The Surface
The surface of the world of Reldaz (or at least as far that been explored around the borders of the Pit of Tartarus) is a vast rust covered wasteland. The Surface contains almost no life, is ragged and sharp, and is hardly worth exploring without being extremely powerful or magically gifted. This is due to the Iron Rain storms that happen on occasion on the surface. As a result, nothing grows on the surface, and any creatures that live on the surface are impaled quickly. All water becomes contaminated with rust as as a result of this, resulting in undrinkable red water.
Geography
The earth (once you clear out enough of the iron and rust) is a deep dark red color due to rust. There are some hills and even caves which have been dug out by creatures and even people of Elysium, but beyond that, it is an endless field of mixed fresh and rusted iron shard. Specifically protective shoes are required if you want to travel on the surface, and gods help you if you trip.
Ecosystem
Beyond a basic mold that covers some of the rust, the only other creatures that really thrive on the surface are Rust Monsters, but even they are rare. They gorge themselves on the vast fields of rust and grow to massive proportions as a result. However, they are passive to others unless provoked.
Ecosystem Cycles
There are the basic seasons as one would expect from a standard ecosystem (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) but this has very little effect on the surface in any capacity.
Localized Phenomena
The most common arcane phenomena is that of the Iron Rain. They appear as normal storm clouds, but they are quite loud, with the sound of thousands of the iron shards bumping one another. When unleashed, the noise is the sound of a thousand thousand nails falling. it is assumed this phenomena has always been around, as signs of the iron and rust have been found deep underground.
Climate
While the citizens of Elysium are unaware of the term, the surface around Elysium is of a temperate climate. For Elysium, the weather is just the weather for them and they don't have a frame of reference to compare it to.
Fauna & Flora
Beyond mold and Rust Monsters, there are no other flora and fauna that exist on the surface as far as Elysium is aware.
Natural Resources
Thanks to the vast Iron Rain, many smiths of Elysium come to the surface for short periods of time in order to collect fresh iron after the rains stop. It provides the city with a near endless supply of a very sturdy crafting material which they use for weapons, tools, buildings, defenses, and other various goods. Iron is so common that tools made of iron are extremely cheap.
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