Refuges

Purpose / Function

The Seven Refuges were originally built by the Seven Houses of Solestres to preserve human life in the wake of the Searing. Each was tailor made to suit the tastes of the house that built it, and can accommodate anywhere from 25,000 to 40,000 and remain mostly self sufficient. Through clever feats of magic and engineering, a refuge is able to feed, clothe, and house it's population. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties of maintaining such marvels, as well as their continued slow decay over the centuries, the population of each refuge must stay controlled, prompting an exodus of the surplus population into the wastes every 5 years. The method of determining who should stay and who should go varies from refuge to refuge, with some utilizing a lottery, some sending dissidents and criminals, and some only sending those trained best to survive the wastes. One thing is certain however, the wonders that once provided plenty have begun to deteriorate more rapidly, prompting the number of people each refuge can sustain to plummet in recent years.

Architecture

The architecture of each refuge varies widely. Some groups, like the House of Iron opted to build their refuge into a sprawling underground complex, whereas the House of Blood and the House of Shadows built refuges which plunge into the furthest depths of the earth. Accommodations and standards of living vary widely based on the interests and needs of each house. For example, the House of Iron maintains a number of forges and workshops from which to create the bodies of their famed constructs. The House of Blood has built theaters, brothels, and other venues for their lavish displays of wealth and debauchery.

Founding Date

975, Pre-Searing

Alternative Names

"Sanctuary"

Type

Arcology / Residential Complex