Sanctuary
Overview: Sanctuary, also known as Witch Haven, is the world's center for the re-emerging art of wizardry. It is governed by an elected council answerable only to the Royal Government. Sanctuary is also known for its paper production, diverse population, and its strict property laws. Sanctuary archers and bowyers are renowned - in both skill and number. Outsiders are unsure if they are most disquieted by Sanctuary's wizards or by its obsessiveness with defense - Sanctuary is the only known place where every adult is a member of the militia. These factors lead to certain laws and customs that many outsiders find strange and even difficult to deal with.
History: The name "Sanctuary" refers both to the town and the region surrounding it. Originally the area was part of the province governed by Borelith (Marshton). It provided agricultural and forest products that were traded through the port of Borelith. When Borelith was destroyed by the Sea Wolves, the survivors fled into what became Sanctuary. A large mill village at the fall line of the Casaga River became the area's center. The local inhabitants and refugees had to ban together as the destruction of Borelith opened the way for repeated assaults of raiders and creatures over the next several centuries. Several times the community was nearly wiped out. The ineffectual Mannerlith Sea Princes were no help and while their cousins, the Gareths, spilled resources, blood and lives in Sanctuary's defense; they had very limited resources . As a result, Sanctuary has a close relationship with the House of Gareth - the present Sea Prince family - but over the previous centuries, it had to depend on just its own resources to survive.
This struggle to survive produced the unique culture of Sanctuary. First, the name is a policy - Sanctuary. Any human who agreed to contribute and abide by the laws/customs was given sanctuary. Survival, not mercy, dictated this policy. Second, among the refugees were students and a very few elderly teachers from Borelith's wizardry school. They tipped the balance in Sanctuary's favour in the struggle to survive. Thus magic - its encouragent, development, and strict control of it became a foundation of Sanctuary. Third, in Sanctuary's first century, its governing Council evolved. Fourth, repeated, random, and deadly attacks over the centuries proved to the people of Sanctuary of the need for individual and cooperative defense. Thus each man and woman is capable with at least one weapon - usually a bow. At 17 years of age, all citizens serve 6 months of military training. Some of these citizens then serve additional time in roving patrols and other duties in exchange for land grants. Finally, all these measures and pressures have resulted in a deliberate and planned society. This planning ranges from insuring every village has at least one very defensible building - often the village mill - to careful planning of production of goods to benefit the entire region (which resulted in Sanctuary being the Kingdoms and possibly the world's leading producer of paper). Thus, Sanctuary is a place shaped by its past.
Geography: Sanctuary stretches west from the coast to the mountains. It is centered on the Casaga river with its southern limit near the 1/2 way point between the Casaga and Nan Pot rivers. Likewise, its territory stretches north - roughly 1/2 way between the Casaga and Coum rivers. The town of Sanctuary is located where the Casaga river breaks into rapids and falls as it exits the hill region and enters the coastal plain. Below the 'fall line', the coastal land is fairly flat to gently rolling with winding streams and rivers. It is rich farmland - where there is adequate drainage. The land above (west) of the fall line is rolling with rushing streams and rivers. The soil is thinner here but still rich enough to support agriculture and dense forests. The region is dotted with regularly spaced villages that either supply local farms and/or are the site of a resource or talented craftsmen. Villages are often sited at the fall line to take advantage of water power for mills.
Government: Sanctuary is governed by a Council that represents the different areas and groups in the region. Each craft, trade, profession, and ethnic group has at least one elected representative. Farmers representing the different areas in Sanctuary make up the largest number of representative. Most routine and emergency matters are settled by an Inner Council selected from the larger Representative Council. This Inner Council is answerable to the Representative Council but can take much faster action. The Inner Council is somewhat like the Council of Firsts in Bannerlith in that each Council member is in charge of a particular portfolio (such as Magic, Agriculture, Defense, Trade, etc.).
Religion: With such a diverse and tolerant population, virtually all the non-evil gods are openly worshiped in Sanctuary. Alyanya is especially favoured with the majority of the population being farmers. Sanctuary is also the center of the worship of Tenille, the Goddess of Human Magic. Worship of Tenille is steadily growing in number and power.
Culture: The people of Sanctuary are much more communally minded than other regions of Prealith. Community service in order to bring in the harvest, construct roads or other community building projects, etc. is built into the yearly calendar. Festivals that honour the Gods and commemorate special events are celebrated throughout Sanctuary. Of course, each village and town has its own individual festivals, most of which are just excuses to celebrate. This pattern is familiar to anyone in the Kingdoms; what may be surprising is the incorporation of both archery and other martial contests at these festivals and Council matters that impact upon the community.
Village life: Visitors to Sanctuary find their villages very unusual in a few regards. First, the buildings are sturdily constructed. Villagers/farmers own their land and buildings and construct with an eye to passing them down to subsequent generations. Second, the farms are very large. Sanctuary law prohibits any farm to be less than 25 acres in size. However, that same law stipulates any Sanctuary citizen will be granted 25 acres of land for each additional 6 months of service in the Sanctuary Guard. Thus, third, Sanctuary farms produce a surplus of both crops and livestock. The mixed diet has lead to a healthier population which also means a rapidly growing population. Sanctuary has grown out in layers of villages established on the edge of settled territory. Most land grants are planned with a village site laid out and the grants all given out at once. A small minority of grant are given as 'outliers', in a parcel of suitable land big enough for a farm or two but not a village (hill or swampy territory). Villages are run by Councils which typically consists of the local clergy, the miller and/or craftsmen, and prominent local farmers. Councils have limited authority only exercised through Sanctuary's broader laws and the will/cooperation of the villagers.
The Town of Sanctuary: Sanctuary, the town, is the center of the region. The Council meets here and almost all top government officials are based in the town. Most of Sanctuary's paper mills and businesses are also located here. The town is located at the fall line - thus a prime site for water powered mills. Businesses and houses are located on both sides of the river. The oldest part is on the island just above the rapids while the newest area are the buildings on the north side of the river. All permanent buildings are required to be of stone construction with slate or tile roofs (defense and fire prevention). Outsiders find a few aspects of the town unusual. Well cared for and used weapons are close to hand in all businesses and homes - Sanctuary citizens take their militia duties very seriously. Cleanliness is also taken very seriously - a visitor who does not bother to visit a public or private latrine will find himself cleaning up his own mess and performing a fine of public service. Finally, there are no beggars or slums. This situation is not due to outlawing such things or excessive generosity by wealthier citizens - it ties into a core belief of the people, everything is to be used to its full/best extent. In materials, for example, blackwood is by far the best wood for bows. You will not find a piece of blackwood big enough for a bow used for firewood or any other use. Likewise, with people, the community strives to make the best use of their talents and desires. The process is encouraged, not forced, but it is ingrained in the people and the community. Thus, trades are not hereditary as they are in so many other regions and kingdoms - though, not surprisingly, a child raised in a trade usually pursues it. Thus, the town is not a foreign land to outside visitors; but, its similarity to these visitors in most aspects makes the differences seem greater...
Magic: The town of Sanctuary is also the center of human magic, but the magic is spread throughout the region. Over the past few decades, many masters have found the incessant noise and vibration of the mills too distracting and have moved to quieter nearby villages. Basic instruction occurs in several villages spread through the district. However, the most promising students end up in the town or its nearest villages.
Cultural quirks: Like all places, Sanctuary culture has its own quirks. The preoccupation with archery carries not only to their festivals - all of which have an archery competition component- but also to their language. For instance, "Pulling your weight" - up to your honest effort; or "Split the shaft" - indicates an admirable/remarkable achievement; or "Cocked it left" - an extremely stupid mistake that refers to not placing the arrow's fletching properly (which has lead to unfortunate misunderstandings with outsiders). Besides archery practice, citizens are also expected to perform community service (most common are assisting with the harvest, road and defense building, helping establish new settlements/farms, etc.). Considerable community pressure is brought to bear on anyone who tries to shirk this community agreed upon task - the service is not frequent and the communities attempt to give it a festive air as well. The requirement that women also serve in the militia and perform community service plus the wider range of occupations available to them means women are often found in what other areas may refer to as 'man's clothing'. This fashion has also lead to some awkwardness with outsiders... Finally, not surprisingly, the area accepts magic users as part of everyday life - unlike the superstitious fear and/or hostility often seen in other areas.
Future Considerations: Sanctuary has expanded like an onion; once available farmland is settled in a village's area, a new village's land area is set out to border the old village. Since Sanctuary families tend to be large (unusually few children die in infancy), this expansion is accelerating. Sanctuary's borders in the coastal plain will soon be reached and the more adventuresome settlers are starting to clear more of the valleys and more fertile parts of the hilly region above the fall line. Expansion outside of the region is likely to happen in the near future. Since any settlers would likely establish all features of a Sanctuary settlement (religion, training, festivals, schooling, magic, etc.), friction with the existing local power structure and possibly the local common people is likely.
Second, the aggressive expansion of human magic by Sanctuary has wide implications. The clerics of Tenille are scouring the lands for anyone with the potential for human magic. These people, usually children, are trained enough so they don't harm themselves or others; but free training is offered to any who wish to develop their skills - as long as they swear Tenille's oath. The clergy are somewhat evasive about the fate of anyone who is not committing evil acts but refuses to swear the oath that limits the use of those powers. Besides this angle, there is also the reaction of both Prealith and its neighbours. A Prealith with a greater number of more highly skilled and powerful magic users is likely to use that powerful tool while even the presence of that 'tool' is a threat to other Kingoms. The reaction remains to be seen. Prealith has assured the other Kingdoms that any ambitions will be limited to Prealith's borders. However, the elves and the cutthroats of the Robbers' Coast should examine what Prealith considers is its traditional borders...
Finally, within Sanctuary, there is a split on how to best develop and defend Sanctuary. Traditionalists believe Sanctuary's slow, deliberate, and careful expansion and its defensive policy will continue to provide effective borders. Expansionists wish to quickly push Sanctuary's borders to the more defensible boundaries of the Coum river to the north and west and the Nan Pot River to the south and then civilize the area from those river banks to the coast. They believe this move would add territory, resources, people, and lost knowledge to Sanctuary's defenses. Otherwise, they fear other groups will take these lands and resources and could threaten the Traditionalists' less defensible boundaries. In addition, this much larger territory would allow continued expansion of Sanctuary's population for some time to come. The main problem with the Expansionists' proposal is only a small part of these lands belong to Sanctuary's legal territory. The area to the south is under royal decree and left deliberately unsettled while the area to the north belongs to the Baron of Marshton. Expansionists believe the Council should use its influence with the Gareth/Sea Prince family to acquire these territories. However, the Barony is centuries old in precedent and the Royal government is evasive on even why settlement is not allowed to the south. The defense debate has recently resurfaced due to a recent proposal by a minority of Expansionists to rapidly expand Sanctuary's western boundary to the Coum River - which is technically part of Sanctuary's territory.
History: The name "Sanctuary" refers both to the town and the region surrounding it. Originally the area was part of the province governed by Borelith (Marshton). It provided agricultural and forest products that were traded through the port of Borelith. When Borelith was destroyed by the Sea Wolves, the survivors fled into what became Sanctuary. A large mill village at the fall line of the Casaga River became the area's center. The local inhabitants and refugees had to ban together as the destruction of Borelith opened the way for repeated assaults of raiders and creatures over the next several centuries. Several times the community was nearly wiped out. The ineffectual Mannerlith Sea Princes were no help and while their cousins, the Gareths, spilled resources, blood and lives in Sanctuary's defense; they had very limited resources . As a result, Sanctuary has a close relationship with the House of Gareth - the present Sea Prince family - but over the previous centuries, it had to depend on just its own resources to survive.
This struggle to survive produced the unique culture of Sanctuary. First, the name is a policy - Sanctuary. Any human who agreed to contribute and abide by the laws/customs was given sanctuary. Survival, not mercy, dictated this policy. Second, among the refugees were students and a very few elderly teachers from Borelith's wizardry school. They tipped the balance in Sanctuary's favour in the struggle to survive. Thus magic - its encouragent, development, and strict control of it became a foundation of Sanctuary. Third, in Sanctuary's first century, its governing Council evolved. Fourth, repeated, random, and deadly attacks over the centuries proved to the people of Sanctuary of the need for individual and cooperative defense. Thus each man and woman is capable with at least one weapon - usually a bow. At 17 years of age, all citizens serve 6 months of military training. Some of these citizens then serve additional time in roving patrols and other duties in exchange for land grants. Finally, all these measures and pressures have resulted in a deliberate and planned society. This planning ranges from insuring every village has at least one very defensible building - often the village mill - to careful planning of production of goods to benefit the entire region (which resulted in Sanctuary being the Kingdoms and possibly the world's leading producer of paper). Thus, Sanctuary is a place shaped by its past.
Geography: Sanctuary stretches west from the coast to the mountains. It is centered on the Casaga river with its southern limit near the 1/2 way point between the Casaga and Nan Pot rivers. Likewise, its territory stretches north - roughly 1/2 way between the Casaga and Coum rivers. The town of Sanctuary is located where the Casaga river breaks into rapids and falls as it exits the hill region and enters the coastal plain. Below the 'fall line', the coastal land is fairly flat to gently rolling with winding streams and rivers. It is rich farmland - where there is adequate drainage. The land above (west) of the fall line is rolling with rushing streams and rivers. The soil is thinner here but still rich enough to support agriculture and dense forests. The region is dotted with regularly spaced villages that either supply local farms and/or are the site of a resource or talented craftsmen. Villages are often sited at the fall line to take advantage of water power for mills.
Government: Sanctuary is governed by a Council that represents the different areas and groups in the region. Each craft, trade, profession, and ethnic group has at least one elected representative. Farmers representing the different areas in Sanctuary make up the largest number of representative. Most routine and emergency matters are settled by an Inner Council selected from the larger Representative Council. This Inner Council is answerable to the Representative Council but can take much faster action. The Inner Council is somewhat like the Council of Firsts in Bannerlith in that each Council member is in charge of a particular portfolio (such as Magic, Agriculture, Defense, Trade, etc.).
Religion: With such a diverse and tolerant population, virtually all the non-evil gods are openly worshiped in Sanctuary. Alyanya is especially favoured with the majority of the population being farmers. Sanctuary is also the center of the worship of Tenille, the Goddess of Human Magic. Worship of Tenille is steadily growing in number and power.
Culture: The people of Sanctuary are much more communally minded than other regions of Prealith. Community service in order to bring in the harvest, construct roads or other community building projects, etc. is built into the yearly calendar. Festivals that honour the Gods and commemorate special events are celebrated throughout Sanctuary. Of course, each village and town has its own individual festivals, most of which are just excuses to celebrate. This pattern is familiar to anyone in the Kingdoms; what may be surprising is the incorporation of both archery and other martial contests at these festivals and Council matters that impact upon the community.
Village life: Visitors to Sanctuary find their villages very unusual in a few regards. First, the buildings are sturdily constructed. Villagers/farmers own their land and buildings and construct with an eye to passing them down to subsequent generations. Second, the farms are very large. Sanctuary law prohibits any farm to be less than 25 acres in size. However, that same law stipulates any Sanctuary citizen will be granted 25 acres of land for each additional 6 months of service in the Sanctuary Guard. Thus, third, Sanctuary farms produce a surplus of both crops and livestock. The mixed diet has lead to a healthier population which also means a rapidly growing population. Sanctuary has grown out in layers of villages established on the edge of settled territory. Most land grants are planned with a village site laid out and the grants all given out at once. A small minority of grant are given as 'outliers', in a parcel of suitable land big enough for a farm or two but not a village (hill or swampy territory). Villages are run by Councils which typically consists of the local clergy, the miller and/or craftsmen, and prominent local farmers. Councils have limited authority only exercised through Sanctuary's broader laws and the will/cooperation of the villagers.
The Town of Sanctuary: Sanctuary, the town, is the center of the region. The Council meets here and almost all top government officials are based in the town. Most of Sanctuary's paper mills and businesses are also located here. The town is located at the fall line - thus a prime site for water powered mills. Businesses and houses are located on both sides of the river. The oldest part is on the island just above the rapids while the newest area are the buildings on the north side of the river. All permanent buildings are required to be of stone construction with slate or tile roofs (defense and fire prevention). Outsiders find a few aspects of the town unusual. Well cared for and used weapons are close to hand in all businesses and homes - Sanctuary citizens take their militia duties very seriously. Cleanliness is also taken very seriously - a visitor who does not bother to visit a public or private latrine will find himself cleaning up his own mess and performing a fine of public service. Finally, there are no beggars or slums. This situation is not due to outlawing such things or excessive generosity by wealthier citizens - it ties into a core belief of the people, everything is to be used to its full/best extent. In materials, for example, blackwood is by far the best wood for bows. You will not find a piece of blackwood big enough for a bow used for firewood or any other use. Likewise, with people, the community strives to make the best use of their talents and desires. The process is encouraged, not forced, but it is ingrained in the people and the community. Thus, trades are not hereditary as they are in so many other regions and kingdoms - though, not surprisingly, a child raised in a trade usually pursues it. Thus, the town is not a foreign land to outside visitors; but, its similarity to these visitors in most aspects makes the differences seem greater...
Magic: The town of Sanctuary is also the center of human magic, but the magic is spread throughout the region. Over the past few decades, many masters have found the incessant noise and vibration of the mills too distracting and have moved to quieter nearby villages. Basic instruction occurs in several villages spread through the district. However, the most promising students end up in the town or its nearest villages.
Cultural quirks: Like all places, Sanctuary culture has its own quirks. The preoccupation with archery carries not only to their festivals - all of which have an archery competition component- but also to their language. For instance, "Pulling your weight" - up to your honest effort; or "Split the shaft" - indicates an admirable/remarkable achievement; or "Cocked it left" - an extremely stupid mistake that refers to not placing the arrow's fletching properly (which has lead to unfortunate misunderstandings with outsiders). Besides archery practice, citizens are also expected to perform community service (most common are assisting with the harvest, road and defense building, helping establish new settlements/farms, etc.). Considerable community pressure is brought to bear on anyone who tries to shirk this community agreed upon task - the service is not frequent and the communities attempt to give it a festive air as well. The requirement that women also serve in the militia and perform community service plus the wider range of occupations available to them means women are often found in what other areas may refer to as 'man's clothing'. This fashion has also lead to some awkwardness with outsiders... Finally, not surprisingly, the area accepts magic users as part of everyday life - unlike the superstitious fear and/or hostility often seen in other areas.
Future Considerations: Sanctuary has expanded like an onion; once available farmland is settled in a village's area, a new village's land area is set out to border the old village. Since Sanctuary families tend to be large (unusually few children die in infancy), this expansion is accelerating. Sanctuary's borders in the coastal plain will soon be reached and the more adventuresome settlers are starting to clear more of the valleys and more fertile parts of the hilly region above the fall line. Expansion outside of the region is likely to happen in the near future. Since any settlers would likely establish all features of a Sanctuary settlement (religion, training, festivals, schooling, magic, etc.), friction with the existing local power structure and possibly the local common people is likely.
Second, the aggressive expansion of human magic by Sanctuary has wide implications. The clerics of Tenille are scouring the lands for anyone with the potential for human magic. These people, usually children, are trained enough so they don't harm themselves or others; but free training is offered to any who wish to develop their skills - as long as they swear Tenille's oath. The clergy are somewhat evasive about the fate of anyone who is not committing evil acts but refuses to swear the oath that limits the use of those powers. Besides this angle, there is also the reaction of both Prealith and its neighbours. A Prealith with a greater number of more highly skilled and powerful magic users is likely to use that powerful tool while even the presence of that 'tool' is a threat to other Kingoms. The reaction remains to be seen. Prealith has assured the other Kingdoms that any ambitions will be limited to Prealith's borders. However, the elves and the cutthroats of the Robbers' Coast should examine what Prealith considers is its traditional borders...
Finally, within Sanctuary, there is a split on how to best develop and defend Sanctuary. Traditionalists believe Sanctuary's slow, deliberate, and careful expansion and its defensive policy will continue to provide effective borders. Expansionists wish to quickly push Sanctuary's borders to the more defensible boundaries of the Coum river to the north and west and the Nan Pot River to the south and then civilize the area from those river banks to the coast. They believe this move would add territory, resources, people, and lost knowledge to Sanctuary's defenses. Otherwise, they fear other groups will take these lands and resources and could threaten the Traditionalists' less defensible boundaries. In addition, this much larger territory would allow continued expansion of Sanctuary's population for some time to come. The main problem with the Expansionists' proposal is only a small part of these lands belong to Sanctuary's legal territory. The area to the south is under royal decree and left deliberately unsettled while the area to the north belongs to the Baron of Marshton. Expansionists believe the Council should use its influence with the Gareth/Sea Prince family to acquire these territories. However, the Barony is centuries old in precedent and the Royal government is evasive on even why settlement is not allowed to the south. The defense debate has recently resurfaced due to a recent proposal by a minority of Expansionists to rapidly expand Sanctuary's western boundary to the Coum River - which is technically part of Sanctuary's territory.