Sanctuary Vale: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Regions of Terasil Infobox | ||
|Name=Sanctuary Vale | |Name=Sanctuary Vale | ||
|Image=[[File:Terasil - Santuary Vale 01.jpg|center|frameless]] | |Image=[[File:Terasil - Santuary Vale 01.jpg|center|frameless]] | ||
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|Realm=[[Terasil]] | |Realm=[[Terasil]] | ||
|Borders on=Khargaath Range, Citadel Mountains, Fractured Wedge | |Borders on=Khargaath Range, Citadel Mountains, Fractured Wedge | ||
|Settlements=Kar | |Settlements=Kar-Thal | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{ | {{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, 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. | ||
|Access=Access to Sanctuary Vale is possible via several guarded overland passes and subterranean routes. | |Access=Access to Sanctuary Vale is possible via several guarded 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. | * 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. | ||
* The Hollowgate Descent, a branch of the [[Deep Roads]], connects the vale the [[Minthari]] enclaves. | * The Hollowgate Descent, a branch of the [[Deep Roads]], connects the vale the [[Minthari]] enclaves. | ||
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|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. | |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=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. | |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={{see also|[[Flora and Fauna of Sanctuary Vale]]}}The highland savanna of Sanctuary Vale supports a distinct ecosystem adapted to its mineral-rich soil, mist cycles, and exposed stone formations. Native plants such as Vale Grass and Kire Shrubs mark ground stability and are used in traditional Orasian fieldwork, while sparse tree species like Pyr and Spring Figs serve both ecological and ceremonial functions. Local fauna include the heavy-plated Slateback Behemoth, often viewed as a symbol of endurance, and Pierrooks—tall, sharp-voiced birds whose calls reflect subtle shifts in air pressure. Smaller life, like the elusive Vale Cats and spiral-burrowing Dust Beetles, are closely observed and often tied to spiritual interpretations of balance, movement, and hidden depth. | |||
|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. | |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. | * [[Kar-Thal]], the largest and oldest Orasian city, is located near the eastern rim of the vale, partially embedded in the Citadel Mountains. | ||
* Dul-Val nestled in the southern pass where the Khargaath mountains meet the [[ | * Dul-Val nestled in the southern pass where the Khargaath mountains meet the [[Murazkar Range]], 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 is situated along the Khargaath foothills to the north west of Kar-Thal. Due to its secure position its an academic town. | * [[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 is located in the far east of the vale on the border of the Fractured Wedge. | * [[Mar-Thal]] is located in the far east of the vale on the border of the Fractured Wedge. | ||
The vale also contains several uninhabited zones considered sacred or geologically unstable, including seasonal fissures, stonefall fields, and resonance hollows. | The vale also contains several uninhabited zones considered sacred or geologically unstable, including seasonal fissures, stonefall fields, and resonance hollows. | ||
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|Bibliography={{BibliographyEntry|Category=history|Title=Our Sanctuary: An Orasian History}} by Jek-Karun | |Bibliography={{BibliographyEntry|Category=history|Title=Our Sanctuary: An Orasian History}} by Jek-Karun | ||
}} | }} | ||