Aifreweia

The cult of Mitra safeguards ancient wisdom, through the collection, preservation, copying and translation of scrolls and books, and ensures they are taught to future generations or made available to those coming from afar to seek enlightenment.  This activity is generally carried out in remote monasteries.

The Aifreweia is one such place.  It was founded two centuries ago by a conclave of Nemedians, in the foothills of the Eiglophian mountains, from whose stone its walls and chapel are built.   The dark days of winter are bitter, encouraging spartan behaviour and introspection. Solidarity is vital for such a community, and the basis on which it stands or falls.  Only one in ten such monasteries stand the test of time and thrive, and the Aifreweia is among the most renowned, although few know where it is actually located, and less have actually visited it.

The community is headed by an Abbott, elected from amongst the brothers and sisters, generally for life.  The main body is made up of learned scholars, some of whom speak up to ten languages and many of whom are versed in magical arts.  Their doyen, the Archivist, is an important member of the community, given his extensive knowledge of the works stored in the Aifreweia, and his skills in preserving works no matter on what material they have been written down.  The Aifreweia is protected by Warrior Nuns - who in their later years join the body of scholars - reinforced by their peregrinations of Warriors of Mitra.

Naturally, as the power of the Witchmen of Hyperborea has grown, the Aifreweia has become a bastion against their evil.  The Warrior Nuns infiltrate Hyperborea to better understand its politics, its intentions, and, through the scrolls they bring back for study, its dark magic.  The crypt of the Aifreweia, in which this accumulated treasure of dark works and objects are stored, has little by little come to be its heart, overseen by a scholar bearing a new title : the Shadow Archivist.    Members of the Watch, who choose, for safety's sake, to work alone as often as they can, use the Aifreweia as a means to transmit messages between them.