The realm of the alfar lies under the barren Moldar plains, and is known (in the alfar tongue) as Nagast. It consists of a network of huge caverns, some of which are of natural origin, and some of which were hewn out by Melek before he led the alfar underground. The major caverns are surrounded by a vast number of minor ones, many of which have been dug out by the alfar and their multitudes of slaves. Well-kept alfar-made canals and passageways connect the main settlements, while the rock between them is perforated by a countless number of cracks, tunnels and subterranean rivers.
Heavy cargo is transported on barges, which traverse the many canals and subterranean rivers of Nagast. Engineers (and the ever-present teams of slaves) are constantly expanding the network of navigable canals, and in most cases, travelling by barge is a comfortable alternative. All passageways and canals are considered royal property, and are under the direct jurisdiction of the army and the priesthood. Black Robe Brotherhood patrols keep the main travel routes safe, delivering justice to any highwaymen.
The central cavern, called Dun Mardukar, is the largest. The other main caverns lie in a loose pattern surrounding the Mardukar, and are connected to it by a number of broad canals and passageways.
The climate of the caverns varies, but is generally quite warm and humid. This is the work of Melek, who readied the caverns for habitation before leading his people into them. The variations between caverns are a result of the flickering, unpredictable nature of Melek’s will.
rees
and flowers
The Arkin is a tree-like plant that is common throughout Agon’s subterranean lands. Its solid wood is harvested by both dwarves and alfar, and is used for making furniture, siege engines, and support beams for buildings and mineshafts. To grow, the arkin needs darkness and a great deal of water. It tends to grow in shallow lakes, near subterranean river, or in caverns where the soil is exceptionally moist. When conditions are good, the arkin grows quickly and spreads quickly, colonizing the area.
Arkin wood is a dark shade of purple, with occasional patches of black. It has a rough, gnarled texture, much like an ancient oak of the surface lands; its trunk is thick but short, and a fully-grown specimen stands little more than two meters tall. From the trunk, a mass of purple branches spread in all directions, shaping a canopy overhanging the water.
Spindly dark green strands hang from the branches of the arkin tree, reaching down towards the moisture below. If the tree stands in shallow water, the strands are immersed in it; if it stands in moist soil, the strands lie stretched on the ground, sucking up moisture.
The djuprose is a beautiful, fragile flower, which grows only in the deep places of the world. Its petals are a light shade of red surrounding a black stigma. It has no stem, and appears to be attached directly to the rock from which it emerges. The djuprose is hard and exceptionally brittle, and at the slightest contact, it dissolves in a burst of colour which floats along with movements in the air. Within days, new flowers emerge from the rock where the scattered spore-dust landed. The djuprose grows on rock of all kind, but not on soil or dirt, and it does not thrive in sunlight. In some cavern, the djuprose grows on the stone floor, along the walls and in wind-shaped patterns on the ceiling.
While red is the most common colour, yellow, blue and orange variants are also found. In some places, djuprose of different colours grow side-by-side, forming beautiful patterns.
