Stillwater's Vigil

Perched at Sanctia’s southeastern edge, Stillwater’s Vigil overlooks the broad Gulf of Verdant Echoes, directly across from the unsettling shores of Verdath. The River Ashenweave quietly meets the bay here, giving the town rich, fertile soil for limited but vital farming. Shrouded by frequent fog and gentle rains, the town feels perpetually muted and cautious, quietly staring out toward the corrupting green shores beyond. Stillwater's Vigil is primarily a fishing village, with a few farming families on its outskirts. Fishermen must be wary, as venturing further into the bay means not only more and larger fish, but also a greater chance to find mutated and monstrous creatures alike. It is known to those residing that the creatures found in the bay are a test of faith by Mother Isha. Only the pure in faith can catch the largest, purest fish. The Chosen of Sanctia here oversee the day's haul and inspect catches for purity. Those creatures found to be malformed beyond recognition to Her are burned in a daily ritual conducted upon sundown. Families are heavily scrutinized for the quantity and quality of fish brought back. Those able to bring back many pure fish are rewarded and gain renown and status in the town. Families that bring back a small amount of fish, or fish malformed, are scrutinized for their lack of faith. Ostracism and investigation by the Silent Flame are frequent for these families, often ending in consequences. Releasing catches back into the bay is strictly forbidden. It is seen that turning away Her gifts, or shunning the reflection She gives into one's soul, is a crime punishable by pinning on The Wall. The only worse act is to steal catches from others. Taking another's gift is punishable by Divine Smiting against The Wall, after lashings by the family whom you've slighted. There exists a band of Pirates, the identities of which are entirely unknown. Notable by their large Grey Flag, the Pirates are known to plunder ships for their catches and make off into the bay. Whether citizens of Stillwater's Vigil or a rogue band of sinners, the Confessors and Silent Flame are constantly on the lookout for information about the Grey Drift.