[June-July 2025]
Cider, Spice, and Sunsets
With Summer fading and Autumn coming into bloom, we look towards what has happened in the past two months! June's newsletter was, unfortunately,
misplaced, so we're here with a full update of both months.
STAFF UPDATES
✥ Build Team -- The Harbor District is officially open! Work is already underway on the Sanctuary update, which will introduce a new historical district and much more. We've heard your concerns about the size and clutter of Sanctuary, and this update aims to streamline and improve the area for everyone. A huge thank you to the Build Team for their continued hard work and dedication. We're still looking for new members! If you have experience building in a medieval style, we encourage you to apply on the forums and submit a Build team ticket.
Lastly, please join us in congratulating Ambrose, our new Build Team Lead! We're excited to see the fresh ideas and creativity they'll bring to the server.
✥ Systems Team -- The Faithful system rework has officially launched! This overhaul brings rank-up goals, redesigned scriptures, and new lists of cantrips and relics. Much like the recent Enkindled update, Faithful characters are now easier to flavor and more accessible--without sacrificing story depth. Scriptures have been streamlined to be cleaner, clearer, and easier to understand, while still leaving room for creative interpretation and character development.
Looking ahead, the team is actively working on generic Tier 2 rank-up goals for Martial classes. Updates are also underway for the Combat system, with a focus on simplification, flexibility, and accounting for unique situations. The goal: simplicity--while still encouraging creative combos, unexpected twists, and all the shenanigans that make Sonder combat fun.
Looking ahead, the team is actively working on generic Tier 2 rank-up goals for Martial classes. Updates are also underway for the Combat system, with a focus on simplification, flexibility, and accounting for unique situations. The goal: simplicity--while still encouraging creative combos, unexpected twists, and all the shenanigans that make Sonder combat fun.
✥ Lore Team -- The stars above Sanctuary have begun to whisper of fortunes, love, and fate. Explore our newly released Constellations page and uncover what each celestial sign might mean for you in the days ahead.
In addition, several lore resources have received a fresh coat of polish.
In addition, several lore resources have received a fresh coat of polish.
- The racial pages have been updated with improved formatting and clarity.
- Our languages page has been re-released and fully reworked for easier reference.
A proper update to the Nobility system is also on the way, aimed at making it more accessible and easier to understand for everyone involved.
Finally, please join us in welcoming Whimsy as the new Team Lead of Story! We're excited to see the creativity and vision they'll bring to the narrative side of Sonder.
✥ Event Team -- It's been a busy time for many, but one amazing individual has truly stepped up and taken a lot of responsibility. We're excited to announce that Cho has been named Story Team Member of the Month for June! Thank you so much for all you do, Cho. Your dedication and creativity have not gone unnoticed--we truly appreciate you and the effort you bring to the team.
We've had some fantastic events lately, and there are many more to come. A big thank you to everyone who's participated, and to those who've worked behind the scenes to bring them to life. Keep your eyes open--there are more fun, unique events on the horizon!
✥ Moderation Team -- Over the course of June and July, we've welcomed quite a few new players to the server. First and foremost, we want to give a warm welcome to all of you--we're so glad you're here. We also want to extend a huge thank you to both our staff and our amazing player base for taking the time to support, guide, and teach these newcomers--especially with all the recent changes across the server.
Speaking of changes, Moderation has recently completed a full rework of our official rules. This overhaul includes clearer language, more intuitive structure, and the addition of several important topics that hadn't been covered previously. We encourage everyone, new and veteran alike, to give them a read to stay up to date.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
✥ The Festival of the Honoured Complete
On June 12th, 2025 5:00 PM, all citizens were invited to witness the following brave souls be rewarded for their dedication to the Sanctuary, the Crown, and the King.
To lower nobility:
- Sir Castien Aurelithis
- Sir Aetheron Veil
- Madam Clio Hieron
- Sir Icarus Rines
Additional name(s) to recognize who have been recently promoted to lower nobility are: Sir Ander Rein.
To high nobility:
- Lady Nimera d'Auclaire & Lord Shore Wethers
We hope they will continue to support Sanctuary and be pillars of society.
Here are a few player submissions from the Sonder Forums!
✥ The Incente People – An open player culture created by Auralein!
✥ VÔlȾ – A requestable player culture created by Si10k!
✥ The Qal'Sharim – An open player culture created by TheHufflePug!
✥ Aneria, The Academy – A player faction created by Si10k!
✥ The Argent Oratory – A player organization created by Tot!
✥ The Order of The Veil – A player organization created by Freedom!
✥ The Green Roses – A player organization created by TheHufflePug
Want to see your submission here? Add it to the forum! We look in player lore submissions, cultures, and organizations!
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
✥ Feskar's Arrival, and the Coming of Autumn
It's now Year 2 of Sanctuary's comeback story, and we've officially entered the month of Feskar! As the colder months begin, you'll start to see the oranges and reds that color the land during this season. What will this next chapter bring? This month also marks Goldenmourn--a penitent holy day held from the 42nd to the 46th of Feskar in honor of the dead. During this time, people clean graves and burial sites of loved ones, leaving candles and offerings in remembrance. At night, communities gather for a midnight mass, offering prayers to the Executioner on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves.
✥ Slum Clinic Charity
A charity event, hosted by the wonderful and gracious Hestia Mene, has come and gone--and it was a resounding success! The event raised just over 1,000 Imperium quarters, all thanks to the generous individuals who volunteered to be auctioned off for a date with those willing to donate.
The turnout was fantastic, with many familiar faces in attendance, and a special thank-you goes to Victoria Ducat for doing a spectacular job conducting the auction. Your charm and presence helped make the night both entertaining and memorable.
✥ The Mourning Bell
An upcoming event opened up by TheHufflePug, bringing a bit of mystery and suspense to the Sanctuary, is currently accepting sign-ups! If you think your character would be interested, you can find the event here to sign them up!
✥ The Volarian Advance
An open meeting has been announced for the next leg of the journey to the mainlands, hosted at the Expedition Guildhall. This meeting will be held this weekend, Saturday, July 18th at 2:00 | 14:00 pm CST.
It's exciting to see the growth and new faces every day, so on behalf of Moderation and all of Sonder Staff, keep creating and here's to more incredible roleplay and events in the coming months!
Sonder Staff
Sonder Staff