The Crumble

An area of Quill sometimes called the Bloodstones. For reasons unknown, the rocks and small islands do not remain in static, fixed positions relative to one another, instead floating about in chaotic patterns, often grinding or crashing together. The scholars at the Timekeeper’s Lodge have made long study of this area, but have not yet been able to decipher the physics at work. They fear that the delicate balance may somehow be upset by any activity other than the precise, dedicated study of the ostrakonomers. The Rangers have officially recommended that the populace of Quill stay clear of the area. This has done nothing to keep thrill-seeking youths from using the area for hazing rituals and honor duels.

There is one long-standing story about a pair of nest-mates who, as young fledglings, were challenged by their peers to dart in and about the moving stones of the Crumble, in order to prove which was the stronger. When the older brother had a wing broken by an errant boulder, it was his smaller brother who flew out to save him. On the return flight, the younger brother was killed by rapidly spinning rubble and knocked from the sky.

There are many who will use this story as a moral lesson for their hatchlings, about how the smaller brother should have seized his chance and assumed a dominant role in his family. In some versions of the story, the smaller brother lived, and to this day hides among the Bloodstones with a message of compassion for all those who will listen. He is called Matlalihuitl. It is perhaps needless to say that this version of the story, and those who tell it, are not well regarded by Teryxians at large.