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{{Valley Infobox
{{Regions of Terasil Infobox
|Name=Sanctuary Vale
|Name=Sanctuary Vale
|Image=[[File:Sanctuary Vale Photo.jpg|center|frameless]]
|Location=Between the [[Citadel Mountains]] and the [[Khargaath Range]]
|Location=Between the [[Citadel Mountains]] and the [[Khargaath Range]]
|Realm=[[Terasil]]
|Realm=[[Terasil]]
|Borders on=Khargaath Range, Citadel Mountains
|Borders on=Khargaath Range, Citadel Mountains
}}
}}
{{Valley Sections
{{Regions of Terasil Sections
|Introduction=Sanctuary Vale is a vast highland basin located in central Terasil, spanning approximately 185 miles north to south and 75 miles east to west. Positioned between the circular massif of the Citadel Mountains to the east and the jagged volcanic formations of the Khargaath Range to the west, the vale is among the most geologically and culturally significant regions in the realm. It is the historical and spiritual homeland of the [[Orasians]], containing their largest settlements and ceremonial centers.
|Introduction=Sanctuary Vale is a vast highland basin located in central [[Terasil]]. Positioned between the circular wall of the [[Citadel Mountains]] to the east and the jagged volcanic ridges of the [[Khargaath Range]] to the west, the vale is among the most culturally significant regions in Tersasil. It serves as the spiritual and ancestral heartland of the [[Duranthi]], containing their largest settlements.
|Access=Access to Sanctuary Vale is possible via several guarded overland passes and subterranean routes.
|Access=Access to Sanctuary Vale is possible via multiple overland passes and subterranean routes:


* The Tarsuun Pass, near Dul-Val, is the most heavily traveled overland route and serves as a major gateway into the vale from southern Terasil.
* [[Tarsuun Pass]] — The primary overland route into the vale from the west.
* The Fractured Wedge — A northeastern corridor of unstable terrain, largely avoided on the surface, but tunneled beneath by Deep Road arteries linking the vale to the [[Astrathal Range]] in [[Minthal]].
|Historical Significance=During the [[Great Erosion]], Sanctuary Vale became a refuge for retreating populations of Orasians.


* The Hollowgate Descent, a branch of the [[Deep Roads]], connects the vale the [[Minthari]] enclaves.
Upon arrival of the ascendant spirits to [[Orethil]], the Spirit [[Varunel]], the spirit of memory and history, and [[Tehrum]], the spirit of mountains and stone, first rooted their domain in the Khargaath Range near modern [[Djes-Val]].


While much travel occurs underground, overland routes remain viable and are used for both trade and ceremonial processions.
Sanctuary Vale played a defining role in the development of Duranthi culture. According to preserved records, the first permanent settlements arose here during the early days of The [[Great Migration]], shielded by the surrounding mountains. The vale’s defensibility enabled the Duranthi to thrive.
|Cultural Significance=Sanctuary Vale is deeply embedded in Orasian spiritual and cultural identity. It is the site of foundational civic rites, ancestral stone-oath ceremonies, and seasonal harmonic gatherings. Each major settlement within the vale contributes to a specific aspect of Orasian life—governance, craftsmanship, observance, or communication. Pilgrimages from across Terasil often culminate here, especially during resonance cycles aligned with subterranean rhythms.
|Climate=The region maintains a semi-arid climate, influenced by the surrounding elevations.
|Climate=Sanctuary Vale has a temperate to sub-alpine climate, heavily influenced by the surrounding mountain ranges. It experiences cool summers and long, mist-laden winters. Precipitation is relatively low but consistent, feeding into a network of subterranean streams that support local agriculture and spiritual practices. The air is mineral-rich, with subtle seismic vibrations regularly observed across the terrain.
|Flora and Fauna=<noautolinks>{{see also|Flora and Fauna of Sanctuary Vale}}</noautolinks>
|Notable features=The terrain of Sanctuary Vale is characterized by a combination of terraced stone fields, mineral springs, exposed strata, and river-carved canyons. Much of the land is partially cultivated through ancient methods of guided erosion and mineral enrichment, practiced by [[Orasian]] stone-tenders.


* [[Kar-Thal]], the largest and oldest Orasian city, is located near the eastern rim of the vale, partially embedded in the Citadel Mountains.
The highland savanna of Sanctuary Vale supports a distinct ecosystem adapted to its rich soil and exposed stone formations. Native plants such as Vale Grass and Kire Shrubs mark ground stability and are used in traditional Duranthi fieldwork, while sparse tree species like Pyr and Spring Figs are scattered across the land. Local fauna include the heavy-plated Slateback Behemoth and Pierrooks—tall, sharp-voiced birds.
 
|Notable features=* [[Kar-Thal]] – Principal Duranthi city and capital.
* Dul-Val nestled in the southern pass where the Khargaath mountains meet the [[Terraces of Mist]], it lies at the southern end of the vale, known for its quarry networks and basalt forges and for protecting the southern pass into the vale.
* Djes-Val – Highland settlement focused on academic stewardship and preserving history.
 
* [[Dul-Val]] – Threshold settlement near the early site of Duranthi civilization and a site currently safeguarding the Tarsuun Pass.
* Djes-Val is situated along the Khargaath foothills to the north west of Kar-Thal. Due to its secure position its an academic town.
* [[Mar-Thal]] – Eastern military-administrative city near the Fractured Wedge.
 
|Bibliography=<noautolinks>{{BibliographyEntry|Category=history|Title=Our Sanctuary: A Duranthi History}} by Jek-Karun
* Mar-Thal is located in the far east of the vale.
</noautolinks>
 
The vale also contains several uninhabited zones considered sacred or geologically unstable, including seasonal fissures, stonefall fields, and resonance hollows.
}}
}}
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