Coven
"While I'm sure the citizens of Highcroft consider Coven a stain on their lands, I rather enjoy it. Sure there's dark magics, blood cults, and sacrifices, but you may never find a more tight-knit community of people all working toward common purpose. Survival in spite of those who hate them. And there's beauty in that." - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things
City Description
Population: ~1600
Founded: 2330 (60 years ago)
A more recently developed community in Highcroft, Coven is the product of multiple factors all working in tandem. Pockets of religious zealotry across Highcroft devoted to Tyr driving evil from their midst, a proximity to the Arrowhead Isles, and a land largely deemed unfit for life due to the legend of the Blood of Bhaal; all of these things created a community of outcasts practicing dark arts and daring Highcroft to cross them.
Located in the Fuil Bogs in southwestern Highcroft, Coven was once a refugee camp for those driven from their homes by the righteous and morally incorruptible. These people, often women accused of practicing black magics, found sanctuary in Fuil due to the near impassable terrain, harsh living conditions, and distance from civilization. Here, they were safe, from the people who sought their deaths if not the perils of the bogs.
The great-granddaughter of the Archmage Aghast, a bloodline once hailed as heroes, was the woman who brought the community of refugees together and convinced them of their power. Madeline Grail, who actually was well-versed in a specific form of dark magic, began to teach these people, and formed her first coven.
In time, the coven grew, each person coming to either escape a darker fate or learn more about the magic Madeline had to teach. The first test of these teachings happened in 2335, five years after the art of the Sanguine Cup was established, the Ionlann of Caim attempted a covert mission to end the practice before it became too powerful. That group never returned. One year later, King Cauld sent the Wing Guard to take custody of the community. That army was cast out, survivors reportedly convincing the King to leave well-enough alone. And so Coven remained, neither accepted by Highcroft nor condemned -- simply allowed to be.
For their part, Coven pays into the coffers what they owe and even supports trade with the Arrowhead Isles. The people of the Isles are no strangers to navigating swamplands, and so Coven is a place they frequent often. But Coven also makes no attempt to hide their dark practices. Madeline's teaching survive today, as does she, though she is a elderly and rarely seen. No gods are worshipped in Coven, no divine powers are recognized. The Sanguine Cup is held sacred by those who reside there. And those who practice the art are revered.
City Landmarks
(Coven has its own language developed amongst its earlier residents to help keep them safe and recognize their own. This language is called "Fuilish" and is used for much of their naming)
Istigh Eaglais (the Inner Sanctum) - where only those who practice the Sanguine Cup can tread. Within the teachings of the dark art are taught to those who will sacrifice enough to learn. It is a dark place and those who do not belong there often report feelings of dread and unease emanating from the place.
Amuigh Eaglais (the Outer Sanctum) - an large area surrounding the school in which only citizens are allowed, and those given special permission. Since most of Coven is one large structure, its safety and secrets are of the utmost important. This area is setup for those allowed to reside together as a close community
Uisce Thios (the Water Beneath) - much of the lore surrounding the Fuil Bogs revolves around where the god Bhaal bled out after the final battle of the Constellation War. The waters beneath Coven are believed to contain remnants of that blood and are held sacred. Bhaal is not worshipped in Coven, and is sometime reviled, but blood is sacred, and the blood of a god who used blood as a weapon is most sacred. Thus the waters below the primary structure of Coven usually holds ceremonies and rituals for those who practice the Sanguine Cup.
Cosan Daerg (the Scarlet Paths) - the docks and piers surrounding the Sanctums are maintained just enough to allow passage between the more impassable parts of the swamps. A web of crisscrossing wooden paths with dimly lit lanterns atop the fog and acrid waters allows small vessels and ferries to shepherd people to shops and sundries.
Suile an Tsaoil (the Living Eyes) - the closest outsiders can come to the Sanguine Cup, the elders of Coven will use this plaza within the primary holdings to teach about the dangers of the world and the perceptions of the righteous. Their teaching lend themselves toward self-fulfillment, sacrifice, and the realization of one's own mortality.
People of Note
Madeline Grail (Legendary Being): Female Human, the originator of the Sanguine Cup practice and leader of Coven, rarely makes public appearances
Tyranny Miason: Female Orc, Elder of the Sanguine Cup and vocal decision maker for Coven, is the ear and tongue for Madeline
Veracity Klame: Female Elf, a former Elder and proponent of spreading the practice of the Sanguine Cup, especially if it means by force to those who have wrong Coven
Reginald Highfort III: Male Human, ambassador for Caim, Reginald normally works with newcomers to ensure they are not threats to the realm by the grace of the Elders
The Little Duke: Male Tiefling, an associate of Lord Marquis Duke Baron King in Topside, he is always on the lookout for wares to bring back to his master