![[Kald/_images/locations/Vastuum.png]] > [!success] Vastuum > #### [ vaws-toom] > ![[Flag-Vastuum.png]] > ## General Information > > [!question] Type > Kingdom > > > [!question] Capitol > [[Khurranai]] > > ## Religon > > [!question] Deity > [[The Echoist]] > > > [!question] Sect > [[The Argentyne Order of the Mirror Moon|The Argentyne Order]] > > ## Government > > [!question] Type > Theocracy > > > [!question] Key Figures > [[Kald/Characters/Ka'rel Khal'din]] • Resonant Council > > ## People > > [!question] Inhabitants > Vastians > > > [!question] Languages > [[Languages|Strathian]] (65%), [[Languages|Saraqi]] (30%), Other (5%) Vastuum is a harsh desert [[Shard (Realm)|Shard]] of endless dunes, rocky landscapes, and scarce oases. Despite its unforgiving nature, it’s home to a resilient and proud people. ## Geography The Shard is a vast expanse of rolling dunes that shift and change with the wind. The jagged peaks of [[Daggermount]] lie to the east, hiding the mysterious Trial of Whispers. Scattered throughout the Shard are hidden oases, lifelines for travelers and nomadic tribes. ## Society Vastu society is built on a foundation of respect for skill, cunning, and adaptability. The harsh environment has fostered a culture that values resilience and mental acuity over all else. This is especially reflected in Vastuvian governance and religious practices. While horses and camelids are prevalent in Vastuum, most opt for the more well-suited [[Sephir|sephir]]. ## Trial of Whispers For as long as written record has existed, the Trial of Whispers has determined the ruler of Vastuum. Rather than a trial of physical might, the Trial of Whispers is a test of mental fortitude, cunning, and a connection to [[The Echoist]]. Successfully completing the trail rewards the aspirant with the title of Argent Echo, the right to bear [[The Scaleblades|Requiem]], and rule over the desert and its inhabitants. Argent Echoes hold their title until death, at which time the mountain calls for a new aspirant to take their place. The reigning Argent Echo of Vastuum is [[Kald/Characters/Ka'rel Khal'din|Ka'rel Khal'din]]. Prior to Khal’din, it was typical for an Argent Echo’s heir to complete the trial and assume their place, as reigning houses would train their offspring from birth to adulthood in preparation to face the mysterious trial. Khal’din, however, is the first Argent Echo of Vastuum with no prior ancestors that held the title, having completed the Trial in secret following the previous Argent Echo’s death. ### Beginning the Trial To reach the Trial, aspirants must make the journey alone across the dunes of Vastuum and into the Daggermount. Upon reaching the mountains, aspirants must enter a meditative state and listen for whispers of The Echoist to guide them to the trial proper. This can take hours or days, depending on the individual’s attunement to the deity. The majority of aspirants never hear a single whisper and are forced to turn back or succumb to the unforgiving desert. Guided by whispers, each aspirant is led to a unique entrance of the trial. These entrances are said to appear and disappear, visible only to the chosen aspirant. ### Success and Completion Those who complete the trial emerge transformed and with the mark of The Echoist’s favor—eyes with a mirror-like sheen that reflect the world back to all that gaze into them. ### Cultural Impact Many Vastu spend years honing their minds and bodies in preparation for the Trial by studying philosophy, practicing meditation, and training with their weapon of choice. No Argent Echo has ever recounted the events of the Trial itself and their motives for withholding such information is a perpetual topic of debate. The Argent Echoes themselves have said that to do so would be pointless, as their experiences are each unique and knowledge of those experiences would only taint the Trial's process. Others speculate that The Echoist herself forbids any participant from speaking of the Trial, else they are forced to abandon their title and a new Argent Echo must take their place. ## Inhabitants The majority of Vastuum’s inhabitants are humans and [[Shisk]]. ### Saraqim The [[Kald/Factions and Guilds/List of Factions/Saraqim|Saraqim]] are nomadic tribes of [[Shisk]] who have learned to thrive in the harsh desert environment. ## Notable Locations ### Cities - [[Khurranai]] - [[Kald/Locations/Cities/Sandfall|Sandfall]] - [[Kald/Locations/Cities/Edu|Edu]] - [[Kaska]] - Drywell - Serenhome ### Points of Interest - The Brine Wastes - The Ironwalls - [[Daggermount]] - Soraya's Sanctum - Sanctum on the Altar - Argent Sanctum - Blue Pools of Khurranai - Deadmarch - Monument Gardens - Serpent's Maw