- For the anthology, see Under the Vale and Other Tales of Valdemar.
This fictional essay explains features of Tayledras Vales: what they do, how they work, and how they are constructed.
Overview[]
The essay begins by discussing magic before the Cataclysm, and the efforts afterward to contain the effects of that event. The Tayledras culture arose to continue that work, drawing in the wild magic and applying progressively tighter forms of order upon the wild magic of the Pelagirs.
The question concerning the reordering of wild magic, especially before the Storms, shouldn’t have been “that’s all they’ve done for a thousand years?” but rather, “They made it THAT far?”
As the work within reach of a Vale is completed, Tayledras Scouts seek new locations for new Vales.
"Ideally, a Vale should begin with a ravine at least ten stories deep, with a steady-flowing stream originating from mountain runoff or natural springs."
Stonecrafting is used to build a Vale, as well as magical digging. A tunnel burrowed in a circle around the planned Heartstone location will provide the basis for the water distribution, Heartstone cooling system, and the radiating underground magical tuning channels. Other utilities, both mundane and magical, are also built.
Characters[]
- Kal’enel
- Khal Herta - mage who began uplifting the hertasi
- Ma'ar
- Urtho
- Vykaendys
Places[]
- Dhorisha Shin’a (the Plains of Sacrifice) - created by Kal’enel
- Iftel
- k'Hala Vale - the first Vale and the only spherical Vale ever made, abandoned, under Haven
- Ka'venusho - pre-cataclysm location related to the Dhorisha Plains
- Lake Evendim
- Pelagirs - where Kal’enel put the excess energy after creating the Dhorisha Shin'a
- Predain - pre-cataclysm location related to Lake Evendim
- Urtho's Tower
Concepts and Terminology[]
- Cataclysm
- Dyheli
- Ekele
- Gryphon
- Hawkbrother
- Heartstone
- Hertasi
- Ley-Lines
- Tayledras
- Uplifting
- Vale
- Veil
See also[]
- "The Hawkbrothers' Ways" - essay on Tayledras funerary customs
- The Valdemar Anthology series