Type: Village
Region: Lake Weng, Amn
Population: 200 or fewer
Races: Predominantly Humans
Commerce: Fishing, root vegetable farming (exports: fish, vegetables)

Description

Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Weng in northern Amn, Shatar is a modest fishing village known for its serene environment and industrious folk. Although small and unremarkable compared to other settlements, it boasts one distinctive feature: exquisitely carved stone docks that hint at a past era of craftsmanship and care. Home to no more than 200 residents, Shatar exemplifies the quiet resilience of Amnian rural life.

Geography

Shatar is located beneath the towering Cloud Peaks at an altitude of 1,500 feet (460 meters). It sits near the Wengwater River as it emerges from the mountains, offering a vital water source for the village. Neighboring villages such as Ideepton, Edive, and Minsor Vale lie nearby, and Amnwater is its closest significant settlement. The village also serves as a waypoint for travelers heading to the remote fortresses of Citadel Amnur and Citadel Rashturl, which lie deeper within the rugged mountain terrain.

Trade

The economy of Shatar revolves around lake fishing and the cultivation of root vegetables, which thrive in its cool, fertile soil. While much of the produce and catch sustain the local population, any surplus is sold to passing travelers and traded with nearby military installations such as Citadel Amnur and Citadel Rashturl. These exchanges provide the villagers with essential goods they cannot produce locally.

Harvestable Fish in Lake Weng

• Silver Pike
  • A predatory fish known for its sleek, silvery scales and sharp teeth. A prized catch for both its meat and its use in crafting lures or jewelry.
• Golden Trout
  • A rare and vibrant freshwater fish that thrives in cold, clear waters. Its flesh is highly valued by nobles for its delicate flavor.
• Cloudfin Catfish
  • A bottom-dwelling fish with whisker-like barbels, found near the deeper parts of the lake. Known for its firm, flavorful meat.
• Lake Perch
  • A common and versatile fish that forms a staple in the diets of the villagers. Often smoked or dried for preservation.
• Mountain Whitefish
  • A small schooling fish that thrives in the cool waters near the lake’s inflows. It’s easy to catch in large numbers and a crucial resource for preserving during the winter months.
• Wengwater Char
  • A species adapted to colder mountain-fed lakes, this fish has a rich, pink flesh that is sought after by travelers and local traders alike.

Vegetables Grown in Shatar

• Turnips
  • A staple crop in cooler climates, turnips are easy to grow, store well, and provide a reliable source of food throughout the year.
• Carrots
  • Vibrant orange roots that thrive in the cool, well-drained soil of the region. Their sweetness makes them a popular trade item.
• Potatoes
  • A versatile and hardy crop, perfect for the cooler altitudes of the area. Potatoes are a staple food for both the villagers and nearby travelers.
• Parsnips
  • Similar to carrots but with a sweeter, earthier flavor. Parsnips are ideal for soups, stews, and roasting.
• Beets
  • A vibrant, hardy root vegetable prized for both its earthy flavor and its leaves, which can be cooked as greens.
• Leeks
  • A member of the onion family that thrives in cooler conditions and adds flavor to many traditional dishes.
• Cabbage
  • A leafy vegetable that stores well and can be used in a variety of preparations, including pickling or fermenting into sauerkraut.
• Radishes
  • Fast-growing and easy to cultivate, radishes are a quick source of food and often eaten fresh or added to soups.

Notable Features

• Stone Docks: The village’s docks are a testament to fine craftsmanship, standing out as its only unique architectural feature.
• Proximity to Fortresses: Shatar’s location near two major citadels makes it an essential stop for supply chains heading to these mountain strongholds.

Adventure Hooks

• Ancient Secrets: Rumors suggest the finely carved stone docks were crafted by an ancient civilization. Could there be more to Shatar’s history than meets the eye?
• Citadel Connections: A mysterious traveler requests an escort to Citadel Rashturl. What secrets lie within the fortress, and why are they so urgent?
• Monster Encounters: Strange sightings near the Wengwater River have frightened the local fishers. Are these merely wild beasts, or something far more sinister?