The Regions of Aluria - Zhë Tiró Álurhnáyá


Lhékáná

Location: In the eastern section of Kániltóm, the main continent. Bounded on the east by the Eastern Mountains and Kritsen, on the north by Geneshlěcá, on the west by Lyívná, and on the south by Ásketáná. The region is the only entirely landlocked one on the planet, having no direct access to the ocean.

Geography: The most prominent feature of Lhékáná, and the one for which it is named, is the great lake, or Zárre Lhékán in the Aluric language. The lake is approximately the size of the Caspian Sea on Earth, and is the largest and deepest inland body of water on the planet, reaching depths of over three miles in spots. The lake has a rich variety of wildlife, both land and aquatic forms.

Other notable features in Lhékáná include the Lháshensá (misty) hills on the west side of the lake, a region whose perpetual mist has provided Alurian storytellers with a great deal of material. In addition, the southern section of Lhékaná, in contrast to the well watered, flourishing region around the lake itself, contains the Shánázár Desert. Smaller than its western cousin, the Lezánthá, it is however much drier. The desert itself covers an area only the size of Texas, but the arid section includes twice that much, some of which is in the region of Ásketáná. The desert is caused by the harsh ridges of the Eastern mountains at that point, which prevent streams from draining into the desert area, redirecting their water instead further south into Ásketáná. A small range of mountains on the south side blocks the winds from bringing ocean formed rains into the area, and the prevailing winds in Lhékáná itself favor the north east rather than the south.

On the eastern and southern sides of the lake, backed up against the mountain range at the border with Kritsen and reaching into the valleys south of the lake to the desert, is an area known as the Ilddánthá, or production area. This province of Lhékáná covers an area approximately the size of New England and New York State and is the primary manufacturing district of the planet. All factories in this area are, however, underground and highly automated. Above ground there are homes for those who tend the factories, some farms, and large reserves of land made into parks and gardens.

Culture: Lhékáná was actually composed of several small independent states before the Enesnerrëvensës or Unification. Each of these has a distinct flavor, although they all share similar cultural bonds which have strengthened since their becoming a single political entity. Lháshná in the west among the Lháshensá (misty) hills is known contrastingly for its warmth and friendliness. The inhabitants of this area stand out from others because they each maintain a Shulánsá Hólen or Welcoming seat at their table in addition to the number required for their own family. The Shulánsá Hólen is used as a special place, reserved to show that visitors are always welcome no matter when they arrive.

Other provinces within Lhékáná are known for their fishing villages, especially along the lake itself, or for their works, especially in the Ilddánthá. The lake district itself, especially around the city of Lhékáná, is a tourist spot of some importance and scenic cruises on the lake, showing the Kritsenese mountains in the background, are plentiful and definitely worth taking.


This page last updated on 11/07/04  - Úmázhë Ólevá Ányexelényű: 14 Lhányel˙ '56