True Hold

True Hold is the fortress town where the hardcore faction of the Sin Eaters make their home. Located on the western shore of the Sea of Dreams about 50 miles from Pilvin Koti, it is home to approximately 3,700 inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are humans. A few wood elves and even fewer dwarves and halflings have joined the Sin Eaters. A substantial number of the inhabitants are dockworkers, teamsters, and mercenaries; these are rigidly controlled and confined to the sections of the city outside the wall (ie Wrath for the mercenaries and teamsters and Seafarer's and Judgement for the dockworkers). Outsiders are not allowed within the walls except by approval of the Silver Stars.

Strict purity rules govern the interactions of residents, especially where outsiders are concerned. Outsiders within the wall must register with the Cathedral upon arrival, and are housed in one particular group of lodging houses in the Ward district. Only approved members of the community (noted by the silver, 8-pointed star badge that they wear) may interact with the outsiders and relay their requests to the other members. This is to prevent "contamination" by "foreign" beliefs. Only the most zealous and dedicated are chosen as Silver Stars.

The town subsists on farming, selling mercenary services, and fishing. As they are the only port for hundreds of miles in either direction (at least until Honedaxe finishes its port development), they also do a fair amount of transshipment trade with the nations of the Giant Spine Mountains. The mental gymnastics to allow this in their rigid, xenophobic religion are...fascinating to say the least.

Notable People

• Brother-General Dignitas: high general of the Sin Eaters. A former adventurer (pre-Federated Nations) and cleric, he led the Sin Eaters to True Hold and has shaped their doctrine ever since. At age 65, he's still physically and spiritually imposing. A true fanatic, he does not question the faith. But he's wise enough not to become angry or violent toward outsiders from the Federated Nations.
• Sister-Admiral Penitentia: leader of the trade and fishing fleet. Another zealot, this younger, attractive human woman has no compunctions about using her womanly charms to manipulate the unbelievers.
• Brother-Preacher Pietas: head of enforcement. A firebrand half-orc, he burns with self-loathing and bitterness toward all the "unclean" races, including his own family. He's known for self-flagellation.

Services

• Market. Rank 3--all non-custom/magical work can be found here, but at 150% of normal price.
• Transport. Rank 2--can hire fishing boats at 15 gp/day. Larger boats or destinations more than one day out require approval from the Cathedral.

Black Market

As with any strictly authoritarian town, there's a thriving black market fed by smugglers. The authorities occasionally crack down, but corrupt guards give warning in advance and the police only find abandoned buildings. Generally, looking at one of the sleazier taverns in Wrath or Judgement is your best bet for finding the current location. But you'll need both cash and quick thinking.

Effects of the Red Death

True Hold was not directly targeted by the Red Death. Nonetheless, it suffered significantly as a result. With the reduction of trade and especially the involution of Godsfall, the surrounding nations decided that dealing with the zealots was a price not worth paying anymore. All the ship captains chose to dock at Honedaxe and cut the Hold out of the trade cycle. As of early winter 253, only the most zealous remain—the rest have sought out more inviting shores. There are reports that the Hold has turned to piracy to survive.