Daily Life in Covenant Duresca

Mike asked me to post additional information about daily life within the Covenant.

Prior to the Age of Ice (the last 10,000 years), the Magi were the "power-behind-the-throne" across the world. They served as ambasadors, led expeditions to strange lands and even led armies in battle. The Magi realized that the world was in peril due to the growing "thinness" of the world. The Magi fought one last great war, then the victors entered the Soporhagi and began their milleniae long slumber.

Following are Mike's questions about the game world then my answers to each question.

Enjoy!

How many of us are there?
Covenant Duresca houses roughly 1,000 sentient beings. In addition, another 1,000 wanderers, hunters and traders rely on consistent contact and access to the Covenant. There are another six Covenants that Duresca is in contact with, though the weather keeps communication sporadic at best. Then at least thirty subterranean complexes (called "holes" by the Covenant dwellers) dot the hills and valleys between the Covenants. These underground villages are controlled by the Sawn-tan; the barbarian raiders of the Ice Age.

How big is an enclave?
The various enclaves on the ice vary in size, composition and location. The Covenants generally house about 200 to 400 families (averaging 4-5 members per family). The Sawn-tan villages and raiding parties vary in size based upon resources and need. When they have the resources, they dig their "holes" bigger to accomodate the larger raiding parties.

Do we have contact with other Covenants?
Duresca has been in sporadic contact with Bar-Selon, Madree and Gazcan Covenants. A loose alliance exists between the Covenants but the distance and extreme cold make visiting very difficult and dangerous. But a desire exists among the populous of the Covenants to contact the others and share tales and ideas as well as supplies and ancient magic.

Have we ever been outside?
Yes, the heroes have been outside the Covenant. Weapon-Master Altari's students are the hunters of the Covenant. They provide the meat and fur for the rest of the grogs (common folk trained in most daily tasks from cleaning and cooking to mending clothes and leading soldiers) and custos (the Companions of the Magi, better trained in more specialized areas). In addition some Hunters have ventured the 5th and 6th Soobs (sub-levels below the primary living level of Duresca Covenant). Rumors tell of vast roadways through the earth -- roads that lead to other Covenants, and more mysterious places.

What kind of living conditions do we live in?
Within the Covenant, each resident is expected to serve the Elders (not always the oldest, but generally the wisest and best trained in various skill sets -- Weapon-master Altari is an Elder for his knowledge of hunting and weaponcraft; Master Madra is an Elder for her piety and her skill in healing). There is always sufficient food, shelter and clothing. Most residents wear the fur of hunted animals. Covenant shelter is usually a 400 square-foot room used as living space by a family of five. Meals are prepared in communal kitchens, bathing is done weekly in communal baths fed by hot and cold springs. The PCs will share a "family room." Libraries, studies, armories and conference rooms are available for the use of residents.

How many generations have gone by since the ice came?
500 Generations have lived in Duresca since the Age of Ice began 10,000 years ago. During that time The Elders became the representatives for the residents. The Speaker of Duresca holds court with the Elders hearing the needs of the Covenant, then it gives directions to Drones and Elders to fill those needs.

Let me know what other questions you have and whether this was helpful.

See ya'll Sunday!