Surnaketh
| Surnaketh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Orasia Sanctuary |
| Location | Northern Citadel Mountains, near Orak-Thun |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Significance | Center for Orasia study |
Surnaketh, known as The Still Root, is a monastic sanctuary nestled deep within the northern edge of the Citadel Mountains, near the highland convergence point of Orak-Thun. Revered across Terasil as the most direct point of communion with the Orasia, Surnaketh exists outside civic jurisdiction. Though not hidden or forbidden, its approach is long and deliberate, taken only by those prepared for stillness, resonance, and silent descent.
Geography
The structure is carved from the mountain itself—no stone has been imported or reshaped beyond necessity. Its design follows the contours of a natural resonance shaft that spirals inward toward a central chamber known as the Harmonic Root. The outer halls contain monastic cells, echo wells, and stepped terraces for slow tone-walking.
The sanctuary lacks ornamentation. Walls are bare but acoustically alive. Lighting is natural, filtered through fractured mineral slits. No speaking occurs within the inner sanctum—only breath and tone.
History
Surnaketh predates most formal institutions. Oral records suggest it was first discovered—not built—by an unnamed Orasian during the early Era of Isolation. Its presence was noted by early echo-seers and gradually recognized as a site of balance and elemental grounding.
The Duranthi later adopted Surnaketh as a neutral sanctum for meditation. The Duranthi turned Surnaketh over to the Orasiari order, the Stonebound, who converted the sanctum into a center for studying Orasia.
Spiritual Significance
The sanctuary functions as a site of Orasian attunement and study. It is maintained by the Stonebound Order, who safeguard its purity and perform rituals tied to Orasian cosmology.
Defense and Military
Surnaketh can be reached by footpaths from the mountain plateaus near Orak-Thun. The journey takes two days on foot.
There are no gates or guards. Entry is based on intent. Those who bring disharmony find themselves unable to cross the final threshold near the entrance.