Geography of Balúrail: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Tuzquão Ice Skating Painting.jpg|thumb|Painting of some Tuzquão ice skating on Lake Nelo]]

The '''geography of [[Balúrail]]''' is dominated by peat bogs, swamps and lakes in the west and by forested foothills rising to the [[Mazissage Mountains]] in the east. Balúrail lies at the southwestern end of the continent of [[Méniail]]. It is bordered by [[Gosterra]] to the north and [[Khamria]] to the east, separated from both by the Mazissage Mountains, and by the sea to the west and south. It covers 230,687 mi² (597,477 km²), measuring about 453 miles (729 km) from east to west and 506 miles (814 km) from north to south, and is the coldest region of Méniail.

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Balúrail took its present shape during the [[Great Erosion]]. When [[Aahi]] forced her way into [[Dalel]], the low ground of the region was flooded. [[Yairan]] hardened the earth to halt the erosion, leaving the water no path to escape, and the lowlands became a vast mudflat that in time divided into the swamps, bogs and lakes that cover them today. [[Tahami]], the [[Ascendant Spirit]] of bogs and swamps, arose from this trapped water.

The region divides into two parts. The [[Western Lowlands]], 136,720 mi² (354,103 km²), are low, wet and largely peat bog. The [[Eastern Highlands]], 93,967 mi² (243,373 km²), are rocky foothills and boreal forest rising toward the mountains. The [[Diate River]] and its tributaries form the boundary between them. Most of Balúrail's 1.6 million people live in the lowlands, on dry ground and along the coast.

The region divides into two parts. The [[Western Lowlands]], 136,720 mi² (354,103 km²), are low, wet and largely peat bog. The [[Eastern Highlands]], 93,967 mi² (243,373 km²), are rocky foothills and boreal forest rising toward the mountains. The [[Diate River]] and its tributaries form the boundary between them. Most of Balúrail's 2.0 million people live in the lowlands, on dry ground and along the coast.

== Physical geography ==

=== Western Lowlands ===

The Western Lowlands stretch from the coast east to the Diate River. They are largely peat bog, broken by patches of dry ground, lakes and light forest, including the [[Fewe'yo Forest]] in Ezinco and the Ubirato Forest west of the Diate. The [[Donal Hills]] rise in the interior of the Ivaiê peninsula. The drier ground is fertile and supports most of Balúrail's farming.

The Western Lowlands stretch from the western coast east to the Diate River and, east of the Diate, take in the coastal plain along the south coast of Gostiria, including the Egoaldigo Swamp. They are largely peat bog, broken by patches of dry ground, lakes and light forest, including the [[Fewe'yo Forest]] in Ezinco and the Ubirato Forest west of the Diate. The [[Donal Hills]] rise in the interior of the Ivaiê peninsula. The drier ground is fertile and supports most of Balúrail's farming.

=== Eastern Highlands ===

The Eastern Highlands are the foothills of the Mazissage Mountains, covered by large, unbroken forests. The largest is the [[Doye Forest]], which spans much of ~~the~~ [[Eimbuver]] in the north; others include the Emera Forest and the Itanha Forest. The Tozinhis Hills cross the highlands from west to east, between ~~the~~ Eimbuver and [[Gurverde]]. ~~The highlands are bounded in~~ the south by the [[Sirilquito Hills]], where iron is mined, and [[Lake Arrerem]] ~~lies at~~ their southern ~~edge~~.

The Eastern Highlands are the foothills of the Mazissage Mountains, covered by large, unbroken forests. The largest is the [[Doye Forest]], which spans much of [[Eimbuver]] in the north; others include the Emera Forest and the Itanha Forest. The Tozinhis Hills cross the highlands from west to east, between Eimbuver and [[Gurverde]]. In the south they reach into northeastern Gostiria and end just south of the Itanha Forest, where the land falls to the coastal plain. The [[Sirilquito Hills]], where iron is mined, and [[Lake Arrerem]] lie in their southern part.

=== Mazissage Mountains ===

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* [[Onzirro Swamp]], in Ezinco.

* [[Egoaldigo Swamp]], in southern [[Gostiria]].

* ~~The swamp~~ around the [[House of Tahami]], on the [[Mifajene Reservation]]~~, which bears Tahami's name~~.

* [[Tahami Swamp]], around the [[House of Tahami]] on the [[Mifajene Reservation]].

=== Rivers and lakes ===

The Diate River is the largest river in Balúrail. It flows from Lake Diate in the highlands southwest past [[Figo]], where it is joined by the Cumaro, to a delta on the south coast at [[Têr]]. Most other rivers rise in the highlands and flow west across the lowlands to the sea, among them the [[Goim River]], which flows from [[Lake Ante]] to Arrêr; the [[Gal River]], which flows from [[Lake Donal]]; and the [[Onzirro River]] and [[Minope River]] in Ezinco.

The Diate River is the largest river in Balúrail. It flows from Lake Diate in the highlands southwest past [[Figo]], where it is joined by the Cumaro, to a delta on the south coast at [[Têr]]. The Cumaro begins at Promia, where the Eppevee River, flowing southwest out of [[Eimbuver]], meets the Mazar River. Most other rivers rise in the highlands and flow west across the lowlands to the sea, among them the [[Goim River]], which flows from [[Lake Ante]] to Arrêr; the [[Gal River]], which flows from [[Lake Donal]]; and the [[Onzirro River]] and [[Minope River]] in Ezinco. The rivers of Gostiria flow south: the [[Irila River]] reaches the sea at Tabe, the Ipendra at Marilão, the Sovoia at Preto, the Mino, which flows from Lake Arrerem through Lake Urdim, at Bedebó, and the Pezir at Larne.

Ezinco holds three large lakes, [[Lake Arco]], [[Lake Onzirro]] and [[Lake Lebolur]]. In Ivaiê are [[Lake Tatube]], Lake Donal, Lake Ante and Lake Muira. Lake Pedrim and [[Lake Urdim]] lie in Gostiria, Urdim ~~north~~ of [[Lusbá]], and Lake Layemshemwo lies on the Mifajene Reservation. In the highlands, Lake Diate, [[Lake Beltara]], Lake Arrerem and Lake Matago are the largest. Many smaller lakes are scattered across both the lowlands and the highlands.

Ezinco holds three large lakes, [[Lake Arco]], [[Lake Onzirro]] and [[Lake Lebolur]]. In Ivaiê are [[Lake Tatube]], Lake Donal, Lake Ante and Lake Muira. Lake Marcoê, Lake Pedrim and [[Lake Urdim]] lie in Gostiria, Urdim northwest of [[Lusbá]]; Lake Bata lies on the border of Gostiria and Gurverde at Mau; and Lake Layemshemwo lies on the Mifajene Reservation. In the highlands, Lake Diate, [[Lake Beltara]], Lake Arrerem and Lake Matago are the largest. Many smaller lakes are scattered across both the lowlands and the highlands.

=== Coast ===

The west coast is deeply indented, with dozens of small bays, among them [[Tirrico Bay]] in Ezinco and [[Rebe Bay]] and [[Castas Bay]] near Arrêr. Off the northwest coast lie the Puiro, Teje and Jak'i Islands. The south coast is lower and more open. Its largest bays are Ivaiê Bay and Vota Bay, and the islands of the Diate delta, among them Sorre, Soro, Alo, Pedo and Arim, lie off Têr. Farther out lie Natalo, Aco, Nipaco, Boasper, Crave and Ango, and Tapura lies off the southeast coast. Balúrail's ports, among them Têr, Lusbá, Ivaiê and Ezinco, lie on these coasts.

The west coast is deeply indented, with dozens of small bays, among them [[Tirrico Bay]] in Ezinco and [[Rebe Bay]] and [[Castas Bay]] near Arrêr. Off the northwest coast lie the Puiro, Teje and Jak'i Islands. The south coast is lower and more open. Its largest bays are Ivaiê Bay and Vota Bay. East of the Diate the coast of Gostiria is lined with bays, among them Canea, Sorso, Vero, Ipram, Gurupe, Vota and Serim Bay, and the islands of the Diate delta, among them Sorre, Soro, Alo, Pedo and Arim, lie off Têr. Farther out lie Natalo, Aco, Nipaco, Boasper, Crave and Ango, and Tapura lies off the southeast coast. Balúrail's ports, among them Têr, Lusbá, Ivaiê and Ezinco, lie on these coasts.

== Climate ==

~~~~

[[File:Balúrail Climate Zones.png|thumb|Climate zones of Balúrail]]

Balúrail lies in the cold outer rings of the plane of Dalel and is the coldest region of Méniail. Its days are short, and the length of the day does not change through the year. The region has four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.

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| [[District of Têr]] || Federal district || South coast, at the mouth of the Diate River || Têr || 33 mi² (85 km²) || 320,000

|-

| [[Gostiria]] || State || South coast and the Egoaldigo Swamp; many ports || [[Lusbá]] || 68,207 mi² (176,655 km²) || ~~475~~,000

| [[Gostiria]] || State || South coast and the Egoaldigo Swamp; many ports || [[Lusbá]] || 68,207 mi² (176,655 km²) || 620,000

|-

| [[Ivaiê]] || State || Southwestern peninsula; the Ganze and Belargae swamps and the Donal Hills || [[Ivaiê (City)|Ivaiê]] || 52,768 mi² (136,668 km²) || ~~450~~,000

| [[Ivaiê]] || State || Southwestern peninsula; the Ganze and Belargae swamps and the Donal Hills || [[Ivaiê (City)|Ivaiê]] || 52,768 mi² (136,668 km²) || 580,000

|-

| [[Ezinco]] || State || West coast; the lakes of Ezinco || [[Ezinco (City)|Ezinco]] || 17,919 mi² (46,410 km²) || 68,000

| [[Ezinco]] || State || West coast; the lakes of Ezinco || [[Ezinco (City)|Ezinco]] || 17,919 mi² (46,410 km²) || 113,000

|-

| [[Gurverde]] || State || Eastern Highlands, from Lake Beltara and the Diate River to the mountains || [[Arremíria]] || 40,650 mi² (105,283 km²) || ~~220~~,000

| [[Gurverde]] || State || Eastern Highlands, from Lake Beltara and the Diate River to the mountains || [[Arremíria]] || 40,650 mi² (105,283 km²) || 300,000

|-

| [[Eimbuver]] || Territory || Northern Eastern Highlands and the Doye Forest || — || 43,558 mi² (112,815 km²) || 7,000

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| [[Mifajene Reservation]] || Semi-sovereign || Northwestern swamps || — || 7,552 mi² (19,560 km²) || 60,000

|}

~~About three~~-~~quarters~~ of the people of Balúrail live in towns and cities, most of them on the coast or on dry ground.

Nearly two-thirds of the people of Balúrail live in towns and cities, most of them on the coast or on dry ground.

== See also ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+[[File:Tuzquão Ice Skating Painting.jpg|thumb|Painting of some Tuzquão ice skating on Lake Nelo]]
 The '''geography of [[Balúrail]]''' is dominated by peat bogs, swamps and lakes in the west and by forested foothills rising to the [[Mazissage Mountains]] in the east. Balúrail lies at the southwestern end of the continent of [[Méniail]]. It is bordered by [[Gosterra]] to the north and [[Khamria]] to the east, separated from both by the Mazissage Mountains, and by the sea to the west and south. It covers 230,687 mi² (597,477 km²), measuring about 453 miles (729 km) from east to west and 506 miles (814 km) from north to south, and is the coldest region of Méniail.
@@ Line 5: / Line 6: @@
 Balúrail took its present shape during the [[Great Erosion]]. When [[Aahi]] forced her way into [[Dalel]], the low ground of the region was flooded. [[Yairan]] hardened the earth to halt the erosion, leaving the water no path to escape, and the lowlands became a vast mudflat that in time divided into the swamps, bogs and lakes that cover them today. [[Tahami]], the [[Ascendant Spirit]] of bogs and swamps, arose from this trapped water.
-The region divides into two parts. The [[Western Lowlands]], 136,720 mi² (354,103 km²), are low, wet and largely peat bog. The [[Eastern Highlands]], 93,967 mi² (243,373 km²), are rocky foothills and boreal forest rising toward the mountains. The [[Diate River]] and its tributaries form the boundary between them. Most of Balúrail's 1.6 million people live in the lowlands, on dry ground and along the coast.
+The region divides into two parts. The [[Western Lowlands]], 136,720 mi² (354,103 km²), are low, wet and largely peat bog. The [[Eastern Highlands]], 93,967 mi² (243,373 km²), are rocky foothills and boreal forest rising toward the mountains. The [[Diate River]] and its tributaries form the boundary between them. Most of Balúrail's 2.0 million people live in the lowlands, on dry ground and along the coast.
 == Physical geography ==
 === Western Lowlands ===
 {{main|Western Lowlands}}
-The Western Lowlands stretch from the coast east to the Diate River. They are largely peat bog, broken by patches of dry ground, lakes and light forest, including the [[Fewe'yo Forest]] in Ezinco and the Ubirato Forest west of the Diate. The [[Donal Hills]] rise in the interior of the Ivaiê peninsula. The drier ground is fertile and supports most of Balúrail's farming.
+The Western Lowlands stretch from the western coast east to the Diate River and, east of the Diate, take in the coastal plain along the south coast of Gostiria, including the Egoaldigo Swamp. They are largely peat bog, broken by patches of dry ground, lakes and light forest, including the [[Fewe'yo Forest]] in Ezinco and the Ubirato Forest west of the Diate. The [[Donal Hills]] rise in the interior of the Ivaiê peninsula. The drier ground is fertile and supports most of Balúrail's farming.
 === Eastern Highlands ===
 {{main|Eastern Highlands}}
-The Eastern Highlands are the foothills of the Mazissage Mountains, covered by large, unbroken forests. The largest is the [[Doye Forest]], which spans much of the [[Eimbuver]] in the north; others include the Emera Forest and the Itanha Forest. The Tozinhis Hills cross the highlands from west to east, between the Eimbuver and [[Gurverde]]. The highlands are bounded in the south by the [[Sirilquito Hills]], where iron is mined, and [[Lake Arrerem]] lies at their southern edge.
+The Eastern Highlands are the foothills of the Mazissage Mountains, covered by large, unbroken forests. The largest is the [[Doye Forest]], which spans much of [[Eimbuver]] in the north; others include the Emera Forest and the Itanha Forest. The Tozinhis Hills cross the highlands from west to east, between Eimbuver and [[Gurverde]]. In the south they reach into northeastern Gostiria and end just south of the Itanha Forest, where the land falls to the coastal plain. The [[Sirilquito Hills]], where iron is mined, and [[Lake Arrerem]] lie in their southern part.
 === Mazissage Mountains ===
@@ Line 27: / Line 28: @@
 * [[Onzirro Swamp]], in Ezinco.
 * [[Egoaldigo Swamp]], in southern [[Gostiria]].
-* The swamp around the [[House of Tahami]], on the [[Mifajene Reservation]], which bears Tahami's name.
+* [[Tahami Swamp]], around the [[House of Tahami]] on the [[Mifajene Reservation]].
 === Rivers and lakes ===
-The Diate River is the largest river in Balúrail. It flows from Lake Diate in the highlands southwest past [[Figo]], where it is joined by the Cumaro, to a delta on the south coast at [[Têr]]. Most other rivers rise in the highlands and flow west across the lowlands to the sea, among them the [[Goim River]], which flows from [[Lake Ante]] to Arrêr; the [[Gal River]], which flows from [[Lake Donal]]; and the [[Onzirro River]] and [[Minope River]] in Ezinco.
+The Diate River is the largest river in Balúrail. It flows from Lake Diate in the highlands southwest past [[Figo]], where it is joined by the Cumaro, to a delta on the south coast at [[Têr]]. The Cumaro begins at Promia, where the Eppevee River, flowing southwest out of [[Eimbuver]], meets the Mazar River. Most other rivers rise in the highlands and flow west across the lowlands to the sea, among them the [[Goim River]], which flows from [[Lake Ante]] to Arrêr; the [[Gal River]], which flows from [[Lake Donal]]; and the [[Onzirro River]] and [[Minope River]] in Ezinco. The rivers of Gostiria flow south: the [[Irila River]] reaches the sea at Tabe, the Ipendra at Marilão, the Sovoia at Preto, the Mino, which flows from Lake Arrerem through Lake Urdim, at Bedebó, and the Pezir at Larne.
-Ezinco holds three large lakes, [[Lake Arco]], [[Lake Onzirro]] and [[Lake Lebolur]]. In Ivaiê are [[Lake Tatube]], Lake Donal, Lake Ante and Lake Muira. Lake Pedrim and [[Lake Urdim]] lie in Gostiria, Urdim north of [[Lusbá]], and Lake Layemshemwo lies on the Mifajene Reservation. In the highlands, Lake Diate, [[Lake Beltara]], Lake Arrerem and Lake Matago are the largest. Many smaller lakes are scattered across both the lowlands and the highlands.
+Ezinco holds three large lakes, [[Lake Arco]], [[Lake Onzirro]] and [[Lake Lebolur]]. In Ivaiê are [[Lake Tatube]], Lake Donal, Lake Ante and Lake Muira. Lake Marcoê, Lake Pedrim and [[Lake Urdim]] lie in Gostiria, Urdim northwest of [[Lusbá]]; Lake Bata lies on the border of Gostiria and Gurverde at Mau; and Lake Layemshemwo lies on the Mifajene Reservation. In the highlands, Lake Diate, [[Lake Beltara]], Lake Arrerem and Lake Matago are the largest. Many smaller lakes are scattered across both the lowlands and the highlands.
 === Coast ===
-The west coast is deeply indented, with dozens of small bays, among them [[Tirrico Bay]] in Ezinco and [[Rebe Bay]] and [[Castas Bay]] near Arrêr. Off the northwest coast lie the Puiro, Teje and Jak'i Islands. The south coast is lower and more open. Its largest bays are Ivaiê Bay and Vota Bay, and the islands of the Diate delta, among them Sorre, Soro, Alo, Pedo and Arim, lie off Têr. Farther out lie Natalo, Aco, Nipaco, Boasper, Crave and Ango, and Tapura lies off the southeast coast. Balúrail's ports, among them Têr, Lusbá, Ivaiê and Ezinco, lie on these coasts.
+The west coast is deeply indented, with dozens of small bays, among them [[Tirrico Bay]] in Ezinco and [[Rebe Bay]] and [[Castas Bay]] near Arrêr. Off the northwest coast lie the Puiro, Teje and Jak'i Islands. The south coast is lower and more open. Its largest bays are Ivaiê Bay and Vota Bay. East of the Diate the coast of Gostiria is lined with bays, among them Canea, Sorso, Vero, Ipram, Gurupe, Vota and Serim Bay, and the islands of the Diate delta, among them Sorre, Soro, Alo, Pedo and Arim, lie off Têr. Farther out lie Natalo, Aco, Nipaco, Boasper, Crave and Ango, and Tapura lies off the southeast coast. Balúrail's ports, among them Têr, Lusbá, Ivaiê and Ezinco, lie on these coasts.
 == Climate ==
-<!-- Climate zone map: [[File:Balúrail Climate Zones.png|thumb|Climate zones of Balúrail]] -->
+[[File:Balúrail Climate Zones.png|thumb|Climate zones of Balúrail]]
 Balúrail lies in the cold outer rings of the plane of Dalel and is the coldest region of Méniail. Its days are short, and the length of the day does not change through the year. The region has four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.
@@ Line 201: / Line 202: @@
 | [[District of Têr]] || Federal district || South coast, at the mouth of the Diate River || Têr || 33 mi² (85 km²) || 320,000
 |-
-| [[Gostiria]] || State || South coast and the Egoaldigo Swamp; many ports || [[Lusbá]] || 68,207 mi² (176,655 km²) || 475,000
+| [[Gostiria]] || State || South coast and the Egoaldigo Swamp; many ports || [[Lusbá]] || 68,207 mi² (176,655 km²) || 620,000
 |-
-| [[Ivaiê]] || State || Southwestern peninsula; the Ganze and Belargae swamps and the Donal Hills || [[Ivaiê (City)|Ivaiê]] || 52,768 mi² (136,668 km²) || 450,000
+| [[Ivaiê]] || State || Southwestern peninsula; the Ganze and Belargae swamps and the Donal Hills || [[Ivaiê (City)|Ivaiê]] || 52,768 mi² (136,668 km²) || 580,000
 |-
-| [[Ezinco]] || State || West coast; the lakes of Ezinco || [[Ezinco (City)|Ezinco]] || 17,919 mi² (46,410 km²) || 68,000
+| [[Ezinco]] || State || West coast; the lakes of Ezinco || [[Ezinco (City)|Ezinco]] || 17,919 mi² (46,410 km²) || 113,000
 |-
-| [[Gurverde]] || State || Eastern Highlands, from Lake Beltara and the Diate River to the mountains || [[Arremíria]] || 40,650 mi² (105,283 km²) || 220,000
+| [[Gurverde]] || State || Eastern Highlands, from Lake Beltara and the Diate River to the mountains || [[Arremíria]] || 40,650 mi² (105,283 km²) || 300,000
 |-
 | [[Eimbuver]] || Territory || Northern Eastern Highlands and the Doye Forest || — || 43,558 mi² (112,815 km²) || 7,000
@@ Line 213: / Line 214: @@
 | [[Mifajene Reservation]] || Semi-sovereign || Northwestern swamps || — || 7,552 mi² (19,560 km²) || 60,000
 |}
-About three-quarters of the people of Balúrail live in towns and cities, most of them on the coast or on dry ground.
+Nearly two-thirds of the people of Balúrail live in towns and cities, most of them on the coast or on dry ground.
 == See also ==