What to find in Ion
The biggest lake of Gaidinia. The place where water dragons, scyllas, mermaids and other creatures of old tales can be found. It's deep and dangerous. A source of many legends, most of which are unusually scary to talk about through the nights.
It's like a small sea in the middle of an island, with its own mind and soul, a heart beating somewhere at the bottom of the lake.
The water of Mer Arkaisk is deep and dark, but clean and allowing Zana's light to shine through it straight to the caves. The place looks nothing like the zone it's located in - Sheizin. Many Gaidinians who were able to swim there at night said that the experience is magical. They felt a feeling unlike any other, unlike elsewhere. Did they feel Zana's presence through the water?
Mer Arkaisk
The lake is known for the hundreds of caves that can be found underwater. Many of them are home to various beasts and legendary creatures, including mermaids. Each one is said to be different, unique.
One of the caves is known as the Sea Witch's cave and according to Gaidinian legends, it used to be the place the Sea Witch lived before disappearing. Some even say that she can be still met in the cave. Or that you might not meet her, but you might certainly feel her. Do not be scared, as she will not hurt a soul, worry about the living beings all around you.
The caves are said to be unusually quiet but you always feel the presence of something nearby.
The Caves of Mer Arkaisk
Zlatena (pl. Zlateny)
Fish that's too beautiful to even look at. Zlateny are shy and fast, some Gaidinians think they bring luck, but none are able to get them alive. They're gracious, glimmering, beautiful creatures. According to a legend, mermaids who pass because of unrequited love turn into Zlateny, unable to talk, unable to love again. Just swimming in the waters of their forever home.
Zlateny eat the lake algae along with plankton. They're not a prey to any other fish but they tend to only live for a few years - usually four or five.
Far below in depths of dark
Where sunlight's grasp is weak
Treasure of ages long since passed
Lay buried for brave ones to seek
Begin where the moon is nestled
At twilight's first, then head east
Betwixt the maw of jagged rows
Hidden in the belly of a beast
Tarry not, the changing tides
Give seekers cause to stray
An ever rising pressure til
Time's up, it's gone- too late
Hurry then, into the deep
Past secrets with seaweed bound
A gentle whisper heralds the cove
Where your quests end is found
(credit: Zee)
Riasa (pl. Riasy)
A carnivorous plant that eats small fish and crabs at the bottom of the lake. It's able to glow blue when a full moon appears on the sky and shines through the water. Riasy have sharp teeth-like growths on their leaves. In the case of danger - as they can be eaten by Kyseis, they spin and turn into one rod until the dangerous fish swim away. They are able to uproot and move to a better place if needed - it happens a lot in summer when more Gaidinians are brave enough to visit Mer Arkaisk - Riasy move more towards the middle of the lake.
- They say that the water of Mer Arkaisk is so blue, it never loses it's blue, even if captured within a glass. (credit: Sharkimi)
- The Mer Arkaisk water is used for various potions and spells known to the witches of Gaidinia.
- It's said that while the mermaids of Mer Arkaisk are dangerous, the dryads of Jazero Dryád are a lot more scarier, twice as dangerous and full of hate towards mortals.
- When the night is fully embracing Gaidinia, Mer Arkaisk is one of the most beautiful places ever. The crystal water is glowing, the stars and the moons reflecting on the surface.
- The immortals who cannot be hurt are more likely to go to the lake, even some of them are scared of what's waiting in the water though. Are gods the only beings that don't need to worry at all?
Interesting facts
