Ir-Khazin
| Ir-Khazin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Transit Monitoring Post and Garrison Enclave |
| Location | Khargaath Range, 170 miles east of Djes-Val |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Inhabitants | Orasian |
| Controlled by | Council of Stone |
| Significance | Transit control station for long-range Deep Road movement; houses secondary garrison and inspection functions |
Ir-Khazin is a closed-structure Deep Road outpost located approximately 50 miles west of Mar-Thal, on the long corridor from Djes-Val. It serves primarily as a transit monitoring site and partial garrison node for Stonewarden patrols operating between the midline settlement of Tarn-Vareth and the fortified city at the western terminus. The post handles logistical tracking, late-stage inspections, and rest rotations for long-route convoys.
Geography
Positioned at a downward bend in the corridor, Ir-Khazin occupies a reinforced chamber beneath a stable stone shelf. Unlike junction settlements or surface-tied stations, the outpost is fully enclosed, with tiered levels descending into functional sections. It includes dedicated inspection platforms, storage vaults, and isolation alcoves for temporary detainment or repair work.
History
Established during post-expansion standardization of the Khargaath route, Ir-Khazin was built to correct for gaps in security and cargo consistency. Its central shaft originally served as a pressure management tunnel but was repurposed as a vertical movement conduit during later restructuring. The name refers to an older inventory term, meaning “held point of transit.”
Functions and Features
- Manifest Chamber – Secure vault where cargo logs and transit clearance records are cross-verified.
- Lower Hold – Barrack space and storage for Stonewarden squads in rotation.
- Shaft Lift – Manually operated platform system connecting two vertical tiers of the outpost.
- Isolation Wing – Sealed chambers for noncompliant travelers or cargo requiring hold review.
Culture and Ritual
Personnel at Ir-Khazin operate on structured shifts with limited contact between teams to reduce operational fatigue. Communication is limited to procedural exchanges. No spiritual activity or civic practice is conducted within the outpost boundaries.
Defenses and Watch
Full-time watch rotation is maintained, with three independent monitoring positions covering eastbound, westbound, and vertical chamber access. Defensive measures include reinforced gate seals, internal lockpoints, and secure evacuation pathways toward upper air tunnels in case of structural compromise.
Threats and Dangers
Known risks include air stagnation near the lower levels, structural resonance faults in the western corridor, and occasional noncompliance from isolated caravans. While no surface breach threats exist, internal stress cycles require regular structural adjustment to avoid segment collapse.