<> A settlement in the Western Dusts, centered on an oasis in the borderline-desert east of the [[Edge]] and west of the [[Dusty Mountains]]. It is inhabited by ponies, [[donkeys]] and some [[zebra]]s, being the largest concentration of zebras in the Western Dusts. There is a minority of upland [[camel]]s. It is situated on the overland road and is the last substantial town before the western foothills of the Dusty Mountains. Trade and agriculture are the major economic activities. There are several noted [[salamander]] farms, producing wool, textiles, and finished clothing. On a hill overlooking the Great Oasis is a monastery of the [[Overseen]], the House of the Watcher on High, which provides spiritual and medical services on a charity basis, mainly to travelers. (note: The monastery is actually something like twenty-five kilometers away.) The government is based on an old agreement between camels, zebras and donkeys who founded the settlement. There is universal suffrage in elections for its mayor, but laws are very difficult to repeal once passed and the community suffers from inconsistent enforcement of arguably obsolete laws. CategorySettlements