In Tletepec, it’s said ancient heroes transformed themselves into volcanoes long ago and now keep vigil over the land. The region’s inhabitants view these volcanoes as sacred sites and believe their offerings pass through the volcanoes’ flames into the realms of the gods beyond. Tletepec is surrounded by mountains that enclose lush forests and open valleys. The history of Tletepec is a cycle of destruction and rebirth: ashfall and lava lay waste to the earth, and forests regrow from the fertile soil destruction leaves behind. The locals settle these fertile areas, founding new villages and cities as the landscape changes. Tletepecs fear a long-prophesied devastation, a time known as the Ashrise, when all the regions’ volcanoes will erupt. Scholars like the Watchers of the Ashes look for signs of this doom and seek ways to prevent it. Others wish to use the threat of destruction for their own nefarious ends.