7 floors · levels 701–1050
The Underworld
The descending arm of the shaman's journey. The telling counts the underworld as seven layers and Balbal builds seven: it starts at Erlik's iron gate, crosses nine dark rivers, and climbs from Shahmaran's cave to the inscriptions of the Eternal Stones. The tone darkens and the palette moves to red and violet.
Floors
Erlik's Gate
The iron gate that opens into the underworld. A hot red light leaks from behind it.
The Nine Rivers
The nine dark rivers of the underworld. The tiles are laid out like bridges.
Shahmaran's Cave
The home of the serpent queen. Scaled patterns on the walls, green phosphor light.
The Dark Lake
Black water with no visible bottom. A single pale reflection on the surface.
The Iron Tent
Erlik's tent of iron. The sound of an anvil, sparks, heavy metal surfaces.
The Ghoul Desert
A sea of sand under moonlight. Indistinct shapes moving in the distance.
The Eternal Stones
The field where the inscribed stones stand; the sign that the surface is near. Tamgas cut into stone.