RHEGESIA, CITY OF SECOND CHANCES | LORE

Author: Emily B. | Jensyn

Rhegesia, City of Second Chances

Rhegesia is a devout theocracy named after its patron goddess and ruled over by the luminous Consort who delivers Her will unto its citizens. Within the heavily incensed Pale Halls, the seat of power in Rhegesia, the Consort leads her people with a firm hand, coaxing them onto the righteous path and punishing those who would inflict harm upon the goddess’s children. A moon door has been erected in her honor, the main feature of the Pale Halls, which is situated right over the edge of the Carrion Cliffs. The moon door is a favored method of punishment for evil doers and criminals, as it leads to an excruciatingly painful death. Those that do not die from the impact of the fall are sure to be torn apart by the hungry vultures that don the cliff face.
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Of Mercenaries, Murderers, and Criminals

Though She craves peace, the city of Rhegesia is prepared for war at any moment’s notice. Her people are hardworking and loyal, as Rhegesia has given much to them by providing for their family or sustaining their way of life. Rhegesia is known as the “City of Second Chances” because it is willing to take some of the darkest hearts Talvara has ever known and offer them sanctuary in exchange for their labor and loyalty to the goddess. The Sword of Somnus makes sure that order is kept within the city, and most are grateful enough for a hut over their heads to heed the Consort’s laws. Many repent of their previous crimes and even take new names in service of the goddess.

The Faith, and the Three Faces of the Moon

The city’s faith is centered around the worship of the storm goddess with three faces, the Pale Mother, Rhegesia. Because of this, there are three cabals within Rhegesia’s walls that act on the Consort’s behalf, each representing a different aspect of the Faith: The Sword of Somnus, The Hand of Shal, and the Eyes of Tzem. 

The Sword of Somnus are the peacekeepers of the city, enacting justice in the goddess’s name and ensuring that the vultures of the cliffs are well-fed on the bones of traitors. Each Swordsman has taken a blood oath to protect Rhegesia’s children. Those that try to turn away in the heat of battle are quickly executed on the field before they can dishonor themselves.

The Hand of Shal are a group of experienced crafters that ensure Rhegesia’s armies are always well-equipped with blessed weapons from the Lunar Foundry. Currently, Hammond Falkreath operates the forge and acts as quartermaster for all goods that leave their company.  

The Eyes of Tzem are a collective of deadly warriors that operate mainly within the city’s shadow. These assassins keep an eye on every soul that enters and leaves Rhegesia, and dispose of threats to the Consort and her people.

The Feast of Night

With the turning of the tides and changing of the colors of the leaves, the city erupts into joyous laughter and drink. At the beginning of each season, the Feast of Night is held; a five night festival in which Rhegesia’s citizens dance, drink, and bathe in the natural moonlit springs at the center of the city. The city’s gates are closed for this festival, so that the city can focus on preparing enough food for both its hungry citizens and offerings to the goddess. On the final evening of the Feast of Night, each citizen comes to the Pale Halls to give an offering of blood to the Carrion Cliffs. The moon door is thrown wide open, and a ceremonial athame is used to draw a small amount of blood and allowed to drop down onto the rocks below.

Defenders of the Sky

Visitors to the city of Rhegesia are usually intimidated and repulsed by its aviary, which consists of two different species of vultures. The first species is a large, black vulture that easily reaches a man’s hip and is trained for warfare and the defense of the city, The second species is stark white, with jet-black wingtips. These vultures are used especially for reconnaissance and hunting, and are highly sought after for their regal appearance as well as their loyal temperament. To Rhegesia’s citizens, these birds of prey are a beloved symbol of strength and protection. ​

Rhegesia’s Mysterious Origins

Rhegesia’s place in The Fractured Lands has come into question by many of the Peasant Kings throughout the southern kingdoms. Though Her lands have existed for thousands of years, it has only recently come into power under the banner of the twin vultures and thieves of light. Some speculate that the Consort gave her body to the goddess of storms in order to secure the foothold at the edge of the cliff. Others claim that it was her birthright, descended from an order of priestesses that have ever been loyal to Rhegesia. Some even go as far to presume that she is an Avatar of the goddess Rhegesia herself, and to challenge her armies would be to incur the wrath unlike any its citizens have seen since the time of the Walking Gods. Regardless of the truth, none can ignore that Rhegesia is indeed powerful, both in strength and in faith.