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Welcome, Guardian, to Sanctum. I am Cyril Kalmar. I see by your haste in reaching the Holy Seat that you are eager for new orders, another chance to strike at Telara's enemies. But first, let me show you the city. Yes, personally. I am no king to sit a throne and detach myself from my fellow Guardians. From this chamber, I command our efforts to retake Telara from the dragons, the rifts, and the Defiant. On my left stands the Lady Shyla of the High Elves, the high priestess, or Pentarch of the Vigil. At my right hand is Borrin Gammult, leader of the Dwarves and the master architect of Sanctum itself. Shortly after the sundering of the Ward, after the first Guardians returned, Borrin received a vision of a divine city emerging from the sea. He came to the coast of Silverwood, and an island rose before his eyes, solid stone with high, sheer sides. As the Vigil gave us the site for a city, they have given us a chance to restore Telara. We must do both deeds ourselves.
Come out into the open air, and look out upon the bridge connecting Sanctum to Silverwood. Pilgrims cross daily, to worship at the shrines of the Vigil. Mighty Rhamm Dragonbane patrols the bridge, for this is his foretold destiny. He is fortunate; most Guardians will struggle to find just what fate they were resurrected to fulfill. Around the Sanctum of the Vigil is a broad, round street, split into districts, each dedicated to one of the gods. Between the bridge and the Sanctum of the Vigil is Tavril's Square, a garden of tranquility tended by druids, where bards sing and the Sanctum of the Vigil looms majestic. On our left is the market of Thontic's Square, where you'll do your banking and auction the spoils from your adventures, but I thought we would turn right. I have something to show you. Breathe in the smoke from Bahralt Street. Master craftsmen please the God of Cities and Civilization, forging wonders. No doubt you will put their labors to good use, much to the woe of rift-spawn everywhere. Notice how the bards' gazebo has a clear view of Thedeor's circle, where Guardians come here spar, and you'll realize why so many of our songs are about epic duels. Here, you will hone yourself into divine weapon. Ah, if only I had time for a brief sparring match. Maybe another time. And I promise not to insult you by holding back. At last, what I wanted to show you: Mariel-Taun's Village. In the name of the Gentle Goddess, we have built this home for Sanctum's mortal residents. Here, those faithful to the Vigil run shops and offer services the Ascended will find invaluable in our quest. This is the most important part of Sanctum, my friend. A living reminder that though we Guardians are chosen of the Vigil, this is what the gods brought us back to create: a place of peace and joy in the shadow of divine grandeur.[1]
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