Ata Outpost

Nestled in the northernmost reaches of the Valley of the Kobold King, the Ata Outpost is the largest settlement for miles around. Officially having a population of 300, it frequently catapults up to 15,000 each third winter, for it is the nearest settlement to Mount Izumo and its shrine to Senjari which is the core of the coming-of-age and coronation ritual known as the Measures of Ascension.
When not the centre of attention, the outpost is a small trading post, with its 300 citizens primarily encapsulated within the outposts' earthen wall to protect from monster attacks from the nearby Despot's Woods. While not matching the hustle nor the bustle of the capital, the outpost is frequented by many hunters, fishermen, and the occasional travelling merchant. To survive the harsh winters, the outpost stockpiles wild game, fish, Inja Fruit and food delivered from the capital. Food from the capital is delivered during the fall, as intense snows often make the main road dangerous. Aside from hunters and the like, some nobles and HTC executives maintain cottages in the area.
During the Measures of Ascension, the outpost quickly spills from its walls, filling every nook of the plains which adjoin the walls. Luxury airships, travelling lodging, and many, many tents sprawl between travelling bards and entertainers in a cacophony of celebration accompanying the event. When it is done, the visitors leave, and the settlement shrinks to its normal size. The growth of the Valley has led to an increase in semi-permanent structures used to accomodate visitors and left empty otherwise.