The Refuges
Overview
The Refuges are a system of nine isolated sanctuaries erected by the Muna within the Katkera forest on the Kirighai peninsula. These embassies lost within lush nature serve as the Muna’s interface with the rest of the Asgarthan populations.
Philosophy
The Muna Alterers do not recognize a true Bastion for themselves, preferring to see Nature as an infinite and borderless home. However, they erected these Refuges to serve practical diplomatic and spiritual functions.
Function and Purpose
The Refuges serve multiple purposes:
- Diplomatic Interface: Allow the Muna to converse with other Factions
- Interspecies Dialogue: Enable creatures of Nature to dialogue with humans
- Pilgrimage Destinations: Serve as stages within the Nine-Stage Pilgrimage
- Sanctuaries: Provide havens of peace and tranquility
The Nine Elements
Each Refuge is affiliated with a particular element:
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
- Air
- Bark (seat: Bark Refuge at The Spindle)
- Musk
- Mana
- Quintessence
- Aether
The Pilgrimage Circuit
The Refuges are connected by a circuit that takes days to complete. Accessing them is no easy task, requiring extended travel through the wilderness. The Muna regularly undertake pilgrimages, visiting each sanctuary as stages within their spiritual journey.
At each Refuge, pilgrims can stop and benefit from the insight of a sage who has established their residence there.
Characteristics
While the Refuges are havens of peace and tranquility, they are deliberately isolated and difficult to access. This isolation preserves their sacred nature while still allowing them to function as diplomatic outposts when needed.
The loop connecting all nine Refuges forms a complete circuit through the Katkera, allowing pilgrims to experience the full spectrum of elemental and spiritual aspects of nature during their journey.