Wyrmbrook

Nestled amidst the serene yet ever-changing wetlands, Wyrmarch was a city in harmonious flux, embodying the teachings of Fentrask, the god of Life, Death, and Rebirth. Its landscape, a tapestry of tranquil waters and lush vegetation, mirrored the ebb and flow of existence. The city was built on raised platforms and interconnected by a network of wooden walkways and canals. Residents moved gracefully through the city on punts, guiding them along the waterways with long poles in a dance that mirrored the journey of souls in the afterlife. The architecture of Wyrmarch blended seamlessly with the wetlands, featuring homes and temples on stilts, adorned with carvings that told stories of creation, transition, and renewal.
Wyrmarch was a city of both mourners and celebrants, where the cycle of life was respected and revered in equal measure. Ceremonies and festivals marked the passing of seasons, births, deaths, and rebirths, reflecting the city's deep connection to the natural rhythms of the world. The people of Wyrmarch were known for their spiritual depth, their artistry in crafting funerary and ceremonial goods, and their profound understanding of medicinal herbs found in their lush environment. The heart of Wyrmarch lay in its central temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to Fentrask, where the mystical and the mundane intertwined, and where the citizens came to pay homage to the deity who shepherded the souls through the eternal cycle of life and death. In its heyday, Wyrmarch was not just a city but a living embodiment of the eternal cycle, a place where every end was seen as the beginning of a new chapter.

Government

In Wyrmbrook, governance was deeply intertwined with the spiritual teachings of Fentrask, the god of Life, Death, and Rebirth. The city wass led by a Theocratic Council, known as the Guardians of the Cycle, which embodied the principles of Fentrask and oversaw the city's adherence to the sacred cycles.

Hierarchy and Structure:

High Guardian:

At the apex of the council sat the High Guardian, a role often held by the most enlightened spiritual leader, who was believed to have the deepest connection with Fentrask. The High Guardian was not just a ruler but a spiritual guide, entrusted with maintaining the city's harmony with the cycles of existence.

Circle of Guardians:

Supporting the High Guardian was the Circle of Guardians, each represented a crucial aspect of Wyrmbrook's life and its alignment with the cycles. These included the Guardian of Life, overseeing health and agriculture; the Guardian of Death, responsible for funerary rites and honoring the deceased; and the Guardian of Rebirth, focusing on education, growth, and renewal.

Council of Advisors:

Beneath the Circle of Guardians was a Council of Advisors, composed of respected elders, healers, scholars, and other notable figures. They provided wisdom and guidance on various matters, from city planning to spiritual affairs.

Community Representatives:

Each district or community within Wyrmbrook elected a representative to ensure that the voices of all citizens were heard in the council. These representatives played a vital role in keeping the council connected with the city's populace.

Ceremonial Roles:

Various ceremonial roles existed within the government structure, filled by individuals who lead specific rituals and celebrations that honor Fentrask and reinforced the city's commitment to the cycles.

Governance in Practice:

Decisions within the council were made through a combination of spiritual insight, democratic discussion, and consensus, ensuring that every action taken was in harmony with the teachings of Fentrask. The council regularly conveneed in the Temple of Fentrask, a sacred space that served as both a governmental and spiritual center.
This theocratic system ensured that Wyrmbrook remained a city deeply connected to its spiritual roots, with every aspect of governance reflecting the reverence for life, acknowledgment of death, and celebration of rebirth. The Guardians of the Cycle were not only administrators but also spiritual leaders, guiding the citizens of Wyrmbrook through the complexities of existence in alignment with the divine will of Fentrask. They lead not through domination but through wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the balance of the natural and spiritual realms.
In Wyrmbrook, the government was more than a body of rule; it was the heartbeat of the city's spiritual life, pulsating with the rhythms of the eternal cycles it venerated. The Guardians of the Cycle were seen as stewards of these sacred rhythms, ensuring that the city remained a beacon of hope, resilience, and harmony in a world that has seen its share of darkness and despair.

History

The Founding by Sarai Wyrmbrook:

In the shadow of the Age of Ash, amidst the terror of the Riftspawn's reign, Sarai Wyrmbrook, a beacon of resilience and hope, founded the city of Wyrmbrook. Set within the intricate waterways of the marshlands, it was a haven for those seeking respite from the chaos of the outside world. Sarai's profound connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, taught by Fentrask himself, guided her in establishing a community that lived in harmony with the natural rhythms of the wetlands.

Formation of the Guardians of the Cycle:

As Wyrmbrook grew, the need for structured governance became apparent. Inspired by Sarai's teachings, the city formed the Theocratic Council, known as the Guardians of the Cycle. This council was composed of spiritual leaders deeply attuned to Fentrask's domains. The High Guardian, alongside the Circle of Guardians, each representing different aspects of the cycle, governed with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that the city's practices reflected the delicate balance of life and death.

The Flourishing of Wyrmbrook:

Under the guidance of the Guardians, Wyrmbrook flourished. The city became a symbol of the enduring power of life amidst the desolation of the Age of Ash. It was renowned for its harmonious architecture, its ceremonies that celebrated both life and death, and its rich culture that revered the natural world. Wyrmbrook was not just a city but a testament to the possibility of hope and renewal in the darkest of times.

The Mysterious Fall:

Just two years ago, Wyrmbrook's era of peace was shattered. The Riftspawn, long the scourge of the world, descended upon the city. In these desperate hours, as chaos enveloped Wyrmbrook, witnesses spoke of Fentrask himself appearing amidst the turmoil, battling the monstrous horde in a display of divine might. But even the god's presence could not prevent the inevitable. In a moment shrouded in mystery and terror, Wyrmbrook was wrenched from its place in the world, disappearing without a trace.
The city's fall was as sudden as it was inexplicable. To those few who escaped, it seemed as if Wyrmbrook was teleported into the Shadowrealm, the very domain of the Riftspawn they had long feared. The events leading up to this catastrophic moment remain largely unknown, a series of occurrences that escaped the understanding of common folk and scholars alike.

Diety

Fentrask

Founders

• Sarai Wyrmbrook

Type

Large city