Alun-Tar
| Alun-Tar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Agricultural Settlement |
| Location | Central Sanctuary Vale, midway along the Va-Djes Road |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Inhabitants | Mixed (non-Orasian majority) |
| Significance | Key provisioning site for overland travelers; one of few agricultural zones in the Vale |
| Controlled by | Council of Stone |
Alun-Tar is an agricultural settlement located midway along the Va-Djes Road, in the central basin of the Sanctuary Vale. Known for its dry-field cultivation and access to the lower Sora River, it is one of the few viable farming zones within the Vale. Unlike most settlements under Council of Stone oversight, Alun-Tar is home to a mixed population, including non-Orasian field workers, supply handlers, and seasonal trade laborers. It functions as a resupply hub and provisioning station for caravans crossing the Vale.
Geography
Situated along the western edge of the Sora Basin, Alun-Tar rests on flat land bordered by dry scrub hills and shallow irrigation routes fed by nearby runoff channels. Fields of drought-resistant crops stretch across low embankments, with storage halls and water collectors positioned near the main road. The climate is dry and temperate, with brief rain cycles during convergence seasons.
History
Alun-Tar was established under Council permit as an experimental farming zone in the aftermath of the Great Erosion. Its land was initially prepared by Orasian surveyors, but cultivation was undertaken primarily by settlers from beyond Terasil. Over time, the settlement grew into a logistical waypoint and food source for deeper Vale settlements and spiritual enclaves.
Notable Locations
- Irrigation Fields – Dry-farmed grain and root crop beds organized into narrow divisions.
- Roadfront Market – A simple trade post for caravan exchange and seasonal storage.
- Lower Shelters – Worker housing and midday rest points aligned along the western road curve.
Culture and Society
Alun-Tar has a practical, task-driven culture with minimal ceremony. Labor cycles follow the sun and water flow, with seasonal gatherings organized more around trade rhythms than spiritual observance. While Orasian law is observed, daily life is less formal and more community-centered, with mixed linguistic and cultural habits.
Economy
The settlement’s economy is based on dryland crop yields, food processing, and short-term supply contracts. Goods are bartered with passing caravans and long-range traders traveling between Va-Tar and Djes-Val. Alun-Tar also provides logistical support to nearby Council outposts and signal points.
Defense and Military
Alun-Tar is lightly patrolled by Stonewarden detachments on rotation from Reth-Val. No permanent military presence is maintained, though a small outpost structure exists for emergency relay. The flat terrain and visible sightlines allow for early warning if needed.
Dangers and Threats
Risks include crop failure during low-flow seasons, dust storms, and territorial disputes among passing caravans. Though rare, migration of large fauna from the Fold has been observed during dry shifts. Settlement leaders enforce strict provisioning limits during lean cycles.