Yliakum

Geography

Yliakum is an enormous cave, inside a hollowed out stalactite. At its ceiling, there is a crystal, which provides it with light. The floor is terraced into eight levels, of which the lowest two are submerged.The two highest levels are above the point where the stalactite connects to the roof of the cave, and as such the uppermost level is the only place that has passages to the Stone Labyrinths, an ancient and largely unexplored network of caves.

The floors of the levels are dotted with many rocks fallen from the ceiling, huge stalagmites, and a few pillars connecting Yliakum's ceiling to the first level's floor. Many streams and rivers start at the wall of the first and second level, running down into the central lake. The inhabitants, nine distinctly different races, also call it the "Land of the Azure Sun", referring to the huge crystal that lights the realm and bathes it in life-giving energy.

1st	The Dome
2nd		The Barn
3rd			Far Ground
4th				Stronghold
5th					Land's End
6th						Lakeshore
7th							Lower Field
8th								The Deep

The Levels

• 1^st Level: The Dome

This level of Yliakum is closest to the Crystal, which grants a blessing and a curse. Because of the greatness of light, most farming is done here. In contrast some areas are like a desert due to the closeness of the Crystal and the heat it causes. There are lots of cities spread out over the Dome, but outside of Hydlaa you are most likely to visit the Kran city of Gugrontid, the Enkidukai city of Ojaveda and the Klyros city of Amdeneir. All mining is done in the Dome. The Bronze Doors that block access to the Stone Labyrinths are found on this level as well.

• 2^nd Level: The Barn or Upper Field

There is still enough light to grow good crops on this level. Some beasts are raised here that do not thrive in the hotter Dome. The mint that creates all money used in Yliakum is in the Barn.

• 3^rd Level: Far Ground

Pterosaurs and Megaras are raised here amongst the forests. Wood is carefully harvested with strict allocations managed by the Octarch and his specially trained foresters.

• 4^th Level: The Forge or Stronghold

This is where most of the heavy industry is. Keeping the upper levels free of smog is important, so most of the industry is located by the wall making use of huge natural vents; all smoke is funnelled into them. All large scale forging is done here, such as parts for the bronze doors, sewers, and winches.

• 5^th Level: Land’s End

Dominated by two huge waterfalls from the Irifon and Radiant Rivers that, after a long journey underground and along crevices, plunge down from the Forge and into Shore.

• 6^th Level: Lakeshore or The Lagoon

A semi-tropical marshy mangrove forest, the humid air constantly filled with mist from the waterfalls.

• 7^th Level: Lower Field

Seaweed cultivation is the most common aspect of this partially underwater level. The constant rising and falling of the lake floods the Lower Field on a regular basis. During periodic times of low water levels, the revealed land is covered in rich, silty bogs that form the base of many underwater crops when the water rises again. Most Nolthrir make their home on this level.

• 8^th Level: The Deep

No one has travelled to the crushing depths at the bottom of the lake. Creatures have been known to rise from the dark waters to attack boats and swimmers.

Levels 2^th-8^th: to be added in future versions.

History

The history of Yliakum starts in the First Epoch, where it was shaped from a cave containing the Azure Sun to it's present terraced shape, by Talad and Laanx.

In the Second Epoch, Yliakum was first inhabited by the newly created Kran and Lemur races. At the end of the epoch, Laanx left Yliakum, followed by many of the Lemurs.

Most of the other races living in Yliakum arrived in the Fourth Epoch.

Government

Eight dignitaries called "Octarch" rule Yliakum; each of them supervises and is responsible for one of the eight levels within the stalactite. It's important to note that the eight have not always been present, and still today the two lower levels are assigned to one Octarch only. Together they form the 'Circle of the Octarchs' or 'Internal Circle' that makes decisions regarding the livelihood and laws of all the people living in Yliakum.

Under the Octarchs there are twenty "Vigesimi", high civil servants that deal with law and order. There can be a maximum of 160 Vigesimi in total, but usually there are fewer and they form the "External Circle". At the beginning of every year there is a meeting of all Octarchs and Vigesimi that lasts for several months. During this time they evaluate all expenses and revenue of the previous year and attempt to deal with the various problems that have arisen since the previous meeting. Vigesimi normally come from the crafting guilds of each level and their position is hereditary. Nevertheless, it is not overly rare to see highly distinguished citizens elected due to popular acclaim, taking the place of a Vigesimi who have died, are judged inept or are found guilty of thievery or other crimes.

At the beginning of every season, the Vigesimi of a level gather for a meeting, usually directed by the Octarch personally. During these short meetings the members of the External Circle can elect a new Octarch if the current one has died or is near death. An Octarch cannot be removed, nevertheless in some cases the Octarch has been assassinated because they were too cruel, inept or dishonest. One of the most famous cases is the one of Fertedian Dalko, Octarch of the fourth level, who was tied to a hypnotised Megaras and sent straight towards the Crystal.

Races

Two races are native to Yliakum. The Kran created by Talad and the Lemur created by Laanx. Many other races arrived through the Stone Labyrinths, or from magical portals connected to other worlds. These races include the human-like Ylian, the elven races Dermorian and Nolthrir, the dwarfish Stonehammer clans of stonebreaker and hammerwielder and many others such as Diaboli, Enkidukai, Klyros, and the Ynnwn's.

Religion

Four clearly different religions are accepted publicly within the bounds of Yliakum, each centred on one of four gods. The worship of any other religion is outlawed and punished severely.

• Talad

Talad is often called the god of the people, having the largest following of all the gods. Though he holds great power and might, he is kind and just in his actions and asks the same of his followers. Even the most simple farmers or champions and protectors of the people choose to follow Talad.

• Laanx

Also known as the Masked or Masquerade God, Laanx demands perfection from his followers in all aspects of life. His chaotic nature encourages social manoeuvring to attain wealth and a higher station in society. For this reason, Laanx is often the chosen god of the rich or powerful.

• Xiosia

Xiosia is a goddess of nature. Her realm consists of Yliakum's ecosystem and the natural order of things, from birth to death and all between. Most often she is seen as the gentle goddess of nature, even though her volatile nature and short temper have become legendary. Because of this her followers range from peaceful gardeners to bloodthirsty rangers.

• Dakkru

As goddess of war and death, Dakkru is the only deity not residing in Yliakum. Her powers extend to all those who perish and end up in the Death Realm. She demands strong followers and worthy deaths. One great healer was once heard to say, "Only those I cannot save are worthy of death in Dakkru's name." Though warriors and killers make up the majority of her following, there are also a surprising number of hunters, farmers, and even healers among her ranks.

Rumours speak of yet another religion in the realm of Yliakum, though most commoners believe it to be a bedside tale used to frighten children into behaving. Dakkru's worshippers claim to hunt the followers of this unknown power, inflicting True Death upon them.

Since the gods are present in everyday life and it is even possible to speak with them on occasion, it is impossible for any sane person to honestly claim they do not believe the gods exist. Any who claim this can be punished by law if they should attempt to encourage others in this misguided belief. Some citizens follow more than one God and a small minority choose to not follow any of the gods.