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Durnakhar / D2

The Rooted EscarpmentWater between inhabited ledges

The homes are close.
The gorge stays open.

Follow water through a basalt gorge of sheltered homes, rooted courtyards and working terraces. Beyond the neighbourhoods, a Veinstar Simurgh rests and flies among the open ledges.

Locate D2 on the map Begin the journey ↗13 journey images · 1 fauna reference

Within the basalt: Homes and galleries rest on sheltered ledges. Exposed rock remains between them, with roots and gardens following the available ground.
Water close at hand: Springs feed basins and narrow channels. Residents tend the flow through gardens, workshops and places of rest.
Lives of their own: Shared loads, market exchanges and open kitchens sustain the neighbourhoods. On the distant ledges, the Simurgh has room to move.

14 views

01 / Into the gorge

Where the Springs Gather

Enter the inhabited escarpment through water, stone and a shared crossing.

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A damp passage opens onto a basalt gorge. Homes occupy sheltered ledges between exposed rock, roots, gardens and descending water. — D2-00
The Rooted Escarpment
A damp passage opens onto a basalt gorge. Homes occupy sheltered ledges between exposed rock, roots, gardens and descending water.
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At The Spring Galleries, a resident fills a clay vessel beneath a stone spout. Another carries water along the sheltered passage. — D2-R01
Where the Springs Gather
At The Spring Galleries, a resident fills a clay vessel beneath a stone spout. Another carries water along the sheltered passage.
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Two residents carry a broad basket across a short bridge. Their shared pace brings the load between the close walls of the gorge. — D2-R02
Across the Short Span
Two residents carry a broad basket across a short bridge. Their shared pace brings the load between the close walls of the gorge.
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02 / The life of the courts

Work and Common Ground

Open kitchens, patient craft and provisions brought to market.

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Food is prepared beside an open kitchen while neighbours tend a raised garden and talk at a small table. The courtyard holds several lives at once. — D2-R03
The Root Courts
Food is prepared beside an open kitchen while neighbours tend a raised garden and talk at a small table. The courtyard holds several lives at once.
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Two artisans steady a dark stone slab and examine its polished face. Water and tools remain close at hand beneath the workshop roof. — D2-R04
A Surface Made Clear
Two artisans steady a dark stone slab and examine its polished face. Water and tools remain close at hand beneath the workshop roof.
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A bundle of provisions passes across a market stall. Produce, textiles and everyday supplies gather beside the stone basin. — D2-R05
The Basin Market
A bundle of provisions passes across a market stall. Produce, textiles and everyday supplies gather beside the stone basin.
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03 / Channels and quiet pools

Water Kept in Motion

A flow tended through the gardens, then a place to rest beside it.

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One resident adjusts a small gate while another checks the water below. Narrow channels carry the flow between the planted terraces. — D2-R06
Water Kept in Motion
One resident adjusts a small gate while another checks the water below. Narrow channels carry the flow between the planted terraces.
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Two men sit at the edge of a sheltered pool, talking with their feet in the water. Other bathers find quieter places beneath the rock and timber roof. — D2-R07
A Quiet Pool
Two men sit at the edge of a sheltered pool, talking with their feet in the water. Other bathers find quieter places beneath the rock and timber roof.
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04 / The Far Ledges

Plumage Above the Water

Beyond the close streets, the Simurgh follows its own life among the ledges.

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Beyond the rooted homes, the gorge opens into a sweep of basalt ledges, falling water and scattered trees. A wet stone path follows the last sheltered rooms toward the open escarpment. — D2-R08
Beyond the Rooted Walls
Beyond the rooted homes, the gorge opens into a sweep of basalt ledges, falling water and scattered trees. A wet stone path follows the last sheltered rooms toward the open escarpment.
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On an open ledge above the falls, a Veinstar Simurgh turns to groom its shoulder feathers. Its long tail rests along the rock. — D2-R09
Plumage Above the Water
On an open ledge above the falls, a Veinstar Simurgh turns to groom its shoulder feathers. Its long tail rests along the rock.
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The Simurgh banks between distant ledges, both wings open. Its long feathered tail follows the turn above the falling water. — D2-R10
Between the Far Ledges
The Simurgh banks between distant ledges, both wings open. Its long feathered tail follows the turn above the falling water.
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05 / Back among the houses

The Water Still Runs

Provisions arrive, a small gesture is offered, and the neighbourhood carries on.

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A basket comes to rest on a stone bench. A dry cloth is offered from within the room while a meal takes shape beside the open doorway. — D2-R11
A Place to Set Things Down
A basket comes to rest on a stone bench. A dry cloth is offered from within the room while a meal takes shape beside the open doorway.
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Along The Waterward Walk, a conversation lingers beneath a porch and a curtain is gathered above. Warm rooms remain occupied as water descends beside the path. — D2-R12
The Water Still Runs
Along The Waterward Walk, a conversation lingers beneath a porch and a curtain is gathered above. Warm rooms remain occupied as water descends beside the path.
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Fauna of Durnakhar

Veinstar Simurgh

A separate view of the great bird and its distinctive plumage.

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SIMURGH · Veinstar Simurgh

A Veinstar Simurgh stands on a broad mountain ledge. Graphite feathers carry green iridescence and pale branching patterns, continuing into its long, divided train. — SIMURGH
Veinstar Simurgh
A Veinstar Simurgh stands on a broad mountain ledge. Graphite feathers carry green iridescence and pale branching patterns, continuing into its long, divided train.
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Find a place

Along the living gorge.

The Spring GalleriesWater gathered along sheltered passages. The Root CourtsOpen kitchens, planted beds and shared tables. The Wetstone TerracesPolished stone and a close attention to its surface. The Basin MarketEveryday provisions beside the water. The Sheltered PoolsBathing, conversation and quiet places. The Far LedgesOpen rock and space for the Simurgh. The Waterward WalkWarm homes beside the descending flow.