14 floors · levels 1–700
The Middle World
The realm people live in. The journey starts here, because the middle world is by definition where a person stands: steppe, tent, lake, barrow, summer pasture. The palettes stay on an axis of green, gold and earth; this realm grows sideways rather than upward — a geography, not a pile.
Floors
The Steppe
Endless grassland, a low evening sun, a single tent silhouette on the horizon.
The World Tree
The trunk of the world tree. Bark texture, moss, light leaking through the gaps.
The Khan's Tent
Inside the khan's tent. Kilim weave, hearth light, a kopuz hanging on the wall.
The White Lake
A lake made of mirror. The tiles rest on the water with their reflections beneath them.
The Barrow
Stone barrows on the steppe and the balbal statues that guard them. Dusk.
Summer Pasture
High pasture, fields of flowers, the valley below. The brightest floor of the year.
Winter Camp
A camp under snow. Ayaz Ata's season; breath turns to steam.
Shaman's Wood
Birch trees, coloured ribbons tied to the branches, the sound of a drum.
The Caravan Road
The courtyard of a caravanserai. Bales of silk, camels, dusty afternoon light.
Nowruz Feast
The first day of spring. Fires are lit and leapt over; everything is red and green.
Hidrellez Night
Wishes tied to the wish tree, a branch of roses, moonlight on the water.
The Bards' Night
The night the bards gather. Half dark, the hearth the only source of light.
Otuken
The sacred forest-mountain, counted as the centre of the khanate. Old trees, fog, stone altars.
The Iron Gate
The Iron Gate — the pass at the edge of the known world. Beyond it, darkness: this is the mouth of the descent.