Notable Houses

The families and houses within Sanctuary can be found here, this list will be expanded with time.

House Volari

House Volari, the family of regality and the city’s salvation. Yet, the eyes of jealousy loom over them like a constant, ever present shadow. 

House Lariat

The measured hand of justice and the rumors of malpractice fill the offices and halls of House Lariat. Their Patriarch, the resolute Vezio Lariat is a man whose reputation is unblemished, trusted by the King to carry out all matters as the highest Judge in the land. Unfortunately, while he himself maintains the integrity of his house, rumors swirl around his rogue-like younger brother Titus. Accusations of murder levied against him, some believe he did so to escape a separate crime of his own making. Titus stalks about the lower classes, a ruthless and cunning noble who sees no qualm about using the peasantry for his own ends. It is said he keeps his own, private guard, hired from the lower classes to escape the eyes of the King. 

Still, House Lariat is a family of five, and is largely independent of the reputation of its black sheep. Vezio is married to Caerellia Lariat, a prideful and haughty noble known for her disdain of the common folk. It is believed she despises Titus more than her husband. Vezio himself is succeeded by two children, a son Vel and daughter Helena, ages twenty-three and twenty-one respectively. 

House Asetus

Charged with the administering of Sanctuary’s fields and harvest, House Asetus is beloved for their outward facing benevolence. Yet, the actions and charge of Merula Asetus should not be confused with true kindness and charity, for public opinion is a weapon the same as a knife. Carefully cultivated over the course of her tenure, Merula has weaponized her position as the overseer of Sanctuary’s food supply to gain political favors. It is said that her loyalists and house officials stand guard at every granary, ensuring that her control over the wheat is absolute. 

House Asetus has recently applied their leverage ruthlessly. An honor duel recently resolved tensions between Asetus and Lariat over a matter related to Vezio’s rogue younger brother. The conflict? An unsubstantiated accusation that Titus had ordered one of Merula’s captains (and lover, if you believe the rumors) slain over his discovery that Titus had been smuggling stolen grain for profit. The duel between Titus and Merula’s eldest son Julian ended in the latter’s death, and while the feud was subsequently declared resolved, the hatred between Houses Asetus and Lariat runs high. 

House Samir

A noteworthy family for their derision of the power struggles of their peers, House Samir is ruled by a strict disciplinary regime. Tyvena Samir rules by the strength of will, and the protective eye of her older brother who guards her flank. It is said that she is the eye on the wall, keeping watch of the family feuds from afar and reporting matters of importance to the King. Indeed, her elder brother Darius is considered one of Sanctuary’s best warriors, second only to Titus Lariat. Darius himself had desired to travel to the frontier, and only by King’s order did he remain in the city. 

House Samir is one of the larger families, boasting six members. Tyvena herself has four children, one adopted and granted approval by the King. It is the only case since the collapse of a peasant rising to the echelons of aristocracy, a fact that earns the ire of other houses. As a result, a common insult levied against House Samir is that their blood is undeserving of nobility, that they are peasants playing at virtue and power. 

Tyvena maintains the respect of the guard, which explains her untouched position among the nobility. Jealousy runs high, and many wish to steal her power out from under her, taking the prized asset that is the city’s guard force. 

House Quillens

Sindal Quillens is the epitome of wealth and status, and he makes an effort to let his peers know of it. Called the ‘Prince of Gold’, Sindal rules the waves as the foremost authority on trade and commerce, and he leverages his position to bring wealth to the City of Sanctuary. Politically, Sindal and the King maintain a tense relationship. The former has publicly put into question many of the King’s decisions, and has opposed the expeditions made to the frontier. Many surmise, and have accused Sindal accordingly, that the Sun Elf is only mounting such opposition to maintain his monopoly on trade power. 

House Quillens boasts ten members, the most of any house. Sindal and his wife have five children together, and Sindal himself is strengthened by his younger brother and twin sisters. The twin sisters Valyndra and Isilme are sailors of adventurous spirit, earning a reputation for their skill by assisting the King’s navy. Theirs is a sea-faring house, but they too value in the cultivation of knowledge. Sindal’s brother is an archaeologist, and his expeditions are funded by the House’s immense wealth. What is noteworthy about this fact is that Thalion, the aforementioned archaeologist, is publicly friendly and close to Titus Lariat. The two frequently help one another to succeed in the city, a fact that has caused tension between the trade-oriented family and those who scorn Titus’ reputation. 

Still, money can buy power, and House Quillens maintains immense quantities of both. They are oft considered to be the untouchable house even comparable to the King himself. 

House Rainguard

Piety and moral direction, Counselor and Lady Quinn Rainguard provides an aristocratic and theological touch to a city beleaguered by the collapse. She is considered a loyal confidant to the King, quite outspoken and quick to deride nobles who stray from Desmond’s guidance. Still, her family is not averse to political schemes and machinations. An only child, Lady Quinn relies on her cousins to carry her soft power to the city below. They are the inquisitors, named Aulus and Claudius, and they boast a ruthless reputation for vigilantism and practices that stray outside the law. Curiously, they have always managed to escape the eyes of the Judge. 

Auxus and Claudius are attributed seven murders between them, though no proof has ever been uncovered of their deeds. It is unknown whether Quinn herself is involved in these moves, but the curious coincidence that several of House Rainguard’s nuisances are taken care of draws the suspicion of many. Particularly, House Rainguard maintains a staunch rivalry with Houses Lariat and Asetus. Though such a rumor is outlawed to be spoken of, the talk of high society permeates a belief that Rainguard’s inquisitors are actively plotting to subvert and destroy House Lariat as the authority of law in the city.

Still, the public appearance of Lady Quinn is that of grace and elegance. She is ruthless in speech, targeting any who would allege misconduct of her family members, and the King will often step to her defense. 

House Asellio

A house in scorn and low status relative to their peers, House Asellio manifests as the sole, public opposition to the King. While they show honor to his rule over Sanctuary, they do so reluctantly, and are a frequent voice of protest within the aristocracy. As such, their rivalry has formed primarily with the King and House Rainguard, making them one of the weaker houses on the council. Still, their power cannot be ignored. 

Markus Asellio has survived largely in part to his relationships among the King's elite scouts. He commands their respect as a former member of their number. As patriarch, Markus exudes aristocratic virtue and makes a note to arrogantly display it, often to the chagrin of the pious Rainguard family. He is protected by his younger brother Tristane and his uncle Ali, the latter being a pariah figure known for his loose friendship with Titus Lariat. 

House Asellio has notoriously avoided castle politics for some time, and focuses their locusts of control in taverns and alleyways. This is not to say that they command or seek commoner support, because they do not. It is simply for Markus’ paranoia that they make a point to avoid the watchful eyes of any who could act on the King's orders to belay their ambitions.

House Ducat 

A house that has persisted generations within Sanctuary’s walls. Matriarcal in nature, the affairs of the house are kept closely guarded, oftentimes members are seen attending the nobility or official events or outings, but rarely becoming overly involved. Not a house of huge repute but one of some level of staying power that other houses lack.

The Law

The king's word is final, any attempts to circumvent the will of the monarchy will result in exile or death, depending on the severity of the crime.

To uphold peace and remain protected in our homes, one must remember our first and most important rule that all must follow is the King’s Word is Final. It is his guiding hand and wisdom that we all remain safe and valued in our Sanctuary.

Structure within the Sanctuary Guard

Crimes within Sanctuary are broad, often left to the will of the guard to enforce, and as such, subject to change with the coming and going of captains; however, some crimes are etched into the foundations of Sanctuary, so as to always maintain peace within her walls.

The Enforcers

Our guardsmen and those taking up the role to maintain the peace and law within our Sanctuary are bound to their duty to the King and thus follow the directions appointed above them. 

Captains of the Guard

Captains are appointed by their commander to direct and follow the order of the Knights appointed above them. It is our Captains that are the focal point in dealing with day to day affairs and provide guidance to their fellow guardsmen.

Knights of the Law

Nobles within the guard appointed by House Lariat for their devotion and diligence to the King’s Law. These are the chosen few that stand in as commanders of Sanctuary’s forces and guide us safely in times of duress. 

House Lariat

Taken upon their shoulders is the burden of the law, Lord Vezio and his knights under him have been appointed by King Desmon to rule over the maintenance of law within Sanctuary at the highest level below the King. It is by counsel of House Lariat that all matters of law and court are maintained and followed.

On Crimes & Punishment

Crimes within Sanctuary are to be handled by our Enforcers, they join the guard to protect the people and investigate any breach of peace within our walls. The following crimes are subject to investigation via the Enforcers and punishment within the Court of Knights within Sactuary:

Heinous Crimes

Heinous crimes are capital offenses, breaching the peace of Sanctuary, and carry the harshest punishments ranging from extended prison sentences to death. The punishment is always to be decided by a representative of House Lariat or officially by Lord Vezio. If further involvement is needed, the King’s Court will decide the final outcome.

• Treason unto the monarchy to include the misuse of and belligerent misuse of the King Desmon’s name
• Treason unto the city to include the breach of safety of the mortals within Sanctuary
• Murder of a mortal within Sanctuary
• Attempted murder of a mortal within Sanctuary
• Assault with the intention to kill or maim a mortal within Sanctuary
• Destruction of property in excess of [value of a home]
• Theft of possessions in the excess of [value of a home]
• Abuse of office appointed in an official manner by the Lords & Ladies of Sanctuary

Uncouth Crimes

Uncouth crimes are those of a lesser nature, while still an offence, the sentences for such crimes can never exceed five years of incarceration. Criminals found guilty of such crimes are subject to the determination made by the Guard Captains appointed to their case.

• Assault on a mortal within Sanctuary
• Destruction of property owned by a citizen within Sanctuary of less than [value of a home]
• Fraudulent use of the King’s Coin, to include the creation of false businesses, false coin, and the misuse of trust between a business and their customer
• Petty theft of property owned by a mortal citizen of Sanctuary

Innocuous Crimes

Innocuous crimes are the last category, and not entirely codified, instead, this category covers the serving guard to keep order within Sanctuary, enabling them to issue fines, temporary holding, or time in the stockade for any perceived offence. Although, should a guard abuse this power, they are charged with abuse of office and a punishment handed directly from their officials appointed over them.

What is the Sonder Universe

In a state of sonder, each of us is at once a hero, a supporting cast member, and an extra in overlapping stories.

In the universe of Sonder, you live in a high fantasy world blended with realism in some aspects.It is a world born from the death of the One God, the Creator, the Painter, all names for this singular entity that had created the known realms. Within this universe there are lost histories, great forms of magic, ancient beings, warriors that can kill with even a single slash from their sword and more to discover. Every player is considered a “Notable Character” within the world, each someone of worth that is above NPCs.

What is Volaris

The continent in which players find themselves is vastly evolving and changing. From massive tundras and lands of frost, to volcanic deserts and everything in between. Life as it was known changed completely, wiped from the face of the planet. It is unknown if there are any others that still exist, but some written documents, stone tablets, and historical mention of places beyond the vast sea that can be found within the world. As it goes, the rest of the world may not exist, the people referring to their home as the only place that exists. Volaris.

In the beginning of the world, those who lived were Humans, Elves, and Shifters. It was only after the collapse occurred that new origins began to sprout. Nymphs taking shape from the will of a godling, those from the sea and those from the earth, inspired by tales of the Fae. Tales are spoken of other races that exist outside of what those within Sanctuary are aware of. Hellions, fairies, men who grow to half the height of the rest.

It is well known that creatures stalk the world. Monsters of myth that part the oceans and split the skies, corpses that wash up on the shores of the city of giant creatures. Things unseen before, bears the size of a carriage, bodies that rise beyond death. Researchers frantically document each new addition, kept within the royal compendium.

Within the realms of Sonder, Elementia are unique beings that have recently been appearing around the realm. They are shrouded in mystery and the unknown for now, appearing in locations and around the mortals of Volaris.

Prior to the collapse, there was worship of the Old God. His breath filled the veins of the common man, bringing life and power. Vanished from the world, a scar left deeply ingrained on the continent and universe as a whole, his shattering brought rise to the deepest of misfortune. In current ages, starting back to The Return, new godlings arose. Favour garnered with blessings, boons, and offers of strength. Many had fled to their comfort in the absence of a grounding faith, spreading their word and gospel.

Woah, this server seems cool but there’s so much information. Where can I find all the essential information I need to know as a new player?

You can click these links to find the relevant information on our rules, setting lore and staff teams!

How do I get accepted to the server?

You can apply online on our forums! Make an account at https://www.sonderfantasy.com/ and then submit an application using the following format in our whitelisting section!

What is a ‘soft launch’?

Currently, Sonder is open to the public in an open beta period that has limited access to the map at large as well as many of our WIP systems. As we slowly roll those systems out, you all as players are helping us fine tune them and iron out any bugs and glaring issues that we may have missed during these systems conceptions- so thank you for being patient with us and for being part of making our server better!

Is the server limited to Sanctuary? Or can I go out and make my own settlement?

Currently, the server is limited to Sanctuary and the surrounding area during our soft launch, but as time goes on we plan for the server to open up to such possibilities as people going off and making their own settlements and factions within the world.

Wow! These afflictions seem cool. How can I be part of that system?

Currently, our systems teams are working out the finishing details of said systems and as such hasn’t been rolled out yet to players during our soft launch. Additionally, a character needs to have existed for at least two weeks prior (date of accepted application to current date) in order to be eligible for any affliction. 

After the system has been officially rolled out and you have an eligible character, you may make a Systems team ticket using the ticket bot in the Sonder discord to start the process of your character becoming an afflicted character. Additionally, you’re encouraged to post a ‘level-0 profile’ for your character in the respective subsection of affliction you want to participate in for both personal and staff use, which can be found here.

Does the server have a crafting system?

We do! It’s a fully automated crafting system run by a plug-in that allows you to collect resources from resource nodes (represented by player heads) in the world and use those resources to craft goods from your chosen profession. Currently, there are five professions: Alchemy, Smithing, Ornamentalist, Tailor and Lumberjack each with their own respective specializations. Each character is allowed to have 2 Professions at base, though characters with an affliction are limited to only one to represent the large time investment such a pursuit demands.

Most items you craft through our plug-in come out as generic variants which are able to be given additional lore by you with no additional intervention from staff to allow you to flavor your crafts and creations whichever way you want!

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What’s our techlock like? Do guns exist and can I be a gunslinger?

Currently, firearms of any kind do not exist within the setting of our server and no plans to make them playable are currently in effect, though that could potentially change in the future! More information about our techlock can be found here as it’s continually updated.

Is the server primarily US or EU based?

Most of our playerbase and our hosting is in the US, but we still have a large number of EU players and staff!

How do people get all those cool skins?! Where do I get something like that?!

Most people are using custom created models which are loaded through the mod Figura! We have a figura guide and figura-help channel in our discord that you can refer to for more information on how to use it. If you aren’t artistically inclined, there’s plenty of people both on server and elsewhere you can commission to make you a custom model for your character.

What are events, and how can I request to be part of one?

Events are facilitated roleplaying experiences led by story team staff that allow players the chance to interact with the world more deeply. Usually but not always, they might be investigating something strange or fighting off a dangerous threat; letting you see more of the world of Sonder! If you want to be part of a specific event, you can always request such through a story team ticket in our discord through the tickets bot!

What is the server economy like? Can I make a passive income or will I be making money through some other means?

Currently our voting plug-in isn’t working, though players will be able to gain money passively through voting for the server once it’s been fixed, in addition to through playershops and the player economy!

What is the server’s timescale like?

Two IC days per every OOC day. Which translates directly to every OOC year that passes.

 Credit to @DumpsterDom for creating the FAQ

Section D

Staff Recusal Rules

Recusal is withdrawing yourself from a case or hiring and firing vote or discussion on the grounds that you cannot remain impartial or you present your involvement as a conflict of interest. This includes discussions of these cases or votes. Circumstances that would require one to recuse will be listed below. Initial failure to recuse yourself will result in a moderate breach, and refusal to recuse once you have been asked to will result in a severe breach. 

1. If you engage in romance RP with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them. 
2. If you play a family member IRP of the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.
3. If you are in a romantic relationship with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them. 
4. If you are otherwise close with the person in question, you must recuse yourself from their case or a vote pertaining to them.
5. If you fail to recuse on these grounds, as otherwise close might be hard to define, you will always be warned first. 
6. If you are directly involved in the incident, you must recuse yourself from the case and all votes pertaining to the situation. 
7. You may recuse yourself at any point if you feel as though you cannot remain impartial.