The town of Achrsul lies east of a great dune field, but close to an oases in the eastern part of the Sakoian desert. This tenuous location has led to a difficult struggle for those who live here, but the steady oasis makes life worthwhile. The supply of water makes some farming possible, and this town is a source for dates, nuts, wheat, and wool. The dune field keeps Achrsul from being directly on a caravan route, but there are established trading routes north to the important caravan city of Eeme, and east to cities and towns that border the deserts proper. Because of their constant struggle with the sands, the people of Achrsul make it a point to worship Velind in addition to Edalirin. There are no mines locally, so the folk of Achrsul value gems and metals very highly. Residents of Achrsul call the dune field to the west the “Singing Soldiers” and have a legend which says that an invading enemy, who thought to come up on the town from the heart of the desert in surprise, was turned to sand when the townspeople prayed to Velind as they prepared to defend their homes. Movement of the sand in the wind, or “singing” is often thought to be the quiet lament of the invading army.
Buildings:
Temple of Velind
Constructed of brick and adobe-like material, the temple is the focal point of life in Achrsul. Even this distance from the caravan routes, the temple is well endowed. The west wall contains a gem-encrusted mosaic depicting the defeat of the “singing soldiers”. Though it is dedicated to Velind, the local townsfolk venerate both Velind and Edalirin here.
Visitor Quarters
A small brick house kept by the priests of the temple. This house often hosts the few visitors that may come to Achrsul, whether in they are in search of new markets, are regular traders, or have become lost in the desert.
Priest’s Residence
This small brick house is the home of the priest. He also gives lessons to the youth whose parents are wealthy or interested enough to have their children learn reading and writing.
Anaram Bakery
Innan Anaram’s family runs the local bakery. Here, flour is ground on a small mill powered by the young sons of the family, and baked into pastries, breads, and occasionally sweet delights.
Pantaar Bridlemaker
Pantaar Ishmini is a master leatherworker, and creates harness pieces, as well as ropes. Several young boys are apprenticed to him, and live here with him, on the upper floor of his brick building.
Imjorak General Store
Haakis Imjorak buys goods locally as well as from traders. In his store, one can find such diverse wares as glass lamps, tents, metal cooking pots and utensils, herbs and spices, and flour. His family lives on the second level of the building. Storerooms are located in the back of the store.
Rarkani Textiles
Using locally grown wool and cotton, the Rarkani family spins and weaves textiles. The specialty of the elder daughter is a fine cotton cloth that is particularly desired in summer, not only by the people of Achrsul, but by their trading partners, as well.
Mahmar Stables
The stable houses the animals of the townsfolk, as well as any visitors that may venture past. It is constructed of mud bricks (like most the buildings in town), but is left open on one side for ventilation.
Ingraham Benir, Blacksmith
The large smithy houses two forges. One is exclusively used for large implement repair, the other for smaller objects. Benir has talent not only as a smith but as a tinker, and most of the metal objects in town are brought to him if they need repair. Because of the distance of Achrsul from mines, metals are very expensive and used with great care. Benir has no family, but does have two young men apprenticed to him.
Warehouse (Communal)
Several families live outside the town proper, with tents closer to the oasis, or following their flocks. They use this warehouse to store their goods until a proper vendor or merchant can be found to deal with them. As a result, it may store wool, cotton crops, dates, or any other merchandise, depending on need and time of the year.
Other Structures:
Town Well
The center of gossip, as well as the location the traders choose to set up their wares, this well is fed by a deep spring, and has never run dry. Benir is attempting to create an aqueduct leading from the well to his smithy, but has not quite managed to do so yet. As a result scattered bits of these experiments may litter the ground.