Kharum-Zhal
| Kharum-Zhal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Ruined Deep Road Town |
| Location | Murazkar Range, Deep Road (80 miles from Kar-Thal) |
| Realm | Terasil |
| Significance | Collapsed Deep Road settlement; site of unexplained structural catastrophe |
Kharum-Zhal is a sealed and abandoned settlement located along the Deep Road between Kar-Thal and Telenkar Hold, approximately 80 miles from the eastern terminus. Once a functioning rest and trade station, it was lost to an unexplained collapse and now remains a restricted zone under active surveillance by Deepwatch Stonewardens.
Geography
The ruin lies in a wide-cut chamber carved into red-veined basalt strata, with collapsed arches and fractured pylons leading into destabilized corridors. The surrounding tunnelwork is warped, partially fused, and in places appears melted. Structural remnants occasionally emit low vibration or disorienting sound pulses. Access is blocked by reinforced seal-plates and a locked barrier gate.
History
Originally founded by the Duranthi as a mining and forging town, Kharum-Zhal grew into the largest waystation between Kar-Thal and Telenkar Hold during the early Deep Road expansions. Its sudden collapse—known in surviving records as the Zhal Collapse—devastated the settlement. No official recovery efforts were ever undertaken.
Known Features
Though sealed, several locations within the ruin are documented through maps and surviving witness accounts:
- The Forgeworks – Once the industrial center of Kharum-Zhal, now fused and inaccessible.
- The Central Spiral – A primary stairwell chamber associated with unknown structural disruptions.
- Archive Hollow – A sealed vault rumored to contain records, ledgers, and early Deep Road documents.
- Zhal's Gate – The outermost entrance, now permanently sealed with heavy stone.
Cultural Significance
Among Deep Road travelers, Kharum-Zhal remains a cautionary tale. Its name is rarely spoken aloud near active routes, and passing its sealed gate is met with quiet reflection. Deep-trained caravans often pause without comment before continuing past. Some fringe groups believe the site holds unresolved histories or forces that should be confronted—but no formal plans have been sanctioned.
Threats and Dangers
The region surrounding Kharum-Zhal is considered unstable. Known risks include spatial disorientation, memory lapses, echo anomalies, and structural collapse. Unauthorized access is prohibited, and Deepwatch patrols monitor for signs of activity. Occasional tremors and unexplained atmospheric disturbances have been recorded in the area.