Reth-Vareth
| Reth-Vareth | |
|---|---|
| Image |  |
| Type | Hill Town |
| Location | Southern Sanctuary Vale, Dural Hills, 20 miles northwest of Kar-Thal |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Inhabitants | Orasian |
| Significance | Primary settlement in the Dural Hills; logistical and agricultural support town for Kar-Thal |
| Controlled by | Council of Stone |
Introduction
Reth-Vareth is a stone-built town located within the Dural Hills, approximately 20 miles southeast of Kar-Thal. Positioned along one of the few stable terraces descending into the lower Sanctuary Vale, it functions as the largest and most established settlement in the foothills. The town supports stone farming, supply storage, and ceremonial preparation for travelers and initiates departing from the capital.
Geography
Built along a curved ridge with steady descent toward the Vale basin, Reth-Vareth is structured across two main levels: a civic upper terrace and a lower agricultural shelf. Stone buildings follow the natural contours of the terrain, with open plazas for storage and communal gathering. The surrounding hills are weathered and stony, dotted with Kire shrubs and worn marker stones.
History
Reth-Vareth developed as a waystation and training camp during the early expansion of Kar-Thal's outer holdings. As traffic toward the Vale increased and patrol routes were formalized, the town evolved into a permanent civic node. Its current layout reflects generations of modest expansion, supported by stone farming guilds and regional relay lines.
Notable Locations
- Upper Terrace Hall – Civic meeting house and record post
- Southern Storevaults – Tiered storage units cut into the hillside
- Reth Mark – A carved boundary stone designating the original edge of Kar-Thal’s civic reach
- East Signal Spur – Small relay tower used to pass directional tones between Dural Ridge points
Culture and Society
The town maintains a practical, service-oriented culture. Many residents are affiliated with logistical roles—stewards, handlers, stonecutters, or initiates awaiting trials. Speech is direct, and rites are minimal compared to Kar-Thal. Seasonal echo ceremonies mark the arrival and departure of Stonewarden patrols, but most civic functions are secular and recorded without resonance.
Economy
Reth-Vareth is economically centered on stone farming, regional transport, and basic provisioning. It hosts one of the largest storevault clusters in the Dural Hills, used for staging outbound supply convoys into the Vale. The town trades raw material and dry storage in exchange for finished tools and archival goods from Kar-Thal.
Defense and Military
The town is under the watch of a small Stonewarden garrison with signal access to both Kar-Thal and the outer foothill ridge. It is not walled but features narrow checkpoint entries and reinforced storage vaults. Local terrain provides natural lines of sight and containment options in the event of intrusion.