Crystalline Cascades:Often voted as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Moisantia, the Crystalline Cascades can be found in the eastern portion of Shilling's Forest near the foot of Mt Oska. The narrowing of the river banks on approach to the drop combined with the high concentration of magnesium and zinc from the surrounding bedrock gives the waterfall an almost glass-like shimmer.
The Blue Tower:Built in the 1930s by the famous Moisantian playwright William Sumpner as a secluded summer retreat, this house was the site of the creation of some of the most famous theatrical works of the mid-20th Century. Nowadays, it houses a museum dedicated to Sumpner's works that is one of the Top 10 visited buildings in all of Moisantia.
Iced romfire:This popular botanical found in abundance across the Shilling Forest is famed for being the key ingredient in the traditional winter drink "Hōldren". With a sweet yet smoky taste, the drink is often served hot with a stick of cinnamon as the perfect comfort cocktail after a day in the frosty temperatures. It can also be used as a herb for cooking and perfectly complements red meat dishes.
Tikia Glacial Tubes:Towards the foot of the largest glacier in the greater Shilling's region, the Tikia Glacier, lie the awesome Tikia Glacial Tubes. Legend has it that these cavernous tunnels that stretch for over a kilometre were dug into the ice by the Ican himself in a bid to shelter from the blizzards that often ravaged the western face of Mt Oska.
The Jewel Igloos:Bespoke and quirky lodgings have been cropping up all over the Shilling Forest after the tourist boom of the last 10 years. One of the most desirable properties is the brand new Jewel Igloo Resort, a collection of 15 compact yet luxurious domes built into a sparse clearing in the valley at the centre of Shilling Forest - each igloo even has its own butler!
Forest Ice Speedway:One of the most popular outdoor sporting events over the winter months is the Forest Ice Speedway Trials. This 2 week long event pits professional speed skaters from across Natia against each other along a 3.5 mile iced-pathway through the heart of Shilling Forest. The track was previously 4.7 miles in length but was shortened to the current distance after a spate of serious injuries caused by the 5° incline on the home straight. Still, it remains an adrenaline sport not for the faint-hearted!
Rainbow Whispers:With the perfect weather conditions, visitors to Shilling Forest are treated to a spectacular light show in the sky after sunset as the Aura Kaleidos (Rainbow Whispers) dance across the treetops. A combination of the oxygen, nitrogen and neon gases in the atmosphere combine to create every colour of the rainbow in a show that's free for everyone!
The Festival of Calandjican:Celebrated every winter in the settlements around Shilling's Forest to herald the return of the icy weather, the Festival of Calandjican takes it's name from the ancient Moi word "caland" meaning breath or life. Revellers light eucalyptus lanterns and come together chanting "Calandjican Calandotūlor" which translates roughly as "The Breath of the Ice God gives life to all living creatures".
The "Black Sheep" Tree, Lake Ash:One of the most photographed natural sights in Shilling Forest, the "Black Sheep" tree stands apart from the sixteen larger trees on a small peninsula in Lake Ash, giving the impression that it has been outcast from the family unit. The history of the island is unknown but as there are no signs of deforestation, it is generally believed that the positioning of the trees is down to Mother Nature's chance.
Kriskol:The town of Kriskol is the largest settlement in Shilling Forest with a population of around 5,000 people. However, this number can swell by almost 20,000 each year as the numerous lodges and hotels fill with tourists hoping to explore the forest trails, ski down the nearby pistes and enjoy the many festivals that the town plays host to.
Watchmen's Cabins:Rebuilt for the tourist market as luxury spa retreats, these cabins historically occupied a strategic vantage point on Lake Ash giving the "watchmen" on-duty the ability to detect advancing imposters crossing the frozen waters during the winter months in search of the valuable mineral deposits in the mountains behind the forest.
Sinoleji Harinolus (Welcoming Beacons):These traditional lanterns were previously gaslit and hung outside residences that had available rooms for weary travellers to rest and keep warm during their treks north to the summit of Mt Oska. Today, they are mostly powered by electricity but still serve the purpose of inviting visitors to meet the home's residents and enjoy some classic Shilling hospitality.
Miro Rail Bridge:In the 1980s, the commuter rail link south to Moisantia's capital Nucharlton was finally completed with the building of the impressive Miro Rail Bridge. Just 2 miles south of Kriskol, first-time passengers will often gasp in amazement as they emerge are from the trees immediately onto the steel structure, but the beauty of the bridge can only truly be appreciated from the nearby viewpoint.
Kylong Pass:Winding 15 miles across the eastern side of Mt Oska, a trip along this road offers some of the best views across the Shilling Forest not to mention a a driving experience like no other with a total of 59 hairpin bends as it snakes up to heights of over 3,000ft. The road also plays host to the final stage of the annual Moisantian Rally Championship.
The Shilling Express:Contrary to the name, the Shilling Express is far from a method of rapid transport, travelling at a rather leisurely 25 miles per hour. Operating a twice weekly round trip service for tourists wishing to take in the picture-postcard views of the Aron Valley, the highlight of the journey includes a crossing over the ancient Kitler Viaduct, built from granite and sandstone blasted from nearby Mt Oska over 100 years ago.
Ciavlax (Snow Serval):The ciavlax is a wild cat native to the Shilling's Forest and is considered to be one of the most endangered species in all of Natia, with the remaining wild population estimated at just 200. Unmoderated poaching in the 1970s but conservation charities are now taking control of the population to ensure the species' survival for decades to come.
Shilling Convention and Events Resort:Built at the turn of a 20th Century and occupying a prime location on edge of Kriskol, the SCER started off life as a government building before being bought over by the Chapler Hotel Group in 1975 and converted into a year-round events resort that plays host to many international events and conventions. A new purpose-built 6,000 guest concert arena behind the main facade will play host to WLSC 188.
Shilling Huskies:Over the winter months, the arrival of the overnight snow storms make deliveries and transportation in the most remote parts of Shilling Forest a challenging feat. Many villages now have government funded Husky troupes which are available to the local residents and businesses to make essential trips. The welfare of the animals is ensured by law and they have become a well-known symbol for the area.
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