Arenam's Quarry: Difference between revisions
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Over time, the [[Sunshifters]] arrived, bringing their expertise in alchemical refinement, transforming raw glass into weapons, enchanted artifacts, and illusionary lenses. Though Arenam’s Quarry has never been a thriving metropolis, its resources are invaluable to Zanarak and beyond. | Over time, the [[Sunshifters]] arrived, bringing their expertise in alchemical refinement, transforming raw glass into weapons, enchanted artifacts, and illusionary lenses. Though Arenam’s Quarry has never been a thriving metropolis, its resources are invaluable to Zanarak and beyond. | ||
|Notable Locations= | |Notable Locations==== Tzelha’s Wake === | ||
=== Tzelha’s Wake === | |||
The largest open-pit mine in the region, said to have been split open by the final act of Tzelha, an enigmatic figure whose name is now spoken only in fragments of legend. | The largest open-pit mine in the region, said to have been split open by the final act of Tzelha, an enigmatic figure whose name is now spoken only in fragments of legend. | ||
* The terrain is unstable, with sections collapsing and reforming unpredictably as the desert shifts. | * The terrain is unstable, with sections collapsing and reforming unpredictably as the desert shifts. | ||
* Miners claim the glass hums after storms, as if retaining echoes of something long buried beneath the surface. | * Miners claim the glass hums after storms, as if retaining echoes of something long buried beneath the surface. | ||
* Certain areas of the quarry are avoided due to unexplained disappearances, with some believing that disturbing the oldest formations brings misfortune. | * Certain areas of the quarry are avoided due to unexplained disappearances, with some believing that disturbing the oldest formations brings misfortune. | ||
=== Vothar’s Forge === | === Vothar’s Forge === | ||
A [[Sunshifter]]-operated refinery where mirage glass is melted, reshaped, and infused with alchemical energy. It is named after Vothar, a figure from Sunshifter history who was said to have woven light into glass, though whether he was a real person or a symbolic myth remains uncertain. | A [[Sunshifter]]-operated refinery where mirage glass is melted, reshaped, and infused with alchemical energy. It is named after Vothar, a figure from Sunshifter history who was said to have woven light into glass, though whether he was a real person or a symbolic myth remains uncertain. | ||
* The furnaces burn with alchemical fire, producing heat capable of reshaping even the hardest materials. | * The furnaces burn with alchemical fire, producing heat capable of reshaping even the hardest materials. | ||
* Shimmering mirages form in the air, making it difficult to discern reality within the forge’s walls. | * Shimmering mirages form in the air, making it difficult to discern reality within the forge’s walls. | ||
* Apprentices must undergo the Trial of the Glassfire, a test of patience and control that determines whether they are worthy of the craft. | * Apprentices must undergo the Trial of the Glassfire, a test of patience and control that determines whether they are worthy of the craft. | ||
=== The Xalreth Span === | === The Xalreth Span === | ||
A fractured ridge of black glass, forming a natural bridge over the lower quarry. The name comes from an old Gilaari word meaning "shattered paths," referencing both its unstable footing and the way voices seem to carry unnaturally across its surface. | A fractured ridge of black glass, forming a natural bridge over the lower quarry. The name comes from an old Gilaari word meaning "shattered paths," referencing both its unstable footing and the way voices seem to carry unnaturally across its surface. | ||
* The ridge is known for sudden fractures, making crossing it a calculated risk. | * The ridge is known for sudden fractures, making crossing it a calculated risk. | ||
* During certain seasons, the wind through the glass formations produces sounds that resemble distant whispers. | * During certain seasons, the wind through the glass formations produces sounds that resemble distant whispers. | ||
* Some believe the span was once part of a much larger structure, long since consumed by the desert. | * Some believe the span was once part of a much larger structure, long since consumed by the desert. | ||
=== Omareth’s Hollow === | === Omareth’s Hollow === | ||
A network of underground tunnels and shelters carved beneath the settlement, used as a refuge during the glassstorms that periodically sweep through the region. | A network of underground tunnels and shelters carved beneath the settlement, used as a refuge during the glassstorms that periodically sweep through the region. | ||
* The name comes from an oral tradition among the Gilaari, which tells of a caravan led by Omareth that survived a month-long storm by taking shelter in an early form of these tunnels. | * The name comes from an oral tradition among the Gilaari, which tells of a caravan led by Omareth that survived a month-long storm by taking shelter in an early form of these tunnels. | ||
* The deeper tunnels lead to excavation sites that have long been abandoned, though some explorers still seek forgotten veins of glass and minerals within them. | * The deeper tunnels lead to excavation sites that have long been abandoned, though some explorers still seek forgotten veins of glass and minerals within them. | ||
* Certain tunnels remain unmarked on any known map, with rumors of hidden chambers that predate the settlement itself. | * Certain tunnels remain unmarked on any known map, with rumors of hidden chambers that predate the settlement itself. | ||
=== Shavhiri Market === | === Shavhiri Market === | ||
Arenam’s primary trading post, where merchants from distant settlements barter for raw glass, obsidian tools, and alchemical components. The market takes its name from the Sunshifter term "shavhiri," which refers to wealth gained through mirages—an allusion to the way fortunes rise and fall unpredictably in the desert. | Arenam’s primary trading post, where merchants from distant settlements barter for raw glass, obsidian tools, and alchemical components. The market takes its name from the Sunshifter term "shavhiri," which refers to wealth gained through mirages—an allusion to the way fortunes rise and fall unpredictably in the desert. | ||
* The location of the market shifts depending on the season, alternating between open-air spaces and underground chambers. | * The location of the market shifts depending on the season, alternating between open-air spaces and underground chambers. | ||
* Traders often conduct business through indirect means, using gestures and coded phrases to disguise the true value of their goods. | * Traders often conduct business through indirect means, using gestures and coded phrases to disguise the true value of their goods. | ||
* Water remains the most valuable currency, and some merchants require a portion of a buyer’s supply as a form of tribute before making a sale. | * Water remains the most valuable currency, and some merchants require a portion of a buyer’s supply as a form of tribute before making a sale. | ||
|Culture and Society=Work dominates life—every resident mines, refines, or trades glass in some capacity. Gilaari miners navigate the glass fields with instinct and skill, while Sunshifter alchemists handle glass refinement. Few outsiders stay long, as the harsh environment and constant risk of injury make life in Arenam’s Quarry unforgiving. | |Culture and Society=Work dominates life—every resident mines, refines, or trades glass in some capacity. Gilaari miners navigate the glass fields with instinct and skill, while Sunshifter alchemists handle glass refinement. Few outsiders stay long, as the harsh environment and constant risk of injury make life in Arenam’s Quarry unforgiving. | ||