been heard of. This has added to the religious applications of Skyline Lake; it being hailed as a place of peace and tolerance.