KATANA LAKE Katana Lake is located on an island to the east-west of Illitrical, surrounded on all sides by mountains. The island is split in two by a lake, surrounded by thick, untouched forest. On the eastern side; The Forgottens, and the western side; The Kingdom. The Forest Over 50% of Katana Lake's island is covered in a dense woodland, which remains unexplored to the cats inhabiting the regions around it. Dark creatures are said to inhabit the woods; dubbed Shadowcrawlers, they are rumored to be giant beasts of black scales, keeping well within the darkness the trees provide. Small relics have been set up around the edges of the forest, as cats believe these will ward off the evil spirits as well as warn others where the border is. Entering the forest is considered illegal. Recorded instances where cats have entered the woods: The student patrol (a group of young cats illegally exploring the woods; Basil Steambrook killed, prompting the rulers of both civilizations to take further action) The Forest Patrol (an official group sent by the Highness and Queen to find the Shadowcrawler source and report back with more information. Discovered the Ancient Kingdom, uncovered Isaac Tyrenia, prompting the disappearance of Naomi Highborne and creation of the arena as Isaac made himself King) The Halfway Point The Halfway Point is an underground city in the center of the island, accessible through a series of tunnels leading from the Forgottens and the Kingdom. The city is directly beneath Katana Lake, and the water casts a blue-black glow down onto it through a glass ceiling. The Halfway Point is viewed as neutral ground, where cats of either civilization can come together in peace. Various buildings can be found in the massive cavern, including a marketplace and school, though not many cats opt to send their kits to an educational program including influence from the opposite civilization. Recently, however, under King Isaac's command, a battalion of Kingdom cats was sent in order to burn and destroy the Halfway point. What had once been beautiful is reduced to rubble and ashes; survivors are still being found among the wreckage, but there's no telling how long they'll be safe for.
