Mar-Thal

Mar-Thal
Type	Fortified Highland City
Location	Eastern edge of the Khargaath Range, eastern approach to the Sanctuary Vale
Realm	Terasil
Inhabitants	Duranthi
Significance	Former military post turned fortified civic center; monitors eastern Vale boundary and Fractured Wedge region
Controlled by	Council of Stone

Mar-Thal is a fortified highland city located at the eastern terminus of the Khargaath Deep Road corridor. Originally established as a military command post, it has since expanded into a full civic center supporting regional logistics, deep corridor monitoring, and limited civilian infrastructure. The city is positioned along a high ridgeline overlooking the Fractured Wedge—a faulted geological zone marking the transition between the Khargaath slopes and the eastern fringes of Sanctuary Vale.

Geography

The city occupies a series of stepped stone shelves carved into the upper Khargaath cliffs, with direct access to both surface roads and deep corridor entrances. The outermost walls follow the natural edge of the ridge, while internal structures are built into recessed platforms with limited exposure to wind or debris. The surrounding terrain is fractured and angular, with high-risk stone breaks and fault ridges forming a natural deterrent to unregulated passage.

History

Mar-Thal was established during the Khargaath reinforcement campaigns as a forward command and staging area. Its position was chosen for visibility, elevation, and direct access to structurally stable deep corridors. Over time, expanded housing, supply depots, and communication towers allowed for civilian infrastructure. It remains under the Council of Stone's direct oversight, with ongoing military coordination.

Culture and Society

Mar-Thal maintains a structured, low-variance culture focused on function and order. Residents include engineers, logistics coordinators, and watch rotation crews. Civilian life is present but limited in scope. Recreational facilities are sparse and largely informal.

Economy

The city’s economy is supported through coordination of cargo traffic, storage control, and surface-deep transfer of equipment and personnel.

Defense and Military

Mar-Thal retains a standing Stonewarden garrison. The city is built to seal the gates to the Deep Road quickly in case of threat.