02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

274 Iron Kingdoms
108.1.141.197
pilgrims, and its streets and residences are terribly
overcrowded. Despite the proximity of the Harber
River, shortage of food and water is one of several
problems facing Icthier’s leaders at the moment in
addition to widespread poverty, sweeping illnesses, and
flaring tempers. Of note, the ancient city is forbidden
to non-Menites; indeed, known heathens stepping foot
within the city have recently been accosted by fanatic
mobs and literally torn limb from limb.
Noted Persons
Scrutator Sovereign Jarok Shaw (male Sulese
Clr10/Scr6): Scrutator Sovereign Shaw is the ruling
priest of Icthier. Not only is he an iron-fisted servant of
the Lawgiver, but he is also the most senior historian
in Icthier and a renowned expert on the Canon of the
True Law. Though a mere sovereign, Shaw has even
the visgoths deferring to his encyclopedic knowledge.
On more than one occasion he has been called before
the Synod for his expert opinion on some matter of
theocratic law. Shaw leaves Icthier’s maintenance and
recent overpopulation troubles to his subordinates,
preferring to spend his time in silent contemplation
secluded within the High Temple of the Canon.
Locales of Icthier
High Temple of the Canon: The High Temple of
the Canon is the oldest and among the most grand
of all Menite temples. It was at the ruins at the center
that men laid the foundation for their first civilization
and came to know the word of the Lawgiver. The busy
Temple is a haven for Menite pilgrims and scholars.
It serves as the site of constant Menite devotional
services, and a vast number of priests give fiery sermons
throughout the Temple’s many great halls.
The core of the Temple, accessible only to the
most senior scrutators and visgoths, is the sacred
Temple Wall of Cinot. It is upon these ruins, ancient
beyond human reckoning, that the Canon of the True
Law was first inscribed, and it is here that Scrutator
Sovereign Shaw spends the majority of his time in
silent contemplation. Shaw is also the caretaker of
Cinot’s many notes inscribed upon stone slabs by the
very hand of Menoth’s first priest.
Menofix Titan: As one approaches the great city of
Icthier by land or sea, one feature commands his eye,
for within the central courtyard of the Plaza of Justice
stands a massive likeness of the Lawgiver nearly 200
feet tall. Towering above all supplicants in a stance
of true righteousness, the Menofix Titan is both awe
inspiring and terrifying with his holy symbol affixed
upon his chest. The left hand of the weathered statue
holds a tablet said to contain the true words of the
Lawgiver while the right hand points an accusing
finger at all who dare approach without humility.
Time and the elements have worn the surface of
this imposing likeness leaving the bronze monolith
pitted and scarred, yet the very same sands that blow
incessantly in Icthier serve to keep it polished and
bright on the windward side.
Many believe a secret complex called the Labyrinth
of Souls lies beneath the statue and say the entrance
lies somewhere at the feet of the Menofix. It is
whispered among the faithful that Menoth cast down
those unworthy of Him and damned their souls forever
to wander the unending halls. Many adventurous souls
pay for any morsel of information about the secret
labyrinthine complex, for it is also said the maze
predates the founding of the Red City and holds vast
stores of ancient wealth.
Plaza of Justice: Located in the center of Icthier is
an open area used for public announcements from the
scrutator and the dispensing of justice. Autos-da-fe—
religious trials for heretics and apostates—are carried
out here. Anyone who dares speak against the Temple
is typically wracked in the plaza beneath the Menofix
Titan and left to suffer “the scrutiny of Menoth”—
exposure to a dust storm without protection. If the
unfortunate soul survives this ordeal and recants his
prior errors in judgment, he is deemed cleansed. If he
does not recant, he is executed by fire or beheading. In
recent years there has been an upsurge in the number
of religious trials, and many result in executions.
Imer
In Power: Hierarch Garrick Voyle and the Visgoths
of Imer
Population: 150,000 (Mostly Sulese with an Idrian
minority); the population has increased in the past
year by 20,000+ due to an Immoren-wide pilgrimage
Military: Imer is garrisoned by a vast number of
Temple Flameguard, exemplars, paladins, and Fists of
Menoth supported by a huge contingent of warjacks.