Sapphire Grotto

2022 Location Lore Event Winner (2nd Place)
Author: Kaliboo

Paradise Island is a popular vacation destination in Shengdao, but only the locals know about the sapphire grotto on the mainland. A grotto is a small cave that is usually flooded or liable to flood during high tide. The one across from Paradise Island is a flooded cave, its waters the deepest sapphire blue, yet somehow crystal clear if the reflection of the sun hits right. Tucked away beneath a large collection of cliffs, the grotto sits usually undisturbed. To get to the grotto, you have to go through the rainforest.

If you're brave enough to seek it out for the day, you’ll also have to watch out for the local wildlife. Animals come in various colors, which act as a camouflage to protect them from their predators.

Home to tropical birds, hot-tempered lizards, bugs galore and even some exotic felines, marsupials, and amphibians. These are just some of the examples of wildlife. The animals tend to blend into the surrounding rainforest like flora. The wildlife are used to seeing those who think they can find the grotto on their own and aren't aggressive. Many of the animals are able to move freely among the many trees, which act as both food and shelter for them. Quite a few of the tropical rainforest animals are able to swim in a wet and swamp like environment. Some animals are night creatures, which helps them avoid the warmer daytime temperatures. Some animals are poisonous, which protects them from their predators. The wildlife also use the surrounding flora to use as camouflage as they curiously follow the explorers. You really have to keep an eye open or else you might end up cornered by a large feline predator.

Orchids, Ferns, Kapok Trees, Banana Trees, Rubber Trees, Bamboo Trees, Cassava Trees, Avocado Trees are some of the trees that make up the rainforest. The trees have long, very straight trunks and don’t branch out until they reach the canopy where sunlight can be found. Leaves of plants and trees are very large to help them absorb as much of the sunlight as possible.

After traveling a couple of hours through the rainforest, you'll be at the natural water cave. 

Its sapphire pool of water and intricate cave structures are mesmerizing! The grotto is a large sea cave carved into the limestone shoreline along the mainland. Inside the grotto there is a pool of water with an underwater passage to the exterior of the cliff face. It is possible to climb down into the cave's large opening, however it should be noted that the shoreline is very rugged and rocks can be very slippery when wet. A shiji could easily fly their way down to the grotto, but where is the fun in that?  

Once reaching the sapphire grotto, there are places to set up a small camp. During the day you are able to swim in the cave, enjoying the cool crystal clear waters. And in the evening.. Well, the cave speaks for itself. The stars in the sky mirror off the surface of the waters inside, and the sapphire crystals that line the natural cave's ceiling glisten due to the stars' reflections. 

It is truly magical. 

It is also said that if you visit, a sea witch will come and find you, giving you a reading into your future. It may be false, but you won't know unless you try and visit this beautiful place.