Sora Basin
| Sora Basin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Openway Outpost and Reflection Site |
| Location | 40 miles northwest of Va-Tar, along the Va-Djes Road |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Inhabitants | Orasian |
| Controlled by | Council of Stone |
| Significance | First major pause point in the Sanctuary Vale crossing; known for mist phenomena and ritual silence |
Sora Basin is a quiet, mist-draped hollow located roughly 40 miles into the overland journey from Va-Tar to Djes-Val. It serves as the first natural and cultural waypoint on the Va-Djes Road, offering shelter, water, and a place for ritual meditation. Though not a fortified settlement, it is a well-maintained space marked by carved stones and communal reverence.
Geography
Set in a shallow basin surrounded by worn stone ridges and scattered fig-root outcrops, Sora Basin gathers low mist most mornings and evenings. The ground is soft but dry, covered in spiraling patches of Vale Grass. Nearby, Sora Spring, a slow-trickling spring forms a shallow pool bordered by light brush and smooth stone. The air remains cool and still even during the day, and the entire hollow feels acoustically dampened.
History
Originally used by early Orasian migration groups, the basin became a known rest point long before permanent routes were formalized. Stonewardens later marked it as a point of reflection on the journey into the Vale. Pilgrims and travelers maintain the space communally, adding inscriptions and balance stones over time. The name "Sora" refers to the soft veiling effect seen when mist flows through grass and over low stone.
Functions and Features
- Sora Spring – A shallow, spring-fed pool where travelers wash or collect water quietly.
- Cairn Stones – Stacks of three stones, left by travelers to honor safe passage or declare intent.
Defenses and Watch
Sora Basin is under the protection of the Stonewardens.
Threats and Dangers
Sudden shifts in weather can lead to disorientation, especially when fog thickens rapidly. There are fissures and uneven ridges just outside the basin, which are marked but still hazardous. Though no hostile encounters have been recorded, the stillness of the site can stir unease or inward instability in spiritually unprepared travelers.