Today is just another day within the grand walls of the Sanctuary. A brilliant sun began its rise into the clear blue sky shining rays of light down upon the wings and towers of the massive castle forever situated on a cliff separated from the world by a thin, but powerful veil of magic. The landscape surrounding the structure was uneven and marked by large, jagged rocks on the approach to its sole building’s entrance. Its inhabitants went about their routine while a host of automation sentries patrolled its decorated halls. What happens in this castle of wonders is anything but ordinary. Magic and technology combine together to create a place the likes the world has never seen. Doors that open to an untamed forest or an untouched beach. A collection of books larger than any in the world and all perfectly preserved. Magical constructs that are beyond all reasoning. Spells that are not yet known to the outside world. It is as much a place of learning as it is a place of refuge. Each resident guaranteed safety and free access to all the facilities granted by the Sanctuary's master. The massive castle is even home to a few permanent residents who have decided to live out their lives in the peaceful security of the Sanctuary. These 'disciples' are often tasked with helping out others and using their knowledge and skills to benefits the Sanctuary. It can appear as a paradise to some when the world outside is harsh and bitter. As long as the master of the Sanctuary lives, it shall remain as a place of safety and peace. He is as mysterious as the castle itself, choosing to cover up most of his body including a mask that he never takes off. It is split down the middle with one side painted black and the other white, with opposite colored eyes painted on each. Curious individuals are free to challenge him to a duel but none have ever last long against his might. It is believed that he is a human but the raw strength he possess and incredible magic power tends to make most people unsure if even this is true. Despite all this power, he does not show any signs of it corrupting his mind like it would to so many others. Instead, he expresses nothing but compassion and understanding towards others. When he is not teaching others, he can often be found wandering the castle halls conversing with the residents. He has an uncanny ability to show up just when someone needs him.
“The world is once more heading towards a point of no return. I have foreseen this for some time now but my oath forbids any intervention. Our fates are tied to no more than observers of our own world until it is already too late. Where are the others now I wonder? Disguised as pilgrims traversing the land? Hermits deep in the wildlands and mountains? I long for their company yet I wish I never do. Their presence before would be the gravest of omens. I suppose I am not entirely lonely as I have each and every one of my precious children here with me within this sanctuary of mine. I suppose there is also the visitors that come now that I have opened its doors to them, though they are more temporary and risky relationships. Even so, It has become my greatest pleasure in harboring them from the cruelty of the world outside and giving them a chance at a new life. It reminds me of a simpler and more peaceful time of my life. I hope I never have to use this fortress for its true purpose. For now, I will shelter all who seek it.”
Rez smiled solemnly as he finished the latest entry into his journal, setting the pen back into its jar of ink. He turned his head to look at the bookshelf that was nearly filled with such journals. Writing everyday was a necessary part of his routine as the years spent in this place have all started to blend together. Sometimes the entries were about his thoughts and sometimes it was about the numerous personalities that have come and gone through the centuries. He could safely say that everyday spent here has been interesting at the very least. Rez never tired of hearing the children's stories, their tales of triumph and tragedy. It was perhaps the one, true factor that has stopped him from losing his own identity. He smiled warmly at the thought then pushed his chair back off the desk and stood up. Enough time had been spent in his personal chambers already and it was time to greet everyone. Would today bring any new faces? It was a question he greeted every day with a hopeful smile. After the sins he had committed, this was the least he could do to atone.
Rez left the comfort of his chambers and headed down the spiral staircase that led up to his tower, which was also the highest point in the Sanctuary. It would have been more practical to use the elevator at the center of his tower but he preferred to walk when possible. Once he reached the bottom, he was greeted by one of the many constructs, named sentinels, he had named Bradamante "Good morning, master. Breakfast has been prepared. The instructors's lessons are ready. The amali Vey has requested the archery range again. New guests should be arriving with a day or two. That is everything." The deep, not quite human voice spoke in a toneless and clear voice as it always did with the morning report.
Rez nodded to confirm he had received the report "Thank you, Bradamante." He turned to face the contruct, who was several inches taller than the master "Make sure you are at the front gate in preparation for these guests' arrival and give them your warmest welcome when they get here." Bradamante was the only construct other being that was allowed inside Rez's tower, so it was also the first 'face' he met every morning. The artificial creature was far more direct and to the point than the others "Of course." Bradmante replied immediately and proceeded in front of Rez, moving at a far quicker pace. Efficient, obedient, and unrelenting. These traits were instilled into each of the constructs that guarded the Sanctuary, making them the perfect soldiers.
The master followed in Bradamante's footsteps, choosing to walk down the grand, double staircase that led to the open central chamber. Large pillars extended to the roof above high enough for even a fully grown dragon to enter. Ancient banners with heraldry long forgotten hung from the ceiling illuminated brilliantly by cages of blue flames. Directly above the center of the room was a large painting of some unknown heroes battling an army of undead warriors. the large room was the equally enormous front gate made of a dark-grey metal. A intricate design was carved into each door that was never in the same pattern twice as it slowly shifted throughout the day. For most of the inhabitants here, the day began with a large breakfast held in the main mess hall and that was where he was headed as well.
A wave of delicious aromas invaded his nostrils before he even opened the door. Once he was actually inside, it engulfed his sense of smell completely. Everyone who saw him enter greeted him loudly, save for a few, while he walked further into the room. It used to be that all the food here was created through magical means using old recipes, but recently there has been a few of the residents that have volunteered to prepare every meal for all the others here which made each bite even more tasteful. He moved over to his favorite table which was situated by the large glass windows facing out towards the twisted landscape.
Rez, who was known by the residents as Mister R or Master R, watched the children eat their food while he waited for his to be brought out. He knew each and every one of their names. There was Volfango, a male Amali who had come here on the brink of death; Cisna, a female Anserian who showed up in tears and refused to speak anything of her past; Arton Yule, a Draeni with a dream to become a champion of the weak; Vey, an Amali rebel looking for the strength to free her people from oppression; Valerie, a Dark Elf mage on a quest to explore the darker side of magic; Voltaire, a young human trying to rise above his broken childhood; Emile Volstryggr, a human without any combat or magical ability but with a strong charisma and a desire to create a world of peace; and several others. It was Rez's hope that he could help them achieve their goals and dreams, and perhaps make the world a better place for it. The only way to avert the coming disaster, was to have faith in the people of this age.
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