The Sanctum Steps

Location: Immediately northwest of the Royal Quarter, hugging the coastline

Tone: Hushed, reverent, and immaculately maintained. The air is thick with candle smoke and holy murmurs. Even whispers echo strangely here.

Description: This district is the spiritual heart of Frae. It houses the city's largest temples, monastic enclaves, and religious courts, many of which wield significant legal authority—particularly when magical ethics or divine claims are involved.
Stone pathways wind between towering sanctuaries and humble prayer-niches. Holy banners flutter between rooftops. It's common to see pilgrims walking on their knees or priests inscribing divine runes in the dust with water.

Inhabitants:

• Clergy of every major deity, with temples competing for influence and space
• Pilgrims and penitent travelers, some staying for months in spiritual study
• Religious scribes, oath-binders, and temple wardens
• Acolyte spies from noble houses, collecting secrets confessed to other godsers

Prominent NPCs:

• Prelate Ossari Velmure – Aergethyr’s iron-veiled magistrate, delivers divine verdicts with no appeal
• Sister Elaya Thorne – Priestess of Hiruwen who heals magically scarred prisoners; rumored to be an agent of Mother Tihani
• High Chantress Mienda of Elaith – A radiant, ruthless political operator posing as a humble hymnist