Avjana's Circle

Avjana's Circle is a megalithic stone structure found in Highfjall on a fjord near the coast, east of the Nightwell.

Description
The circle consists of seven stones sat on their bases to reach upwards. Six stones surround the center most stone, forming a crude circle about eighteen feet around. Each stone is uncut, ranging from five to nine feet tall, with three having holes bored through their tops. The area around the circle is raised slightly, by about half a foot which makes a wider circular pattern about the stones.

A unique aspect of this particular circle is the amount of carvings present on each stone. Every stone surrounding the center is carved in several spots with geometric patterns. Stone number four, called the Hunter Stone, is marked with several cruse carvings of animals being chased by a man wearing a massive fur garment which covers him from head to toe.

The center stone features a carving of a woman seated with her legs to the sides wearing nothing but a band about her head. Her left hand is raised and her right hand is reaching towards a geometric spiral to her side. The figure has cloven hooves, a feature noteworthy as being similar to the lost Horned God of the old northmen. Archaeologists believe the figure is of the old goddess Avjana, thus giving the site its name.

Several fragments of weapons, tools, and pottery have been found near and around the site suggesting frequent use.

Use
Experts believe the site was used as a place of worship for the deity Avjana by the old northmen prior to the introduction of Justainism. At one point, a small dig was done in the center of the circle, revealing a layer of animal bones that indicate a mass grave pit. Several of the bones were accompanied by golden collars, implying the beasts were pets of some kind. Of the bones removed, several belonged to dogs and deer, three to cats or some kind, and one to a bear. The latter of these bones was adorned in a particularly fancy collar, which had collapsed flat over time. These findings indicate that the area was once used as a mass grave of sorts, possibly for sacrifices.