The Howling Peaks (MYO Prompt Bonus - Writing)

The Howling Peaks

The Howling Peaks is a mountain range located in the North of the Cinnaverse. Amongst the tall mountain peaks, a few villages have set themselves up. It is known as a refuge for all Werecinnas, though even Cinnas without a wereform can be found there. The altitude and clear skies of the relatively remote area lets the cinnas have more connection to the sky and the moon. Being high in the mountains, it is fairly cold and snowy. Pine trees are common to see. The largest mountain is named Silver Claw.

Villages are most lively at night, when Werecinnas are awake. The villages are welcoming and warm, with plenty of food. When a werecinna transforms, it takes a lot of energy, so cooking and baking are very common, with plenty of non-lycans making sure that plenty of food is available for any tired Werecinna coming out of a transformation. Plenty of Cinnas also find work making warm clothes, chopping wood for fireplaces, and clearing snow. Blues and greys are popular fashion colors, as well as any stars, moons, or other celestial body patterns on sweaters, coats, cloaks, and hats.

The legends say that one night, a Cinna was traveling in the mountains on an expedition. They were separated from their group, and got lost. They couldn't find food, and they grew so cold that they were freezing in the snow. A deity of the moon saw the poor Cinna and took pity. It granted them a stronger form to help them brave the snow and continue living. The Cinna was so thankful that they created the first refuge village to help lost travelers, and later, for any Werecinnas that may find themselves not fitting in anywhere else. Many modern villages will have depictions of the first Werecinna on tapestries and paintings. Moon symbolism is also very common, as a way of thanks for helping lost Cinnas find their way. The Villages see the wereform as a blessing, as the deity granting you strength and bravery when you need it most, even if some Cinnas come into the village believing they are cursed. The Silver Claw has a large statue depicting the first werecinna being blessed by the moon.

Celebrations happen every month, with the full moon. During these celebrations, feasts are had, there is dancing, games, and music. The Cinnas embrace their alternate selves and thank the deity for granting them their strength. There are sometimes also contests held, sometimes relating to strength (like weightlifting competitions and log pulling) or sometimes entire villages will break out into snowball fights.

Year round, the Howling Peaks are also a popular tourist spot for all sorts of winter activities. Sledding, snowboarding, and skiing are common on the perpetually snowy slopes. Some Cinnas travel far to try the local foods and spend a vacation on the snowy peaks, where some may visit every year. The view from the peaks on the valleys below is unrivaled, according to most.

A few other landmarks that are of note are the Snake’s Cavern, a large cave system that some Cinnas will tour. It is a well-worn cave, with plenty of lights set up and a guided path through. Tour guides may spin tales of giant snakes that burrowed their way through, making the tunnels accessible in the modern day, but the stories vary and are often just fun stories to tell travelers that come through. This cave also leads into the Gemstone Gullet, a large cave filled with brightly colored crystals that shine rainbow colors when lit up. Some say the trek to find the cave is a little difficult, but very worth it, as it’s a sight you won’t really get anywhere else. 

The Cinnasky Bridge is a large rope bridge that connects the Silver Claw to the next closest peak. It is pretty rickety and precarious, and only the bravest Cinnas take the challenge to walk all the way to the other side. Rest assured there are plenty of winged Cinnas that watch over the bridge to catch anyone that may fall.