Wadi Ostean
A small area of dunes, flatlands, and wind-scrubbed landscapes, Wadi Ostean is the dry riverbed and area around an old oasis that finally dried up entirely in 5752 NG. Known mostly for its salt and Tezrim production, Wadi Ostean is lesser known for the abundance of precious metals that can be mined thereabouts. Salt is the real wealth, in the desert, however, so the Osteanites have figured out less destructive mining and repurposing methods.
Nestled in a valley of surrounding dunes lies the area's only real settlement; the village of Wlastow. Most of the inhabitants of the area are rugged, individualistic, and free spirited, living off the land in little roving bands of resourceful hunter-gatherers.
Structure
The area is very self sufficient, requiring little in the way of governance; but what little it does need is fulfilled by the nobility of the area, specifically Isolde Tellrinder, who has bargained, pleaded, paid off, and plain old threatened many of the other nobles recently to keep her people free.
Culture
Hard work and moderation are the keys to success, is what the locals would like to say to this question. They do work very hard; they also play very hard, enjoying their libations much more openly here than is the culture in Tulara.Herein are listed some
Assets
Herein are listed some of Wadi Ostean's assets and valueable commodities:
Natural Assets
Salt Flats & Brine Pans surround the village and the entire wadi. It is the area's primary economic resource, harvested and sold to Tulara University.
Seasonal Flood Basins form when the wadi collects rare rains, making short bursts of fertile land possible.
Mineral Deposits are not rare in the area, and it is not just salt. Trace amounts of gypsum, alum, and other evaporites can be collected, as well as pockets of Tezrim available for harvesting.
Desert Flora thrive here. Hardy shrubs, date palms, and medicinal herbs have adapted well to the saline soil.
High Ground Outcroppings are used as lookouts, quarry stone, and markers for travelers.
Human-Made Assets
Salt Works & Storage Barns are the heart of the local economy.
Wells and Reservoirs are carefully maintained, with cisterns and underground channels dug to store precious floodwaters.
The Caravan Road is a beaten track, linking Ostean to Tulara via Wlastow, with well plotted stops and rest areas along the way.
Workshops, such as a cooperage for barrels, a blacksmith’s forge, and pottery kilns for salt containers, are maintained by the locals with help from the local nobles. In this case, it is Lady Isolde Tellrinder.
The Meeting Hall doubles as a civic and spiritual hub.
The Watchpost is used for security against bandits and desert raiders.
Social and Cultural Assets
The Salt Guild manages trade contracts, especially with the university.
Oral Lore of the Wadi, stories of floods, survival, and salt’s sacred role, are very popular amongst local bards and storytellers.
Healer’s Knowledge of the use of salt in preservation, medicine, and ritual cleansing, are indispensable to the desert folk.
The Village Commons is a space for markets, seasonal festivals, and gatherings of all natures.
Strategic Assets
A Contract with Tulara University provides a steady, prestigious buyer that keeps the village prosperous.
Traditionally Neutral Ground, Wadi Ostean is valuable enough that regional powers respect its autonomy out of habit.
Salt as Currency is a massive boon in hard times. Ostean salt itself can serve as barter or tribute.
From Brine to Bread; from Community to Hope
Founding Date
4097
Type
Geopolitical, Ladyship
Alternative Names
Bone Gulch
Demonym
Osteanites
Leader
Location
Notable Members
Comments