Submission (#307) Approved
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15 April 2025, 20:12:37 CDT (4 weeks ago)
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15 April 2025, 22:21:42 CDT (4 weeks ago) by BrokenBottleChandelier
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The village of Stælum
Pronounced: "Stay-luhm"
Stælum is a settlement on the second layer of the cascades, the layer of falling spines. This village is comprised of several shelf-like platforms built on the sides of verdant stoney spires.
Inspired by the shelf mushrooms that grow on the spire bases and trees in the shaded marshes below the stone canopy, the first Tatsu-made base was founded by the adventurer's guild of Blackpool. This base was originally built as a refuge from the very common floods that occur in the underbrush due to liminal space and a majority of the ground being made up of unabsorbant natural stone, however, over the years, tatsukoi that have passed through the second layer came across the base and stayed there to rest before moving on. All of these climbers eventually passed on word of mouth to many others in the higher layers, sparking curiosity and opportunity in many. As the bases grew more and more crowded, the need for not only larger, but more bases on other nearby spires grew tremendously. Some spires have multiple, various sized bases, others only have one larger base, and these bases are connected by rope ladders, wooden bridges, and carved out tunnels.
A majority of the hut-like buildings are made up of slim dried grass bales that are tied together with rope, large tree leaves, and some clay. These light-weight structures help with overall weight stability of the platforms while providing ample shelter for all residents. The spires that Staelum are built upon are covered in various plants: from vines, bonsai, and other long-limbed trees to bamboo and blooming flower patches. Birds of all kinds flock and migrate from every layer of the cascades to nest in the safety of the heights due to its environment. These spires are almost entirely vertical, only sporting walkable surfaces very few and far between. Some have even taken it upon themselves to avoid the ladders and paths others have made to full on rock climb the heights for sport. A layer of misty clouds shrouds the marshes below Staelum. These marshes have an abundance of life growing in and around them thanks to the heavy vegetation and deep waters.
These spire bases have become a popular spot for tourists, as the view from them over the ocean's surface is immaculate. Nobody knows who or what started it, but it has become tradition to light paper lanterns in the peak of summer, when the sun reaches it's highest. These night-time festivals have become a favorite among the residents of Stælum. It's rumored by elders and children alike, that these lanterns add stars into the night sky as they float away, carrying the dreams and wishes of those who release them into the heavens. There is also a fun balloon glow festival that takes place around the fall transition into winter where groups of tatsukoi are taken in hot air balloons and lifted over the ocean to view the various lights of the cascades as the sun sets over the horizon and winter officially carries in. Both of these famous festivals have given Stælum its title of "Luminous heights" in the other layers.
Pronounced: "Stay-luhm"
Stælum is a settlement on the second layer of the cascades, the layer of falling spines. This village is comprised of several shelf-like platforms built on the sides of verdant stoney spires.
Inspired by the shelf mushrooms that grow on the spire bases and trees in the shaded marshes below the stone canopy, the first Tatsu-made base was founded by the adventurer's guild of Blackpool. This base was originally built as a refuge from the very common floods that occur in the underbrush due to liminal space and a majority of the ground being made up of unabsorbant natural stone, however, over the years, tatsukoi that have passed through the second layer came across the base and stayed there to rest before moving on. All of these climbers eventually passed on word of mouth to many others in the higher layers, sparking curiosity and opportunity in many. As the bases grew more and more crowded, the need for not only larger, but more bases on other nearby spires grew tremendously. Some spires have multiple, various sized bases, others only have one larger base, and these bases are connected by rope ladders, wooden bridges, and carved out tunnels.
A majority of the hut-like buildings are made up of slim dried grass bales that are tied together with rope, large tree leaves, and some clay. These light-weight structures help with overall weight stability of the platforms while providing ample shelter for all residents. The spires that Staelum are built upon are covered in various plants: from vines, bonsai, and other long-limbed trees to bamboo and blooming flower patches. Birds of all kinds flock and migrate from every layer of the cascades to nest in the safety of the heights due to its environment. These spires are almost entirely vertical, only sporting walkable surfaces very few and far between. Some have even taken it upon themselves to avoid the ladders and paths others have made to full on rock climb the heights for sport. A layer of misty clouds shrouds the marshes below Staelum. These marshes have an abundance of life growing in and around them thanks to the heavy vegetation and deep waters.
These spire bases have become a popular spot for tourists, as the view from them over the ocean's surface is immaculate. Nobody knows who or what started it, but it has become tradition to light paper lanterns in the peak of summer, when the sun reaches it's highest. These night-time festivals have become a favorite among the residents of Stælum. It's rumored by elders and children alike, that these lanterns add stars into the night sky as they float away, carrying the dreams and wishes of those who release them into the heavens. There is also a fun balloon glow festival that takes place around the fall transition into winter where groups of tatsukoi are taken in hot air balloons and lifted over the ocean to view the various lights of the cascades as the sun sets over the horizon and winter officially carries in. Both of these famous festivals have given Stælum its title of "Luminous heights" in the other layers.
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