The Coppermind

Difference between revisions of "Purelake"

Purelake (edit)

Revision as of 01:26, 15 August 2023

10,979 bytes added ,  9 months ago
→‎Era of Solitude
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
{{geography
|image=Ishikk Purelake by Connor Chamberlain.jpg
|type={{cat tag|water body|Lake}}
|region=Sela Tales
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
}}{{update|book=sa3}}
{{exemplary}}
{{quote
|The Purelake seemed to extend forever, wide as an ocean... Rock outcrops broke the lake near the coast, but inward the Purelake grew placid, more empty.
|The Purelake was life itself.
|[[IshikkSzeth]]'s description of the Purelake{{book ref|twok|isa3|192}}
}}
The '''Purelake''' is an area of land located in north central [[Roshar]]{{map ref|Roshar}} that is covered in a shallow lake.{{book ref|twok|i|1}}
 
The '''Purelake''' is a shallow inland lake located in north central [[Roshar]].{{map ref|Roshar}} The people of the region are known as '''Purelakers''' and are ethnically [[Selay]].{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
While the people of the Purelake are ethnically [[Selay]], they refer to themselves as '''Purelakers'''.
 
The Purelake is influenced, in some way, by [[Cultivation]], although it predates her.{{wob ref|460}} It is unknown if she has a secondary [[perpendicularity]] in the Purelake.{{wob ref|11987}}
 
== Geography and Environment ==
== Ecology ==
=== Geography ===
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
The Purelake is a large lake that has an average depth of about midcalf, with its greatest depth being around six feet.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} Its surface was typically calm and crystal clear, despite the tides. It was hundreds of miles wide. The lake bottom had small ridges and sharp ledges of rock.
The Purelake is a large, shallow lake that is hundreds of miles wide.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} It is separated from the [[Reshi Sea]] by the nation of [[Marabethia]]. The Purelake borders the nations of [[Tu Bayla]] to the east, [[Yulay]] to the south, and [[Babatharnam]] to the west.{{map ref|Roshar}} In [[Shadesmar]], the Purelake is a mountain range.{{map ref|Shadesmar}} The depth of the lake in the [[Physical Realm]] is not related to how it appears in the [[Cognitive Realm|Cognitive]].{{wob ref|2889}}
 
The waters of the Purelake are warm and crystal-clear, and the surface typically calm and smooth despite the tides. The lake has an average depth of about midcalf, though at some spots it reaches depths of around six feet. These deepest spots likely coincide with the sinkholes in the lake.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}{{book ref|sa3|98}} The lake bottom has small ridges and sharp ledges of rock, which can make walking through the Purelake precarious. Purelakers are skilled at navigating such terrain, knowing to test their footing before putting their weight down.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
It was separated from the [[Reshi Sea]] by the nation of [[Marabethia]].{{map ref|Roshar}} The Purelake bordered the nations of [[Tu Bayla]], [[Yulay]], and [[Babatharnam]].
 
It is unknown what type of, if any, mineral deposits can be found around the lake.{{wob ref|8514}}
=== Settlements ===
{{image|Map_Purelake.png|width=500px|side=left|Map of the Purelake}}
 
=== Locations ===
==== Settlements ====
Villages that can be found on the Purelake include:
{{columns|
*[[Fu Namir]]{{map ref|Roshar}}
*[[Fu Moorin]]{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
}}
 
It can be observed that the Selay word ''Fu'' is in some way related to settlements, as it appears in the names of all known Purelake settlements. The exact meaning of the word, however, is unknown.
 
==== Other Locations ====
Large structures have previously existed on the Purelake, though their continued existence is questioned by scholars. A large obsidian fortress once existed somewhere on the lake, prior to the [[Recreance]], but it is believed to have been destroyed. Modern-day Purelakers still speak of large structures existing on the lake, although this is dismissed by those outside the region as mythology.{{book ref|sa2|4}} This fortress is not related to the geography of the Purelake in the Cognitive Realm.{{wob ref|2889}}
 
A [[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreaker]] compound sits along the northern edge of the Purelake, in [[Marabethia]].{{book ref|sa3|90}}
<br style="clear:left;"></br>
 
=== Climate ===
{{quote
The weather of the Purelake is exceptionally warm.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} The temperature only lowers in a [[highstorm]]. The Purelake is so far west that highstorms are considerably weaker than in eastern Roshar,{{book ref|twok|i|4}} it is possible to remain outside while they occur. During a storm the Purelake drains into holes and pits in the ground. Those outside would simply take shelter behind a ridge and wait the storm out.
|Like an endless bay, mere feet deep. Warm water. Calm breezes.
|[[Zahel]]'s description of the Purelake{{book ref|sa2|81}}
}}
 
The Purelake has a tropical climate that is consistently both warm{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} and humid,{{book ref|sa3|90}} with calm breezes.{{book ref|sa2|81}} The passing of the [[highstorm]] is the only time the temperature drops and the lake's climate turns cold.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} The Purelake's weather is similar to that of [[Hallandren]], on the planet [[Nalthis]].{{book ref|sa2|81}}
 
The highstorm is weaker in the Purelake than it is further east, and although still a tempest, it is no longer strong enough to throw boulders or blow down exposed buildings. During a storm, the Purelake drains into holes and pits in the ground. Those outside will lodge their raft between ridges and use them as a windbreak to ride out the storm. {{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
=== Ecology ===
 
{{quote
|The Purelake was life itself.
|[[Ishikk]]'s description of the Purelake{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
}}
{{image|Purelake_1.jpeg|side=right|height=350px}}
 
The Purelake is home to an abundance of lifeforms such as fish, [[cremling]]s, and [[riverspren]].{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} The area is also known for having small brown flies, similar in appearance to [[hungerspren]].{{book ref|sa3|19}} Trees can be found on the shores of the Purelake,{{book ref|sa3|92}} along with a type of slug used to create a clothing dye known as [[Mycalin]] red.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}
 
The fish in the Purelake have magical properties{{book ref|sa3|90}} and form symbiotic bonds with [[spren]].{{wob ref|2109}} This [[Investiture]] does not come from [[Honor]],{{wob ref|11986}} but may come from [[Cultivation]].{{wob ref|460}} The magical nature of these fish is similar to that of [[Aviar]] from the island [[Patji (island)|Patji]], on the planet [[First of the Sun]].{{wob ref|8201}}
 
The exact magical manifestations of these animals is unknown. The local inhabitants believe certain creatures to imbue specific supernatural gifts; however, it is yet to be seen whether the Purelakers' superstitions are based in fact or fiction. While it may be the case that these fish grant the abilities specified by the native inhabitants, it is uncertain whether the Purelaker religion correlates directly with the magical properties of these lifeforms.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
==== Types of Lifeforms ====
*[[Kolgril]]
The Purelake is home to many species of fish, such as the [[kolgril]] and [[Stumpy Cort|stumpy cort]].{{book ref|twok|i|1}} It also contains [[cremling]]s and [[spikemane]]. [[Riverspren]] are also common in the Purelake.
*[[Stumpy Cort]]
*[[wikipedia:Minnow|Minnow]]
*[[Spikemane]]
 
== History ==
The Purelake existed prior to the arrival of [[Shards]] on [[Roshar]],{{wob ref|460}} likely created by [[Adonalsium]] when he created the system.
Once, the Purelake was under the control of [[Sela Tales]], one of the [[Silver Kingdoms]].{{book ref|twok|i|1}} However, after the collapse of Sela Tales, possibly due to the [[Hierocracy]], no nation had claimed the Purelake. It appears that it had no centralized system of government after the fall of Sela Tales, mostly acting as a series of autonomous villages.
 
=== Epoch Kingdoms ===
In his youth, [[Dalinar Kholin]] traveled to the west of Roshar and visited the Purelake,{{book ref|twok|22}} but he'd never had a chance to see the center.{{book ref|wor|4}} The [[Azir|Azish]] were surprised that he would want to go there.{{book ref|wor|4}}
During the time of the [[Silver Kingdoms]], the Purelake was controlled by [[Sela Tales]].{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} When the kingdom disintegrated, the region splintered, with the Purelake seeming to become its own country.
 
At some point prior to the [[Recreance]], one of [[Sja-anat]]'s spies and a [[thunderclast]] attacked a group of soldiers near an obsidian fortress assumed to be on the Purelake. [[Dalinar]] visited the battle in a vision provided to him by the [[Stormfather]].{{book ref|sa2|4}}
Several [[Worldhopper]]s, including [[Galladon]] and [[Demoux]], likely members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]], visited the Purelake while hunting for [[Hoid]], possibly following a false trail he left for them.{{epigraph ref|twok|26}}
 
=== Era of Solitude ===
After the [[Battle of Narak]] Dalinar receives information that a plague is affecting the Purelake.{{book ref|wor|89}}
In his youth, Dalinar traveled to the west of [[Roshar]] and visited the border of the Purelake, but he never had the chance to see the center.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa2|4}} Although he has wished to explore the region more when visiting nearby countries, he was never able to find the time.{{book ref|sa2|4}}
{{image|Purelake 2.jpeg|width=400px|side=left|Scenery of the Purelake}}
 
In the year {{Rosharan date|1173}} three members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]], [[Galladon]], [[Demoux]], and [[Baon]], traveled to the Purelake, believing it to be the current location of [[Hoid]].{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} To try and find him, they enlisted the help of a Purelaker, [[Ishikk]], who traveled to the different Purelake villages over the span of five months. Unbeknownst to Ishikk, the trail he was following had been falsely laid by Hoid to distract and avoid the Seventeenth Shard members who were seeking him.{{epigraph ref|sa1|26}} As such, Ishikk was ultimately unsuccessful and unable to find any evidence of Hoid having been in the area.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
Later that year, the Purelake experienced the spread of an off-world illness, the common cold, which had been transmitted to the locals by either the Seventeenth Shard members or another [[worldhopper]].{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{wob ref|912}} Kharbranth studied the plague, releasing information on their findings, in the end they declared that the plague was ultimately not deadly.{{book ref|sa4|23}}
 
=== The True Desolation ===
In {{Rosharan date|1174}}, a group of criminals escaped from a jail on the northern edge of the Purelake. The [[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]] were called in to catch the escapees, who had broken out of the jail and fled. The Skybreaker acolytes were tasked with finding the criminals and bringing them to justice, with the exercise also testing their understanding of the law.{{book ref|sa3|92}}
 
Following the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], [[Iri]], with the help of [[Odium]]'s forces, captured most of the western kingdoms, which may have included the Purelake.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 
== Politics ==
During the [[Silver Kingdoms]], the Purelake was governed by the king of [[Sela Tales]]. After the fall of the [[Epoch Kingdoms]], it appears that the Purelake broke away from the surrounding lands and established sovereignty, with local inhabitants forming autonomous villages. Modern-day Purelakers are more likely to define themselves based on their geography than country borders.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
People who live outside of the Purelake find the inhabitants to be strange, and do not understand the appeal of living within a lake. The [[Azish]] are particularly dismissive of the region, believing that there is nothing of consequence on the lake, and are baffled why anyone would want to visit the area.{{book ref|sa2|4}}{{book ref|sa3|92}}
 
Unlike the eastern countries on [[Roshar]], the Purelake is not known to be overly confrontational or involved in internal, or external, fighting.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
The region may now be under the control of [[Odium]]'s forces, with the surround lands having been captured by [[Iri]] and the [[Fused]]. Iri may have wished to have control of the Purelake for several generations.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 
== Culture ==
The Purelake is sparsely populated, with inhabitants living in small remote villages.{{wob ref|5081}} These settlements are most likely connected through trade, as many Purelakers work as fishermen who will travel around in order to sell their stock. Most Purelakers own a raft that they use for sleep and to transport items.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
=== Attitude & Way of Life ===
The overwhelming personality trait of the Purelakers was a happy-go-lucky attitude.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} Any misfortunes were spoken of with happiness and amiability. They often moved slowly and deliberately, thinking of their actions and enjoying the day.
 
One of their weekdays is known as warli-day.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} Soup bowls on the Purelake are designed to allow for easy slurping.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
The Purelakers were also rather unconcerned with the notion of exact time, and did not understand why foreigners cared so much about it. As a whole they were rather unimpressed by foreigners, believing that they were constantly in a hurry and acted oddly due to the fact that they got too little sun. They did not understand why no foreigners would come to the Purelake to live, but they really did not want too many to come to the Purelake anyway.
=== Peoples ===
{{image|Skybreakers_Purelake.jpeg|width=300px|side=right|[[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreaker]] acolytes during a test at their stronghold in [[Marabethia]]}}
 
==== Purelakers ====
Many Purelakers were fisherman, who nomadically traveled the Purelake in search of rare fish. Most everyone also had a raft of some sort that they pulled behind them to carry things or sleep on.
{{quote
|A good Purelaker never covered his shoulders when the sun was shining. A man could get sick that way, not getting enough sunlight.
|Ishikk{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
}}
Purelakers are known for their long limbs, leathery skin, and dark hair.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} In general, they have happy-go-lucky attitudes and are rarely fazed by misfortune.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} They have a relaxed way of life and enjoy taking their time. They see no need to rush and will go about their tasks in a slow, leisurely manner, allowing themselves to think more about their actions and enjoy the day.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
Purelakers are also rather unconcerned with the notion of exact time, and do not understand why foreigners care so much about it.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} As a whole, they are rather unimpressed by foreigners, believing that they are constantly in a hurry and act oddly due to their avoidance of nature. Purelakers do not understand why anyone would not want to live on the Purelake, but, at the same time, do not want outsiders coming to fill up the area.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
=== Dress ===
Purelakers typically wore sandals when in the Purelake, never boots or anything that kept their feet from feeling the water.{{book ref|twok|i|1}} Their pants were also only knee-length, to keep from getting wet. The men of the Purelake also never wore shirts.
 
Purelakers typically wear sandals and knee-length pants so they can maximize their exposure to the lake. Men rarely cover their upper body, preferring to leave their shoulders and torsos bare to the sun.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} Despite Purelakers' preference for sun exposure, it is possible to purchase wide-brimmed hats in the region.{{book ref|sa3|49}} The fashion of the Purelake is known for being rather unchanging.{{book ref|sa3|49}}
=== Religion ===
The name of the Purelaker religion is as of yet unknown. They worshiped a god known as [[Nu Ralik]].{{book ref|twok|i|1}} However, according to mythology, Nu Ralik had a younger brother, a jealous god known as [[Vun Makak]]. The Purelakers felt that they had to appease Vun Makak by pretending to worship him. They believed he was the source of all their misfortunes, but pretended to praise him for them. They often voiced gratefulness for Vun Makak's curses. The only time they were free to worship Nu Ralik aloud was in one of their [[holy grotto]]s.
 
Purelakers' feet don't get wrinkled.{{wob ref|13944}}
=== Superstitions ===
The tides of the Purelake were also believed by some to show the lake's attitude, as well as predicting the future.{{book ref|twok|i|1}}
 
==== Skybreakers ====
The Purelakers also believed that ingesting certain types of fish would grant supernatural healing or other abilities.
The [[Order of Skybreakers|Skybreakers]] have a stronghold on the northern edge of the Purelake in [[Marabethia]] that is used to train acolytes. They will often use their surroundings for this training, including by placing items in the lake, to be used by the squires.{{book ref|sa3|90}}{{book ref|sa3|98}}
 
The Marabethian government is aware they are in the region and will contact the Skybreakers if they require assistance with enforcement.{{book ref|sa3|92}} It is unknown if the Purelakers are aware of the order's presence along their northern shore and how much contact they have with the Skybreakers.
*Kogril - Considered to be a very lucky fish, granting relief from joint pain and sometimes showing when friends would visit by looking at the shape of the clouds
 
Szeth visits the Purelake at some point before becoming a Skybreaker.{{book ref|sa3|92}}
*Stumpy cort - Would somehow allow a person to be tracked or located
 
=== ArchitectureSociety and Customs ===
{{quote
The Purelaker buildings have the appearance of [[rockbud]]s, with domed roofs. They are among the few things to break the surface of the Purelake.
|That bastion of culture and fashion! Are you going shopping in Bavland next?
|[[Havar]] making fun of [[Bashin]]'s Purelaker hat{{book ref|sa3|49}}
}}
 
Purelakers speak [[Selay]],{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} which is in the same language group as the languages of [[Iri]], the [[Reshi]] Islands, and other northwestern parts of Roshar.{{wob ref|3977}} The Purelake dialect is heavily influenced by the inhabitants' way of life and their religious beliefs, with many sayings relating to the weather, the lake, or their gods.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
The buildings of Purelakers are typically set up on blocks or stilts. However, they are still set a few inches below the water level, keeping the floor covered in water, with fish swimming in and out. The buildings sometimes drained during the highstorms.
 
Purelaker buildings have the appearance of [[rockbud]]s, with domed roofs. They are among the few things to break the surface of the Purelake.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} The buildings of Purelakers are typically built on blocks or stilts. However, they are still set a few inches below surface level, keeping the floor covered in water. The buildings will drain when the tide is low.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} Although housing exists, some Purelakers see no point in sleeping indoors, instead opting to sleep on rafts.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
=== Language ===
Purelakers speak Selay{{book ref|twok|i|1}}, which itself is part of a language family including those spoken in [[Iri]], [[Reshi]], and the rest of northern Roshar.{{wob ref|3977}} They have a variety of unique sayings, often related to weather, the lake, or religion:
*Nu Ralik forbid!
*by tide and sun
*to make a splash and ruckus
*Sun and tides send it!
*Vun Makak eye you.
 
Purelakers use a trade system that generates favors by providing products. The economy is likely heavily dependent on the fishing trade, with many Purelakers nomadically travelling the area in search of rare fish.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
Sayings related to the gods use Vun Makak when spoken aloud but Nu Ralik when used in one's thoughts.
 
Purelakers, like many [[Roshar]]ans, are inherently healthier than average due to the nature of Roshar's [[Investiture]]. Because of this, they are unaccustomed to illnesses, particularly those that are easily transmissible and able to spread across wide distances through infectious carriers. Their infrequent interaction with infectious illnesses makes them likely to unintentionally overstate the severity of a disease, due to its unfamiliarity.{{wob ref|912}}
== Notable People ==
 
=== Residents ===
Due to the region's low population density and pre-industrial society, waste accumulation does not pose any major concerns. Human waste is naturally broken down by the surrounding ecosystem and then removed by the [[highstorm]], while man-made trash either naturally breaks down on its own, if possible, or is removed by passing travelers.{{wob ref|5081}}
 
=== Religion ===
{{sidequote
|I swear it by Vun Makak. May he watch over me and curse me as he pleases.
|[[Ishikk]] deliberately swearing to [[Vun Makak]] instead of [[Nu Ralik]]{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
|side=right|size=350px
}}
 
Purelakers are known to be highly religious;{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} their religion is based on two gods, [[Nu Ralik]] and his younger brother [[Vun Makak]], and seemingly focused around the bestowment of suffering. Although the Purelakers consider Nu Ralik to be their true god, they must hide their worship of him, lest they anger his brother. According to mythology, Vun Makak is a spiteful god, prone to jealousy over the attention that is paid to his sibling. In order to deceive Vun Makak, the Purelakers only vocalize praises about the younger god and keep the name of their true god hidden.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} It is unclear whether the Purelakers have been successful in their trickery of Vun Makak.{{wob ref|3250}}
 
Holy grottos are the only places where Purelakers can voice their worship for Nu Ralik freely.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} It is unknown where these holy grottos are located and why the Purelakers believe them to be safe from Vun Makak's observation.
 
Outsiders do not understand the intricacies of the Purelaker religion, and will unwittingly speak of Nu Ralik freely.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}{{book ref|sa2|3}}
 
Vun Makak is said to approve of lies and false stories.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}} Nu Ralik is believed to provide the day.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
==== Superstitions ====
Purelakers hold a number of superstitious beliefs that are associated with the ecology and environment of the Purelake. Many types of fish are considered to have special abilities or provide certain powers. These superstitions influence many aspects of the Purelaker lifestyle; inhabitants tend towards exposing a large amount of skin, as the sun is believed to bring good health, while the magical properties of area's fauna affects the value of trade goods. Purelakers also believe that the tide of the lake can be used to predict the future.{{book ref|sa1|i|1}}
 
== Notable Purelakers ==
*[[Ishikk]] - Fisherman
*[[Maib]] - Cook
*[[Thaspic]] - Villager
*[[Gu]] - Boater in the [[Reshi Isles]]
 
=== Visitors ===
*[[Galladon]] - Grump
*[[Demoux]] - Thinker
*[[Blunt]] - Baon
 
== Notes ==
<references />
{{complete|[[User:LadyLameness|LadyLameness]] ([[User talk:LadyLameness|talk]]) 11:53, 22 May 2020 (UTC)}}
{{complete}}
{{Stormlight}}
Firesong
Editors
3,881

edits

Retrieved from "https://coppermind.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/77138...184064"