Devlin's Sound is a small community, numbering slightly over three hundred souls. Protected by high bluffs from the western winds, it enjoys a temperate climate due to the warming currents coming down from the equator. With a large old growth forest growing right up to the bluffs, Devlin's Sound enjoys a truly ideal combination of the oceans abundance, fertile soil for farming, and the bounty of the forest as well. Originally a small fishing village, little more than a pier and few shacks, the Order of Dalfus recognized the conditions as being ideal, and established a monastery. The growing settlement, which up until this point was simply called Southern Point by the fisherman, was renamed Devlin's Sound in honor of Brother Devlin, who was the first to arrive, and who worked tirelessly on not only building the monastery, but also to improve the lives of all of those who came to settle there.
The Order of Dalfus still remains the organizing force in the Sound, educating the children of the community, ensuring that they are literate and that each child has a basis for whatever skills their natural aptitudes lean towards. The brothers of the Order practice the martial arts, for while the Sound has seldom been troubled by bandits, or brigands, occasionally the forest or the sea might produce a threat that needs to be addressed. Specifically the brothers focus on unarmed combat, with the knowledge of how to imbue strikes and parries with energy, allowing them strike ethereal creatures, or heal themselves by blocking blows. The sisters of the Order practice Reiki, a healing art that focuses on the ebb and flow of the life energy within every living creature - the sisters also quietly master the other aspects that have less to do with healing and more to do with inflicting damage, moving objects, farsight and the perfection of the body.
Also within the community is a small church, dedicated to the worship of Aecursus, the Lady of the Tides. Many of the fisherman attend religious services regularly, and the priest is most willing to assist all those who seek instruction in the divine arts, although his portfolio mainly consists of Water, Animancy, Plant, Animal, Invocation, and Divination.
A relative new comer to the Sound has taken over the running of the lighthouse, which has earned him the gratitude and acceptance of the community at large. A magus of not inconsiderable skill, he maintains the lighthouse on the western bluff, and is willing to teach any who seek the knowledge of the arcane arts. A summoner of no small skill, he also has some knowledge of Dimension, and Conjuration. He makes no secret that he has come here for peace and quiet, and to seek out an apprentice to follow his calling.
The master smith works hand in hand with the commander of the guard, ensuring the town has a small force patrolling at all times. The smith keeps the weapons and armor in good repair, while the commander ensures his forces are trained in the use of sword and shield.
The master huntsman is a post which has been held by the same elf since the community was formed. He trains those who would learn the art of the bow and spear, and the ways of the forest and nature. The sense of reverence and respect the community holds towards the forest and its bounty are almost entirely due to the efforts of the huntsman who has educated its children for centuries. The peaceful coexistence the community enjoys with the occasional band of elves that passes near the community is also due to his influence.
The master of the docks spends less time fishing than she does teaching a future generation the joys and dangers of the ocean. A prestigious position, it is none the less a bitter sweet reward, as she tastes the salt spray far less often than she would like.
The master miller oversees the crops grown in the rich soil of the sound. Crop rotation, storage, and soil conservation are all his responsibilities.
The political structure of the community is fairly simple - A town council makes all the major decisions and is responsible for collecting the taxes. The members of the council include the head brother and sister from the Order, the Priest of Aecursus, the Keeper of the lighthouse, the master smith, the commander of the guard, the master of docks, the master miller, the master huntsman. and the mayor who is elected by general election every five years.
The population of the community is 70% human, 5% elven, 5% dwarven, 5% halfing, 5% other which includes a smattering of animal affinity races (Called the "Touched" by the locals), and a few half-elves, half-orcs etc. The overall alignment of the community is good, with nearly all of its inhabitants being light souled.
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