Arenam's Quarry
| Arenam's Quarry | |
|---|---|
| Type | Glass Mining Settlement |
| Inhabitants | Gilaari • Sunshifters • Desert traders |
| Significance | Primary source of raw mirage glass and obsidian, fueling the glass trade of Zanarak. |
Arenam’s Quarry is a small but vital mining settlement in the Glass Fields of Zanarak, where raw mirage glass, obsidian, and rare crystalline formations are extracted from the fractured desert. Named after Arenam, the Spirit of Sand and Glass, the town is as harsh and unforgiving as the desert itself—a place where every step is a risk, and every shard has value.
Geography
Arenam’s Quarry is located north of Azirith, nestled within the Glass Fields of Zanarak. The land surrounding the town is a treacherous expanse of jagged, splintered glass formations, formed by the intense fusion of desert sands and Ashland heat.
The town itself is built low to the ground, its stone and glass-reinforced dwellings designed to withstand the deadly glassstorms that sweep through the region. Deep within the quarry, a network of tunnels and shelters, known as the Dustwarren, protects miners and traders from the elements.
History
Arenam’s Quarry was founded centuries ago when Gilaari prospectors first uncovered vast deposits of mirage glass deep within the Glass Fields. The settlement grew around the richest veins, its survival dependent on the constant demand for glass and obsidian in cities like Azirith and Orundahl.
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
The Shattered Vein
The largest open-pit mine in the region, where miners carefully extract raw mirage glass and obsidian. The terrain is unstable, and accidents are common, yet the rewards outweigh the risks for those skilled enough to navigate its dangers.
The Glasscradle Forge
A Sunshifter-operated refinery, where mirage glass is melted, reshaped, and infused with alchemical energy. The forge is both a workplace and a sacred site, as many Sunshifters believe glass carries echoes of Arenam’s will.
The Splintered Walk
A labyrinthine ravine filled with towering glass shards, where only the most skilled Gilaari miners dare to tread. The jagged walls hum faintly when the wind passes through, giving rise to rumors of whispered voices within the glass.
The Dustwarren
A network of underground shelters and tunnels, carved beneath the town to escape the blinding glassstorms that can flay unprotected travelers alive.
The Scarred Market
Arenam’s small but essential trading post, where merchants from Azirith and Orundahl barter for raw glass, obsidian tools, and alchemical components. Water is the preferred currency, and many deals are struck under the shade of tattered awnings and mirage-warped canopies.
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.
Superstitions abound—many believe the shards hold echoes of Arenam’s will, and some miners hear voices in the glass.
"Arenam’s Will Cuts Deep" - A common saying among miners and traders, reminding them that Arenam gives and takes—the glass brings fortune, but only to those who respect its dangers.
Few cities could thrive without the quarry’s precious glass, yet few would dare to call it home.
Economy
Arenam’s Quarry is the largest supplier of raw mirage glass in Zanarak, exporting to Azirith, Orundahl, and beyond. Its economy thrives on:
- Mirage glass extraction – Used for illusions, enchanted artifacts, and vision-enhancing tools.
- Obsidian mining – Essential for weapons, jewelry, and alchemical instruments.
- Alchemical refinement – Sunshifters enhance the properties of extracted glass, making it a highly sought-after commodity.
- Water trade – Water is the most valuable currency, with entire shipments of glass exchanged for access to fresh reserves.
Dangers and Threats
- Glassstorms - Fierce winds can turn the landscape into a storm of razor-sharp shards, forcing miners to retreat underground.
- Unstable terrain – The shifting glass fields are unpredictable, with sudden collapses and cave-ins.
- Bandit raids – Glass smugglers and rogue traders frequently attempt to steal raw mirage glass, leading to violent clashes.
- The Curse of the Shards – Many miners believe that disturbing certain formations can bring bad luck or hallucinations—some claim to have seen figures trapped within the glass.