Vaanka Dar is the last line of defence for the Eldeen Reaches from the horrors of the Demon Wastes. Built upon the largest mountain pass through the Icehorn Mountains, Vaanka Dar is a nigh unbreakable shield. Known to the people of the Reaches as Wyrm's Grasp, the fortress blocks the pass between twin peaks that rise well above the Labyrinth, and from their towers the Vaanka have a birds eye view of the majestic towering woods on one side, and the blasted hellscape on the other.
The common name for Vaanka Dar, Wyrm's Grasp, comes from the Siberys Observatory at its tallest peak, created by the Couatl. Within this observatory are the tools and means to track the movements of the Ring of Siberys, providing the Vaanka Ghaash'kala with insight into the Draconic Prophecy. Their proximity to the Eldeen Reaches has also led to a blending of traditions, providing the clan with the primal magic required to operate the observatory. The Vaanka watch the prophecy closely for signs that the release of an Overlord is imminent, or for the ascension of champions amongst the Carrion Tribes that may portend a major assault is coming.
The lower peaks of the fort are devoted to aeries for dragonhawks, an ancient gift from the Wardens of the Wood to aid the Ghaash'kala in their sacred duty. The Vaanka train to ride these gigantic birds, carrying messages to the other clans far faster than could be done on foot. Over time, some of these birds have been blessed by Kalok Shash, granting them a greater degree of intelligence and allowing them to act autonomously.
On the slopes of both mountains, the Vaanka have carved their homes, which are alive with overgrowth. Vaanka Dar lies within a manifest zone to Lamannia, which encourages plant growth and also hardens the natural rock. This makes the walls of the fortress itself nigh-unbreakable. On the Eldeen Reaches side of the wall, stepped terraces grow the crops (primarily rice, potatoes, and wheat) that feed the clan all year round, growing out of season thanks to the manifest zone. This food is carried to the other clans in times of emergency, and the Jaasakah Ghaash'kala maintain a stockpile in Jaasakah Dar that never rots.