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=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Geographic Features ===

====== LAKE ARLA ======

{{ :lake_arla.png?200|}}

  * **Type:** Lake 
  * **Location:** [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]], [[equator_sections_east_and_west|Eastern Equatorial Section]], [[asari|Asari Region]]

===== Overview =====

Lake Arla is the largest freshwater lake within the Eastern Equatorial Section. Spanning nearly 80 square kilometers, Lake Arla functions as a crucial ecological buffer zone between the arid [[desert_side|Desert Side]] and the lush expanses of the Habitual Belt. Its position and size make it vital for regional biodiversity, climatic moderation, and the cultural identity of [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes]], especially the [[the_honga|Honga]] and the [[the_trando|Trando]].

===== Local Climatic Conditions, Geography and Landscape =====

Lake Arla is fed by the [[arla_river|Arla River]], which originates in the [[atrana_mountains|Atrana Mountains]]. The lake's western shoreline borders the hot Desert Side and is rocky and barren, while its eastern edge lies in a verdant, temperate forest.

The unique "Haze Doom" fog forms above the lake as a result of evaporation from the hot western shore and subsequent condensation over cooler areas. This haze creates microclimates and contributes to intense convection currents, fostering frequent thunderstorms.

==== Weather Patterns: ====

  * Persistent haze layer
  * Frequent thunderstorms
  * Rich hydrological mixing zones
  * Differentiated climates along the shoreline

===== Local Flora =====

All known [[the_humans|Exohuman]] data on the flora of Lake Arla was collected during the brief exploration window between the landing on March 24, 2625 and the beginning of the [[great_war|Great War]] on June 17, 2629. Since further exploration has been prohibited due to the restrictions of the [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]] between the Exohumans and the [[alliance_of_native_tribes|Alliance of Native Tribes,]] it is highly probable that not all plant species within the Lake Arla ecosystem are known to Exohumans.

The known Flora across Lake Arla varies dramatically by zone:

  * **Desert Bloom Algae – ** thrives in nutrient-rich warm western waters.
  * **Shadeweed –** blankets the eastern shallows, stabilizing sediment.
  * **Saltspike Grass –** grows on the rocky western shore, drought-resistant.
  * **Arlian Lily –** vibrant flowers on the northern shore, supports pollinators.
  * **Driftfern –** floating fern aiding lake oxygenation.
  * **Ironroot Reeds –** tall metallic-sheened reeds on southern banks.
  * **Glowmoss –** bioluminescent moss clinging to underwater rocks.
  * **Stormvine –** sacred plant of the Honga, thrives on lake cliffs.

===== Local Fauna =====

Similar to the flora, all known exohuman data on the fauna of Lake Arla was collected during the limited exploration window between March 24, 2625 and the beginning of the Great War on June 17, 2629. It is highly likely that the full spectrum of animal life in and around Lake Arla remains only partially documented by Exohuman science
==== Thermotolerant Species (Western Shore): ====


  * [[arlian_sunfish|Arlian Sunfish]] - Resilient, schooling fish. Adapted to the intense heat and fluctuating conditions of the lake’s western shores,
  * [[desert_stalker|Desert Stalker]] – Formidable apex predator. Adapted to extreme temperatures and fluctuating conditions,

==== Light-Adapted Fish (Eastern Regions): ====

  * [[Gloom Swimmer|Gloom Swimmer]] – Small, elusive fish species native to the dimly lit eastern zones.
  * [[Twilight Perch|Twilight Perch]] - Bottom-dwelling predatory fish endemic to the nutrient-rich depths of the eastern shoreline.
==== Mineral-Feeding Fish (Inflow Zones): ====

  * [[Ironjaw Minnow|Ironjaw Minnow]] - Small, mineral-feeding fish native to the inflow zones of Lake Arla.
  * [[Silverscale Glider|Silverscale Glider]] – Sleek, surface-skimming fish species native to the faster-moving currents of the Arla River inflow into Lake Arla.

==== Large Aquatic Fauna: ====

  * [[arawi|Arawi (Sun-Finned Whale)]] - Massive freshwater cetacean native to Lake Arla. As one of the largest aquatic creatures in the Asari region, it has evolved extraordinary adaptations to survive in the fluctuating temperatures of the lake.


==== Aquatic Invertebrates: ====

  * [[Misttail Crab|Misttail Crab]] - Hardy, semi-aquatic crustacean found across multiple freshwater ecosystems in the Asari Region.
  * [[Quorra Crabs|Quorra Crabs]] — Semi-aquatic crustaceans with iridescent shells, burrowing in the lakebed and aerating the soil.
==== Surrounding Fauna: ====

  * [[flutterwing|Flutterwing]] - Small, swift bird. Recognized for its vibrant blue and gold plumage.
  * [[hoos|Hoo]] - Large, herbivorous mammal native to the Asari Region.
  * [[nokari_mouse|Nokari Mouse]] –  Small, fur-insulated rodent.

===== Local Population and Settlement History =====

Lake Arla is considered sacred by the Honga Tribe. Their nomadic tradition, the Shai Zaong ("Honga Cycle"), follows the Arla River and culminates seasonally at Lake Arla. Their rituals reflect stages of life and the spiritual unity between land, water, and tribe.

Equally significant is the presence of the Trando Tribe, who inhabit the forests surrounding the eastern shore of Lake Arla. Their main settlement, [[trandon|Trandon]], is suspended high in the canopy. With a population of approximately 12,500, it is the second largest settlement in Asari. The Trando live a settled, vegetarian lifestyle rooted in ecological harmony, guided by their spiritual laws known as the Trends.

During the short existence of the [[free_state_of_settlers|Free State of Settlers]] in the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], Exohumans attempted to establish multiple fishing spots, a central fish factory, and a worker settlement ([[Arla Town|Arla Town]]) on the eastern shore of Lake Arla. These structures were viewed as violations of tribal territory. During the [[great_war|Great War]], the Trando Tribe burned the factory and surrounding buildings to the ground.

In the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]], only a few ruins of the Exohuman structures remain, partially reclaimed by nature and considered off-limits by both tribes.

The lake supports elevated farming, crafting with lakebed materials, and seasonal ceremonies. ExoHuman access is restricted by treaty.
===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

The Eastern Equatorial Section blends dramatic environmental transitions and deep cultural symbolism. Adventures around Lake Arla should leverage natural hazards, sacred taboos, and tribal diplomacy. Both the Honga and Trando Tribes have strong cultural presences here.

The (ruined) Exohuman fish factory and settlement on the eastern shore—burned by the Trando Tribe during the [[great_war|Great War]] — can serve as a narrative focal point in the Beta and Gamma Age. In the Gamma Age, these ruins are largely overgrown and taboo for exploration, but rumors of buried data caches or forbidden tech persist. However,in the Gamma Age, ExoHumans are forbidden from entering the area unless granted permission by the [[native_human_behavior_supervision|Native Supervisor]]. Unauthorized presence is treated as a major violation of the Peace Treaty.

==== Adventure Hooks – Beta Age: ====

  * **"The Thunder Bloom Map" –** A Free State biologist goes missing while mapping bloom cycles of Stormvine. Players must navigate Honga territory, natural hazards, and an incoming superstorm.

==== Adventure Hooks – Gamma Age: ====

  * **"The Forbidden Shore" –** A rogue academic hires the players to retrieve artifact fragments from the ruined Beta Age settlement Arla Town, but the expedition violates sacred ground. and deep cultural symbolism.

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]
  * [[desert_side|Desert Side]]
  * [[asari|Asari]]
  * [[arla_river|Arla River]]
  * [[the_honga|Honga Tribe]]
  * [[the_trando|Trando Tribe]]
  * [[trandon|Trandon]]
  * [[Arla Town|Arla Town]]

**The three Mayor Lakes of Asari:**

  * [[lake_arla|Lake Arla]] 
  * [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]]
  * [[lake_tijonara|Lake Tijonara]]