Maruk Dar is the fortress of the Maruk Ghaash'kala, and was the first of the ancient Couatl forts to be restored and utilized by the Ghaash'kala. It was the birthplace of the current Ghaash'kala, where the original Maruk clan traveled to from the Shadow Marches, following the call of Kalok Shash.
Maruk Dar is carved into the walls of an immense ravine within the Labyrinth, with the exterior fortifications hiding the vast network of caverns and tunnels within. The largest central chamber is a vast cathedral hall, from which the other rooms and caverns radiate. This vast hall is dominated by hanging bells, ranging from as small as thimble to as large as a pit fiend, suspended on ancient chains. The largest of these bells, crafted from songsilver, are the Peals of Dawn, divine artifacts left by the couatl.
The other halls of Maruk Dar are engraved with words written in the language of the couatl, messages left by unknown hands. These messages contain a history of the world, of the Age of Demons, and contained instructions for whoever found them. Years of deciphering the script lead to the discovery of the other clanholds of the Ghaash'kala, the names and habits of the most powerful of the Lords of Dust, and the means to reliably travel to and from demiplanes within Khyber. These instructions paved the way for the Ghaash'kala, and gave them the tools to survive in the inhospitable Demon Wastes. The korta of the Maruk add to this guidance, transcribing the words of Kalok Shash in immortal songsilver. Even should the Ghaash'kala fall, their words will live on, and hopefully guide others as it has guided them.
It lies within an Irian manifest zone, which empowers the Ghaash'kala's divine magic and aids in healing.
Divine Affections
Maruk Dar contains several artifacts from the Age of Demons, divine affections created by the Couatl.
The Peals of Dawn
The gigantic songsilver bells that dominate the main hall of Maruk Dar are known collectively as the Peals of Dawn. There are seven of them, each with its own effect. They absorb the positive energy produced by the Irian manifest zone, releasing it to power its effect when the bell is rung. Each bell requires a specific hammer to ring it, but of the seven, only four remain in Maruk Dar. The others have all been lost to the Wastes.
Verity. The bell known as Verity abhors deceptions. For as long as the bell tolls, shapechangers are forced into their true forms, illusions are dispelled, and none who hear the bell can knowingly utter an untruth.
Clarity. The bell known as Clarity lights the way. For as long as the bell tolls, none can be afflicted with blindness, granted divine sight, and all darkness is illuminated.
Honour. The bell known as Honour is the heartbeat of the Ghaash'kala. While the bell tolls, the warriors of Kalok Shash are empowered to fight beyond their limits.
Resolution. The bell known as Resolution is the call to action, to end the fight. When the bell tolls, the warriors of Kalok Shash are granted a second wind.
The Silver Wellspring
The Silver Wellspring, located within the center of Maruk Dar, allows the Maruk to survive in the otherwise inhospitable location. The wellspring is akin to an alchemy jug, magically producing water, oil, and other liquids that the Maruk need to survive in the heat of the blasted wasteland they inhabit.