Terra
The stone heart of the element of Earth, Terra is perhaps best known for its abundant supply of rare minerals, including precious metals and gemstones. Extending further below the surface than any other Realm, the bulk of this realm exists underground.
Geography
The Realm of Earth has perhaps the most varied landscapes of any elemental plane, excepting perhaps the multivaried islands of Oceanus. Terra's mountainous surface boasts snow-capped peaks as well as hilly lowlands, flats, mesas, and valleys. These areas vary from their Primus counterparts mainly by aridity, having less presence of elemental water in their cosmic makeup. The surface level is also pierced by deep caverns that offer access to the robust underground of the plane.
Terra's underground composes most of its territory. Many caverns are large enough to host enormous cities, but more commonly the settlements of Terra are carved through the stone. Such settlements must be warded against the constant shifting of Earth, however, as Terra is prone to seismic shifts and sinkholes.
All manner of mineral can be found within the Realm of Earth, making its caverns a many-splendoured labyrinth of vibrant colour.
Ecosystem
Terra's surface economy functions similarly to mountainous regions on prime, hosting similar species and subject to similar weather patterns. Its underground is highly comparable to the underdark, though with a different roster of indigenous species.
Localized Phenomena
The Elemental purity of the realm causes it to be more arid than mountainous regions on Prime, which have more elemental water, and denser than the underdark which pervades most Realms, owing to the lesser concentration of air.
Moreover, despite its reputation for solidity, Terra is a chaotic realm. Visitors are soon forced to reckon with the constant evolution of stone, mixing, shifting, heating and cooling, condensing and breaking. Terra's rockslides, earthquakes, and sinkholes are common and natural expressions of its elemental nature.
Climate
The surface regions of Terra experience common dust-storms, and less rain than their Prime counterparts, but are otherwise comparable.
Fauna & Flora
While plant life is commonly associated with the element of earth, due to its rooted nature, the lessened presence of water, air, and sunlight in this realm makes it overall less verdant than more-balanced Primus. Drought-resistant plant life still thrives on its surface, however, especially near the borders. And owing to the mineral richness, many species of fungus and lichen thrive in its caverns. Surface agriculturalists who can manage the water scarcity are able to raise nearly any kind of plant owing to the wide variety of soil types.
Any creature which can thrive in a rocky environment thrives on the surface of Terra, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougars, jackals, and foxes, as well as lizards, rattlesnakes, condors, eagles and other raptors. Its underground provides a suitable home for various bats, lizards, and even cave fish in its rare mineral pools, as well as all manner of non-bestial life including ropers, piercers, xorns, and all manner of earth elemental.
Natural Resources
Terra is most famed for its unending mineral supply, though mining rights are jealously guarded.
Tourism
Many travel to terra to visit its impressive gemstone caverns, as well as the numerous fossils preserved and carried through the shifting earth.
Alternative Name(s)
Realm of Earth
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