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. The pilgrimage circuit passes through them in a specific order:
- Fire Refuge
- Water Refuge
- Earth Refuge
- Air/Wind Refuge
- Musk Refuge
- Flow Refuge
- Mana Refuge
- Quintessence Refuge
- Bark Refuge
Notable Refuges
Musk Refuge
The Musk Refuge is dedicated to the animals of the Peninsula. It was the place of residence of Eru, one of Niavhe’s earliest disciples, who lived there as a hermit with only wild creatures as companions. Those who undertake the Nine-Stage Pilgrimage stop at the Musk Refuge for a time, between the Refuges of Wind and Flow. During their stay, pilgrims may speak with Eru’s Eidolon, who still manifests there and advocates for harmony among all forms of life.
Bark Refuge
The Bark Refuge is located within The Spindle, the world tree at the heart of the Katkera. It serves as the seat of the Muna and the culmination of the Nine-Stage Pilgrimage, where aspirants weave their Namkha Knot to officially join the faction.
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.
Relationships
- Katkera: Forest containing all nine Refuges
- Kirighai: Peninsula where the Refuges are located
- Nine-Stage Pilgrimage: Initiatory journey passing through all Refuges
- Muna: Faction that erected and maintains the Refuges
- Eru: Oneiros whose Eidolon manifests at Musk Refuge
- The Spindle: World tree containing Bark Refuge