The Sanctum

“The gods do not whisper to the loud.”

— Saying among the inner clergy

The Sanctum of Larova, often referred to simply as The Sanctum, is a polytheistic religious organisation known for its mysterious inner workings and its spiritual and political influence on Larova. Though it might seem peaceful on the outside, inside it’s quiet, intense, and full of hidden goals. Within its hallowed halls, worship is conducted with ritual precision: prayers and blessings may only occur within sacred salt circles that encircle the statues of the divine. Each statue represents one of the revered Gods, believed to share a direct conduit to the realm of Azura. The high priests of the Sanctum, though ostensibly united under the banner of faith, engage in ongoing political manoeuvring, their rivalries contained by mutual threat of banishment—a punishment rare but absolute.

Wealthy families from across Larova fund the Sanctum with generous donations, hoping to earn favour in the eyes of the divine or curry favour among the priesthood. Yet beneath the polished stone and holy symbols, the city remembers the fall of the Cassens—once the Sanctum’s ruling house. Their betrayal and its fiery aftermath have left a permanent mark, both on the institution and the collective memory of Larova.

History

Eleven years ago, the Cassens, a distinguished family that had previously been entrusted with the care of the Sanctum, lost favour. When their devotion to Cultism—a prohibited religion based on self-worship and the acquisition of power through the sacrifice of sentient souls—was exposed, it brought them shame. The citizens of Larova responded decisively: the buildings surrounding Cassen Manor were razed, and the family themselves were sealed within the manor walls, left to their fate. That district remains off-limits to this day—its silence broken only by rumour and the occasional tale of apparitions.

Cultism had been exiled from the Sanctum over a century prior, but the Cassen affair demonstrated that even ancient bans could be circumvented. In the years since, leadership of the Sanctum has been diffuse, with influence divided among several high-ranking priests, and a single leader is unlikely to ever happen. While violence among them is discouraged through the threat of permanent banishment, tensions persist beneath the surface.

Culture

The primary faith of the Sanctum is known as Divinity, a religion encompassing belief in all Gods of the pantheon, which gives its name to its magical side. However, worshippers are only permitted to formally align with two Gods at any given time. Shifting alignment is a gradual process, requiring contemplation, ceremony, and—occasionally—divine insight. The most sacred site within the Sanctum is the Hall of Gods, a monumental structure housing the statues of the divine. A ring of sanctified salt encircles each statue, and all rituals—whether for blessings, curses, or simple homage—must be performed within these boundaries. This is the Hall’s inviolate rule.

These areas are meticulously maintained by priests of the Sanctum, whose labour is both a religious duty and an expression of piety. Open conflict within the Sanctum is uncommon because of the common understanding of the consequences of exile, even though these high priests frequently plot against one another in private. Few priests have been banished, and fewer religions have.

In addition to Divinity, two other significant belief systems persist in the region:

Cultism, proscribed for its dangerous doctrines, centres around self-exaltation and arcane empowerment through soul sacrifice. It is unique, as few know about it and fewer dare to teach it. (Only Staff can use this.)
Azurism venerates Azura—the realm itself—as divine, often invoking the sacred text: Void, and its associated prophecy: the Rapture. During the Rapture, the mythic phoenix, which has been defeated in numerous battles and had its wings clipped, will finally be blessed with the ability to fly. The phoenix will then commence a holy war against the devil in 5 different forms: a Locust, a Flying Fish, a Worm, a Roc, and a Hydra. In the text, it will emerge victorious and usher in an age of prosperity and enlightenment for Tykonia. While regarded by some as heretical due to its implied subordination of the traditional Gods, Azurism is not formally banned. However, it is noted for its conspicuous lack of recorded divine interventions.

Military

The Sanctum maintains no standing army in the conventional sense. Nonetheless, its influence is guarded through more subtle means. Many priests retain personal protectors—devout warriors or mercenaries granted divine favour. Religious militias and temple-sanctioned defenders act in the service of both security and doctrine enforcement. Even though official decrees forbid violence within the Sanctum, altercations outside of it are frequently swift and accepted, especially when the security or sanctity of the faith is at stake.

Larova accepts the autonomy of the Sanctum, but the government remains vigilant. The Cassens' downfall served as a sobering reminder of what happens when unbridled faith turns into unbridled power.

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