Va-Tar
| Va-Tar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Deep Road Trade Stop |
| Location | Citadel Mountains between Kar-Thal and Zarik-Val, 60 miles from Kar-Thal |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Inhabitants | Orasian |
| Significance | Rest town and trade point before final ascent to Zarik-Val |
| Controlled by | Council of Stone |
Va-Tar is a small Deep Road town built at a natural crossroads within the Citadel Mountains. It serves as a last stop for caravans heading north toward Zarik-Val or the first stop returning south to Kar-Thal. Known for its warmth, stone inns, and short-term trade booths, it acts as a pause point before steeper climbs or descents.
Geography
The town is built into a wide, dry cavern with multiple tiers and a high, arched ceiling. Vent shafts in the stone draw in air from above, keeping the space fresh. A central plaza sits at the meeting of three tunnels—north to Zarik-Val, south to Kar-Thal, and a smaller, less-used eastward road toward abandoned quarries. Lantern light reflects off smoothed walls, and the sound of carts echoes softly through the long halls.
History
Va-Tar began as a shelter hollow for early miners and stonecutters. As travel increased, the chamber was reinforced and expanded by Deep Road crews. Eventually, traders built semi-permanent structures, and contract keepers opened rest ledges and storage vaults. While small, the town holds a long-standing record of safe passage and calm exchange.
Notable Locations
- Crossroad Ring – The central meeting plaza where goods and deals made.
- Stone's Home – Cluster of communal dwellings and traveler inns carved into the western wall.
- Lockledge – A section of sealed vaults used for storing high-value goods in transfer.
- Cartway Curve – The smoothed ramp leading toward the northern exit, maintained by Zarik-Val crews.
Culture and Society
Va-Tar is welcoming but efficient. Locals speak plainly and expect clear terms. Visitors are recorded by entry and are expected to respect shared space and time limits. Hospitality is offered to all, but lingering without purpose is discouraged..
Spiritual Significance
While not a sacred site, Va-Tar maintains a small quiet chamber near the Crossroad Ring where travelers leave carved thanks for safe arrival. It is cleaned and tended weekly. Traders passing through often touch the entry arch and whisper the phrase, “Stone under foot, breath ahead.”
Economy
The town thrives on temporary trade, storage contracts, and rest services. Stonecut tools, draft supplies, and meal tokens are the main currency. Some rare stone goods change hands here before reaching markets in Zarik-Val.
Defense and Military
Va-Tar has no formal garrison, but local wardens are trained in road etiquette and minor enforcement. Disputes are settled by mutual witness at the Three-Lantern Table. In times of threat, the northern and southern tunnels can be blocked with floodstone slabs.
Dangers and Threats
Tunnel shifts and small collapses are rare but possible. Once a decade, a wall crack appears in the eastward tunnel and is re-sealed. There are also rumors of deeper voices heard during long stays, but no confirmed incidents have been recorded in recent cycles.