Holy City of Grace

There are seven holy cities, constructed near the end of the fifth epoch in advance of the coming age where men would be preyed upon by all manners of demonic creatures. Each city is the size of a small continent, and move about in general areas. They are protected by squadrons of fighters and defensive batteries; though only dragons ever pose a true threat. Because they are so high, a protective magnetic shield is projected around the top of the city to keep heat and air in. It also has charged particles that filter out harmful radiation, and give an odd, almost orange glow to the light.

Grace in particular is home to the Paladin training academy. It is here that young Paladins begin to receive their instruction that will last almost ten years. From the age of seven, the chosen few are brought to Grace and live there almost all year round. They are encouraged to keep in contact with their families, but their life and existence will be for the Church, so a family of their own is out of the question. The academy functions as school, dojo, and spiritual center. Subjects include Demonology, Tactics, Martial Instruction, and Meditation, among others. There are no more than a hundred trainees of all ages, and to be chosen is a high honor. The chosen’s families are moved to the city to live in relative luxury.

All of the cities serve to house the faithful during this terrible time. High above all the suffering, the Church waits for the end of days; and only lets those who show true loyalty and faith join them.

Sanctuary

It is far more of a mystery who created these amazing works of art and function. They could not have been created by human hands, and that is one thing the Brothers who live there keep quite to themselves. There are many of them, possibly hundreds scattered around the world. No one person knows them all, and like a splintered cell, they operate as independently as possible. Only the Silver Dragon has the power to move between all of them, and works to keep them informed and safe. No technology exists within them at all. Light is brought into the Nexus, an almost magical jewel that creates pure, holy light. From there, through a series of mirrored surfaces, it is projected into the whole sanctuary.

Water is drawn from available natural sources, heated by the light from the nexus, and flows through a series of stone crafted hydraulics to the various fields for growing food, or into the showers and toilets. It is a simple but safe life that the Brothers live. They share their space with the travelers who are moving from danger into safety. Rumors of a land free from demons have floated about the Sanctuaries over the years; but all anyone has seen is the inside of one or two of these magnificent structures.

Circle Compound

Each one is a conglomeration of ancient technology, beat into working order through sweat and blood. The towers both above and below ground are constructed from metal worked by those wishing to join the ranks of the elite. Their roots lay in a secret pan-governmental organization that had it’s hands in every new bit of technology available. Thus now, years later, they still have the ability to fly about and process fuel; but they are mainly thugs, and their home shows it. On the surface are shacks and shanties, built in the style of pre-industrial societies. What little comfort they have is kept for those in power, the few families that have worked their way up the chain of command, and now live in the towers at the heart of the compound.

Everything that they have is dedicated to fighting, and all that they do is for the good of the soldiers. Those who cannot fight, work the fields, mind the cattle, and sew the clothes. It is a hard and weary life. But if they prove themselves, they can move up; and their children can have a better life.