Marek
Marek is a small town consisting of mostly mobile wagon-homes. It is located near the south pole of Pars, on the edge of Portalesni and near the Sarul Lake. It contains only a few hundred people at any given time, and has a near-perpetual winter climate.
Marek was formed as curiosity in Portalesni rose, originally as the last non-forested resting place for anyone venturing deeper into Portalesni. Over time, it grew into a small town, and is now its own community.
The culture in Marek is especially superstitious and varied, as its proximity to Portalesni means it isn't uncommon for people to experience small, dream-like hallucinations. Residents encounter spirits much more frequently than anywhere else, and the act of venturing into Portalesni and experiencing something unexplainable is almost a rite of passage.
While not the most popular destination, it is very common for many to visit and live in Marek during Svyalen.
Surrounding area
Marek is located near the edge of Portalesni, and only a small distance from Sarul Lake and The Kauldr. The majority of the area surrounding the town is lightly-forested plains, which are covered in snow nearly year-round.
The town has a large cemetery, as it is believed that burying a person where the walls between realms are weakest will greatly assist their soul in passing between realms. Many people will bring dead family members or those they cared about in order to lay them to rest as close to the center of Portalesni as they can get without risking their lives.
The area surrounding Marek is frequently visited by many spirits and deities, including Mirin, Laushi, and Kin.