Drifts

If you find yourself weary, or seeking some form of basic medical attention, just make your way to one of the larger villages--or better yet, a city. Look for a house with a blue and red banner hanging in the windows, or from a single post outside the door.
It's a sure sign that you have found a soft bed, clean water, and if you're lucky--a bit of food to settle the stomach.

A place for the poor

These healing houses are commonly called 'drifts'--a slang term used to describe those who come and go, seeking the attention and care of the Brothers who run such locations, and the communities who support them.
Considered a place for the poor or severly wounded, drifts vary in size--and can grant temporary aid with nothing more than clean bandages, to a full range of healers and alchemists on staff. Most drifts are run and maintained by a community as a whole, but some are fortunate enough to have well-known and even wealthy patrons, who desire to give back to the communituies in which they live or came from.

Amenities of a Drift

A drift is a place considered 'off limits' to both crime and those in authority. Consider a drift as a sanctuary from all faults--designed and protected by all around as a place one can heal in complete peace. This has, of course, created problems at times with those of unsavory character--but in the end, even thouse with hard hearts have yielded to the unspoken rules of a drift.
The basics of a drift are:

• A clean place to reside. That might be a bed, a chair with cushions, or a simple, yet clean pile of straw in a corner with a warm blanket to lay upon.
• Clean water. Something you may take for granted, but when you are ill or wounded, can mean the difference between life and death.
• Basic bandages. Cloth is not always a readily available resource, but drifts work to provide such provisions for the wounded. Oftentimes the community will work together to donate not only bandages--but also weave blankets, as well as basic clothing for those on need.
• Assistance. Another aspect of any drift thatmany seek out--is that you are not alone. There is always someone on staff at a drift--to help you care for a wound, to find you what you need, and to make sure you have a place to lay your head if required. There are many drifts that either employ a healer form time to time, or receive charitable donations of time and supplies by an actual healer--trying to take care of their flock.
• Food (if available). Since most drifts are run by the Brothers and is apart from their kirk, food isn't always an option. It is, however, always sought for, and those who contribute of their means within the communitues, are exceedingly blessed for sharing whatever they have no matter how meager or humble they are.

Struggles with Drifts

Are their struggles and misfortunes in this imperfect system? Yes.
There are some who take advantage of the good natured souls who are striving to administer to their fellow beings. People who will always tiurn to the darker paths. But there are far more who humble themselves and give thanks to the thousands of mne and women who participate and support the good will of the communitues to care for the downtrodden, wounded, and even the needy.
There is a unified desire to do good and to provide love and resources to those in need, wherever that blue and red banner is hanging for all to see.