Zelthuma
Rest. Sweet Child. The mind is only so strong, you need run, you need not suffer, you need not walk this road alone. Rest, the world will still be there when you return. As long as you need, still your strength returns, you are welcome here. Even then, should you stay, we will welcome you again. -Raven's Sibyl
Government
While technically it is a theocracy under the governance of the Sorority Of Azu, it still answers to the Crown of Huron. As such, the city is a mix of buracratic systems inside a chantry's organization. Zelthuma is as much a chantry and sanctuary as it is a city. Though the Govenor of the city is appointed by the King, it is largely a ceremonial role in the grand scheme of things. As the Priests and Sisters of Azu operate the city, collecting taxes, exicuting the law and order. The Soroity collects only enough to keep the streets clean and the buildings in good condition, with enough to send back to their King. The Chantry isn't interested in operating the city for power, as that isn't their mission.
History
Zelthuma was founded on a cold mountain stream that faded beneath a myriad of caverns to appear again as volcanic activity returned it to the surface as a hot spring. As such, the shallow stream that splashes its way through the town is the only known hot-river on the continent. Though in the near tundra of the Northern Wastes, it was a welcome discovery for the first settlers. When word reached the southern cities of Mistsdale, Ithrica and the City of Huron. As well as other settlements, the river held healing properties; the small village at the time experienced a boom in population.
Though some of the first to come along with the migrants to the area were the Fledgling Acolytes of the Sorority. Who had told the town that they had heard the will of Azu in their prayers and wished to welcome the tired and weary of all walks of life to ease their burdens here. The town, for the most part, was comprised of folk from the southern cities where the Sorority already had hold over the populace; their shared belief that there was beauty in all things was not a foreign concept. Which, many of the believers first began to build the original chantry on the river.
As the town steadily began to grow, they received a confirmation that they would not soon forget. Azu herself had stepped into the newly constructed chantry. As the Sisters bowed to her, she raised her voice for the town to hear, "Bow not to me, I need no such adoration. This thing you have built here, this place of quiet and peace. My heart grows warm at your efforts." Azu walked the length of the river through the middle, repeating a blessing of peace.
Azu would make regular appearances to see to her worshippers in the city. Easing the suffering from those who came, soothing the tired mind, offering her words to those who needed to hear them. The city had gained a name for itself for the cleansing waters, as well as a new location for the Goddess to appear in besides the City of Huron, and the Valley of Mists.
The city had changed hands many times, between the Northern Kingdoms, as well as with Huron itself. Though no greater act would happen once the Dwarves had taken the city in a diplomatic move before the First Calphiti War with the Romach. The Dwarves would build the now-famous wall around the city, not one to keep away invaders, but one to differentiate the Chantry from the rest of the world.
The Krijic Clan of Dwarves had discovered the Sorority during their wanderings many years ago. Having seen the world and all the darkness and joy it could bring, the Dwarves became infatuated with the Goddess and her teachings. It was also at this point that they rediscovered the caverns where the hot springs originated. They declared the springs a holy site and built a new chantry inside the caves. The one that exists today is both a bathhouse and a religious center. As the road worn, the threadbare and the downtrodden come to the city to bathe themselves in Azu's warmth. To be cleansed of the worry of the world, to ease away the pains life had caused.
Though it should be noted that on occasion, a Mistwalker will appear in the city to commune with the Goddess. When this had first happened generations ago, they were surprised, yet made no move to stop the faerie. At their word, Azu will always appear, leading the Sisters and Brothers of the Chantry to believe that the Mistwalkers appearing were a thing to be welcomed. To this day, in the bathhouse, only one has appeared in the last decade, and they were welcomed with open arms. Though this has also led to the city being very accepting of outsiders, human, non-human, or no.
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Alternative Name(s)
The Springs
Type
Town
Population
~60,000
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
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