The Metronists Society and the Calcularium League

The Metronists Society and the Calcularium League are guilds of engineers, artillerists, architects and cartographers. While the two guilds share the same professions in membership, they are bitter rivals and have been, at times, outright enemies. 

The Metronists Society teaches that the world must be meticulously modeled, then measured and built to scale. They have a heavy reliance on geometry and the principle of similarity. The Calcularium League teaches the use of secret formulas and algorithms to calculate measurements from drawings. 

On their surface these two guilds would seem to have much in common, but every builder knows that to invite both to a job site is to invite actual bloodshed. While the work is all but indistinguishable by the common man, members each insist that their work is pure and the others amounts to either idolatry (on the part of the Metronists) or sophistry (on the part of the Calcularium).

Their great rivalry came to head and became outright enmity under the rule of Favian III, High King of Westrun. While Favian's predecessor had commissioned the Northern Wall, it came to completion under his rule. Working from the same set of plans, the Metronists began at the Sea and worked inland. The Calcularium began at the mountains and build toward the sea. As the two teams of laborers drew close, it became apparent that the walls would not meet without visibly altering one of both of their courses.

Both guilds found this solution to be the responsibility of the other, and each refused to alter course. The wall came within ten feet of each other before the bloodshed began. Relatively few (perhaps two dozen) were involved in the conflict, but hardened soldiers who were witness to it claimed it was the most appalling and unspeakably brutal melee they had ever seen. 

To correct the error, Favian ordered the Seam built on that spot. The Seam is an irregular tower, offset from both walls and from which both courses of the wall can be observed to run straight for many miles.

The enmity between the two guilds remains to this day. There are tales of sabotage and hired assassins that are told in both guild houses. There is some truth to these tales.

Djazzari

The Djazzari are a group of religious zealots who worship Djazzar -- the Southrun god known as the butchcr -- the culler of life. Many Southruners believe that no man can die unless his life has reached the expiration date given by the gods for that individual. 

The Djazzari help the terminally ill and despondent into death by the administration of various drugs and poisons. This they only do after receiving the sanction of their divine oracle. They also go forth into the world, looking to cull those whose expirations have come and gone, unrecognized. To that end, for a generous donation they can be hired to turn their attention to one individual in particular. If the oracle sanctions it, the murder is a sign that the intended victim had already lived beyond their intended expiration date. In the mind of the Djazzari t becomes their duty to help that individual find their quickest death.

Since they believe that death is foretold, the Djazzari do not believe that anyone can find it sooner than they should. For that reason, they utterly reject medicine or healing in any fashion, other than the passage of time. 

Notwithstanding their rejection of medicinal enchantments, their sect is widely known for its various potions. Chief among these are the legendary potions of sustenance, which are used by its assassins as they go out looking for those who were already supposed to be dead. By vow the Djazzari can neither eat nor drink until their target is helped into death. Sometimes the sect sells its potions, but only at great price.

Akwali Sekhat: a Faith of Southrun

Akwali Sekhat, or Sisters of Sekhat, is the name given to the strange society of Southrun which is headed by a noble woman known as... Al Adhra, the Virgin. The Sisters live in a mountain redoubt completely isolated from the affairs of men. There they are devoted to the worship of their goddess Sekhat, and only leave its confines to practice their cruel murderous rites.

The society is wholly made up of women. Indeed, for a man to enter their fortress is to earn a death sentence. Their society grows from runaway women, absconded servants, abducted children and abandoned widows. Their leader is chosen from among their number by the casting of lots.

The Sisters worship the goddess Sekhat, who is believed to have been slain by her brothers Amir and Bhamut, during their divine feud. The worship of this deity requires the ritualized murder of men. To complete this rite, the Sisters have been known to waylay travelers, infiltrate noble houses, and abduct those who are unawares.

The Sisters also offer their services for hire. All of the nobility of Southrun is aware of the Akwali Sekhat and will often contract with them to remove enemies and rivals. It is believed that by giving them a steady supply of victims, other men will be safer from random attacks.

The Sisters rely heavily on poisons and strangulations to achieve their ends. Many victims have been found with silk sashes around their throats or with faces locked in pain at their passing.

Temple of the Setting Sun

The Temple of the Setting Sun is located in Miyabe. It is a seven story flat-topped stone pyramid with a steep stair to the top. That top is a practice green upon which one hundred students can be seen practicing their arts at dawn. At the fifth story is a dark cavernous opening flanked on either side by graven statues of Jen Shu and Bao Dan the disciple. Only monks are allowed entry into the temple.

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes is a deep blue, almost purple color.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Stone Fist

The Temple of the Stone Fist is located in Chiro. It is a tall and narrow tediously graven stone tower situated in front of a sandy depression around which a stone walk has been laid.  In front of the door of the tower is a large gong and mallet on a wood lintel between two stone stelas. Around all of that a tall palisade of brightly painted wood has been constructed. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a dingy yellow color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Northern Frost

The Temple of the Northern Frost is located in Shu. It most notable feature is a series of crystal spires set on top of narrow wooden gables that have been built adjacent to each other. These gables sit on still larger and wider gables below them. There are eight of the larger ones to the side enclosing a courtyard in the center. In the center rear of the courtyard, a tower stands with a giant bell atop it. A stone stair rises approximately two stories to the lower gables. It has the appearance of being open to the world, but ascending the stair will reveal a corridor around the temple that leads to the iron doors inset with large crystals. As only the monks are allowed to enter, what occurs inside is not known. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes is a dull green tint.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Peakshadow Historical and Antiquities Society

The Antiquities Society is a private club located in the City of Peakshadow. Membership is reserved to un-landed nobility (baronets) and to the gentry who have distinguished themselves in the eyes of the membership.

Any nobleman or gentleman may attend the club as an associate of an existing member, but will not have voting privileges nor be invited to the Privy Sessions until membership is conferred by majority vote.

The club meets every Thewsday evening for members and associates alike. The Privy Session occurs afterward at the ringing of the bells, where the membership is drawn out into the Inner Sanctum to discuss business, as necessary.

The PHAS has been in continual existence for centuries, boasting some of the most unusual and eclectic membership the world over. The purpose of the club is thought to be that of wealthy men pretending at adventure. This masks the true purpose of explorers and adventurers who have advanced to name-level. 

The club has a 100 year lease with the Lord Mayor of Peakshadow and its membership has all the legal expertise necessary to see it defended.

There are currently 21 members of the club and nearly that many associates.

Arcade

The Arcade is the foremost theological depository of the Church of Westrun. Located in Watersedge, it is the place that all aspiring priests must attend to learn the tenets of that faith.

As an institute of higher learning, the Arcade is well-regarded for its study of languages, history, and accounting.

The Arcade also houses the head of each of the Five Canonical Orders and the Cardinal Prefect elected over each.

Scholars of Modernity and Antiquity Volume A

From Edwir the Learned, sage of sages

an index of the Individuals and Societies considered sagacious in all the known Kingdoms and Realms.

INDIVIDUALS

Aedric Hanvalen 

1. Elves
2. Music
3. Wine
4. Ancient History

Arnis Drake Gilderspine

1. Language: Fell Speech
2. Goblins
3. Ancient History

Artemor the Traveler (d)

1. History: Southrun
2. Dwarves
3. Disease

Auric Glimmerscale

1. Cartography
2. Geography

SOCIETIES

Arcade

1. Philosophy: Church of Westrun
2. Accounting
3. Modern Languages
4. Ancient History
5. Modern History

Library of Lyosha

The Library of Lyosha, also known as the High King's Library, is the greatest collection of non-magical books in Westrun, and perhaps all of Erenth.

Lyosha himself is believed to have been a sage of the ancient world. Indeed the oldest text in the Library is called Histories of Lyosha and is recorded on a series of clay cones, each bearing his distinctive signature. The writing is in the form of pictograms whose meanings have been lost to antiquity.

The Library itself was once lost, but was exhumed by Dwarves who began to lay the foundations of Peakshadow as a gift to human kind, early at the start of the Seventh Age. To the records they found there, the subsequent kings of Peakshadow added whatever tomes they could acquire or have written.

The books themselves are kept by an order of sages known as the Lyoshans, or more commonly, the Gray Beards of Peakshadow or the Fingermen.

The Lyoshan's vow never to write books of their own, and never to share the knowledge they have gained by reading, but rather only to present the books they have found for other's to read and draw their own conclusions. To help fulfill this vow, the Fingermen amputate their first and second finger on their right hand after taking the hood of their order.

Some believe that Lyosha himself is interred in the bowels of the library.

The Lord Scholars of the Grand Consiliarium

a thorough treatment by Edwir

The Lord Scholars of the Grand Consiliarium are an extremely old society still active in the Free Provinces. They are dedicated solely to the accumulation knowledge and its use by mankind. They are known by many names including, Ancient Society of the Learned, the Immortal Sages, and the Learned Men of Old Cambris.

While rumors swirl as to their advanced age and immortality, it is understood by educated men that the Lord Scholars are but the intellectual descendants of their original charter members. As a society, they remain available to all seekers with no respect to position or rank, effectively selling their knowledge and setting their prices according to an ancient formulation which only they understand.

It is believed by some that the orginal Lord Scholars were part of the governments of the Dragon States of the Sixth Age. They would have been the counselors employed by each of the Dragon Princes of old. Third in command behind each Prince and his Master of Coin, they were beings entrusted with great power. At the conclusion of the that Age, those who escaped judgement and destruction fled to the last vestiges of the Dragon States in what was then known as the Principalities of Vyruma Serpentis and trained the next generation of sages to succeed them.

Once well-established in Vyruma Serpentis, the Society undertook a pledge of strict nuetrality and thus re-organized themselves as the so-called Immortal Sages. They became ambassadors, peace brokers and adjudicators of dispute and established a great academy of learning in Cambris. As the Immortal Sages, they were highly sought by the White and Black Princes, because they were loyal to their assigned geographic province irrespective of the power struggles which were so often waged between the provincial regents.

After Favian of Peakshadow conquered Vyruma Serpentis and established the Free Provinces, the Society reconfigured itself yet again. This time, they retreated wholly from their influence in society and became ensconced at the old academy of Cambris. The Lord Scholars became known as mercenary sages -- no longer offering their knowledge for the general weal, but for any who were able to pay. And so, there they remain, locked in their tower and charging what they will to whomever seeks them.

ArchHierophant Caelfa

Suspicious : Cautious. Shy.
motto : Look a gift horse in the mouth.

Tasha, Magister and Sage

Tasha herself is rumored to take the form of a common street urchin so that she may come and go at will in all of the cities of Westrun. Barring that assumed appearance, she most often appears as an attractive younger woman with yellow hair and a pale complexion.

Capricious : Impulsive. Vengeful.
motto : Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you kiss.

Tersia of the Outlands

Bao Dan the Disciple

Bao Dan was a disciple of the Venerable God-Emperor Jen Shu and the author of a presumed twelve volumes of a religious philosophy based on the life and teachings of that ruthless conqueror. He was a great warrior and martial artist in his own right and a man considered to have been perhaps the only literate member of the Hu Rang.

As a contemporary of Jen Shu this philosopher provides the closest record the modern world has of that historical person and his accomplishments. Though Bao Dan was but a young teen at the time of his master's death, he was nonetheless appointed as a general of part of Jen Shu's army, and no doubt had access to the collective memories of those much older men who lived and died alongside of the ancient warlord.

There is some dispute as to the historicity of Bao Dan's claims regarding his master. In this age, he is widely criticized for having tailored recollections and remembrances to more closely fit the philosophy he was trying to propagate -- the crux of this being found in his eleventh volume. He certainly lived long enough to see the sons of Bao Dan inherit, then splinter, their father's conquests into the three dynasties.

Bao Dan reportedly lived until the age of 120 and wrote his eleventh volume in the last year of his life. His final volume, number twelve, was that which was written to free his last slave from bondage and to guarantee her safe passage off of the Steppes. It is believed that upon his death, Bao Dan was translated into the Celestial Court of Shang Ti -- The Great Emperor. His body was rendered incorporeal and he was witnessed rising into the clouds on a ray of sunlight.

A matter of some controversy are the missing volumes of Bao Dan, specifically volumes 8, 9 and 10. Their discovery would be a priceless addition to any library.

Sage Saales

a biography by Edwir

Father Saales of Peakshadow was a cleric who lived from 5157 to 5204ey.

As a convert to that role and former wizard's apprentice, he brought a great deal of knowledge about wizards and their ways to his new role. While many in that magic profession have decried his conclusions and maligned him richly, few have challenged his statement of the facts in any of the half dozen manuscripts which bear his signature.

Ulric the Patriarch

a biography by Edwir

Ulric the Patriarch is a Sage in his own right and though he heads the Church in Westrun, would be regarded as such even without his ecclesiastical authority.

As an accomplished musician of some regard, and a master of eight languages, Ulric is well-read on a variety of topics. He also contributed, in his early career, several works on Halflings, Gnomes and Elves.

Wr. Cronos the Blessed Patriarch

Author of the first 15 Canons of the Church of Westrun, Wr. Cronos was a Sage of Theology in the employ of that ecclesial body.

Patriarch Cronos II was widely regarded as a holy, if humorless, man and a worker of miracles.

Born into petty nobility in 5112 and schooled by the Church, he was Ordained in Peakshadow in 5132. He was made Cardinal Prefect in 5140, and served as the head of the Council of Canons. In that role, he saw to the codifying of the Canons, and as Patriarch after 5142, he invested considerable sums to the development of the scriptoriums which saw to their wide production. He died in 5192 after fifty years at the helm of the Church.

A clerical society which bears his name has been recognized since 5280 and urges its members toward personal holiness.

Sage Hewen

a biography by Edwir

A recognized scholar and Druid, Sage Hewen has spent many years writing and revising his work so that each version is complete and accurate. He is a gnome that resides in the Old City of Pisat in the Free Provinces of Westrun.

In addition to transmitting the authoritative recipe for walnut ink, he has long been the authority on the Realms of Demi-Humans.

He is believed to be in near constant contact with all of the demi human Kingdoms and maintains constant contact with them. In this work, he persists after his teacher, Marlet who kept the work in his time from his teacher, and so on.

Hewen's expertise is widely sought on these matters.

Dalagdur of Oromir