Dalel
| Dalel | |
|---|---|
| Image |  Painting of a coastline in Dalel |
| Spirit | Yairan |
Introduction
Dalel is the realm of earth in Adaris and the domain of Yairan, the Primordial Spirit of Earth. It comprises all land: the continents, islands, and subterranean spaces inhabited by mortal peoples. Dalel was originally an unbroken expanse of stone and the first tangible realm. It was reduced to its present extent during the Great Erosion, when water, air, and fire entered it. It is surrounded by Aasila, the realm of water, and lies beneath Zayam, the realm of air, and above Píñáku, the realm of fire.
Etymology
Dalel is the word for "earth" or "world" in Tivayi, the language of spirits.
History
Formation
Dalel was formed by Yairan from Ákyar, the chaotic energy of Napadéh, and was the first tangible realm to come into being. In its original state it was an endless, featureless expanse of solid stone, without water, air, fire, or life.
Great Erosion
Aahi, the Primordial Spirit of Water, had no realm of her own and forced her way into Dalel. Yavi and Metihi, the spirits of air and fire, followed. The resulting conflict between the elements is known as the Great Erosion. Water cut rivers, lakes, and seas into the stone, wind wore down its surface, and fire broke through from below. Dalel was reduced from an unbounded realm to separate landmasses surrounded by sea.
During the conflict Yairan created the Namuril as warriors and protectors of the realm. Konmai, the Primordial Spirit of time, also emerged during this period, and his arrival caused the elements to act on one another in sequence. The conflict was ended by the Enarei, who were created by Umalyu.
Yairan withdrew to the Domain of Yairan, within the Așdilu Mountains of Khamria. It is regarded as the only part of Dalel that remains in its original state.
Later history
After the Great Erosion, Ascendant Spirits settled in the regions of Dalel and shaped their terrain, plants, and animals. The first civilizations in Dalel were those of its non-human native peoples. Humans, who originated on the island of Haberria, spread across Dalel during the Great Migration and developed into distinct peoples under the influence of the spirits of the regions where they settled.
Geography
Dalel is a flat plane. Its land consists of three continents and the large island of Orhuart, separated by the seas of Aasila. The continents are Méniail, Luraskor, and Rohashe.
Rivers, lakes, and seas within and between the landmasses are regarded as part of Aasila's intrusion into Dalel rather than as part of Dalel itself.
Regions
Méniail
Luraskor
Rohashe
Islands
Subterranean regions
Parts of Dalel are inhabited below the surface. The largest known network is the Deep Roads, which runs beneath Khamria and Orinilure.
Climate
The climate of Dalel is arranged in concentric rings rather than by latitude. Temperatures are highest at the center of the plane, which now lies under the sea, and fall with distance from it. The outermost ring is permanently frozen. A region's climate therefore depends chiefly on its distance from the center, and a single continent may extend across several rings.
Mountain ranges modify local conditions. The Așdilu Mountains and the Mazissage Mountains block moisture-bearing winds, producing rain shadows on one side and mist and heavy rainfall on the other.