Chantries

Harn is a remote island, far west of what is generally considered to be the 'centre' of civilisation in Lythia. It is lightly populated, and lacks any major centres of learning, with the possible exception of Cherafir in Melderyn.

This result of this has meant that there are few places on the isle which are worth being near, as far as the Shek-Pvar are concerned. Traditionally, they have always preferred seclusion, but that has been tempered by the need for materials and books in order to persue their learning. The things they need are difficult to find anywhere on Harn, so the desire for seclusion has been the overriding factor in choosing a place to call home.

A Chantry is a Shek-Pvar's home. The people there are their family. For many Shek-Pvar, after the year away forced on them at the end of their apprenticeship, they will never again travel out into the world. A Chantry can sometimes rival the priests of Peoni for austerity, though this is not a rule.

Locating a Chantry

Chantries are often located near to, but not too near a village or hamlet. This provides the Chantry with a source of supplies and labour as needed. In return, the Shek-Pvar provide services, sometimes protection, and sometimes cash.

The relationship of the Chantry with the Kivikir can be quite complicated, and is described later in this article.

A few chantries can be found actually within a town or city. Often, they will double as a church of Save-K'nor, or as in the case of Aleath, a Guild of Arcane Lore, selling potions and magical trinkits to the population.

A final location for chantries is out in the wilderness, away from any human habitation. The Halls of Everlasting Life are an example of this, where the Shek-Pvar have gone out of their way to ensure seclusion.

Size of Chantries

Communication

Politics

Chantries do not exist in a void. Except for a few inhospitable exceptions, all of Harn is claimed by someone, and that someone is often a noble with large armies to back up their claim should anyone disagree.

A chantry generally then requires permission to be where it is. That permissions can sometimes be bought with coin, but this is rare, since noble lords, especially royalty, prefer land ownership to come with obligations to the crown. The standard obligation is military service by either the land holder, or one or more of their dependants.

Given that the Pvaric Code basically forbids a Shek-Pvar from taking part in war (more on this later), this can cause complications. Fortunately, there are ways around this.

The Religious Order

A Chantry can claim to be priests of Save-K'nor. This is often not too far from the truth, since many Shek-Pvar are followers of this deity, and a few may be actual priests. A religious order is not obligation to give military service, but they must pay taxes, and provide aid in other ways.

Other aid will often consist of performing religious services where requested, providing moral and ethical advice, and performing invocations as needed to aid the noble and his retinue.

A religious Chantry will often own a small manor, and have full access to the resources of that as per any other manorial lord.

Public Image

One question that needs to be answered is what the Kivikier's perception of the Chantry is. Do they blieve it to be a simple religious order, or are they aware of the truth?

Chantry Life

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