General Overview
Welcome to Sanctum
The when is 2019 (exact date in the sidebar).
The where is Haven, British Columbia. A place hard to find on maps and requiring some knowledge of anomalies to locate. A small community tucked into the west coast of Canada which has a long and storied history of it's 'supernatural-accepting' status.
The how is the rise of the anomalous. Which happened about twenty-five years ago, although it has always existed, and has just become more prevalent in the last two or three years. Teenagers who are anomalous are drawn, taken willingly by friends and family, or referred to Sanctum. As it is known as a sanctuary for them, and learning about their powers.
The what is a school set up to help "Different" Teens learn about themselves and their lives. Growing with one another and experiencing all that life has to offer in a safe place. Monitored by caring staff, and left to their own devices to grow and learn.
The who is… the students! The characters our players play, they're the main cast.
Academic Calendar, remainder of 2019 and 2020 (School year starts with Spring term to match calendar year.)
15 week term with a 1 week break in the middle, with 2-3 week breaks between terms.
2019
Fall Term: September 2 - December 13 (Break Week October 19-27)
Break: December 14 - January 5
2020
Spring Term: January 6 - April 17 (Break week February 22-29)
Break: April 18 - May 3
Summer Term: May 4 - August 14 (Break week June 20-28)
Break: August 15-30
Fall Term: August 31 - December 11 (Break Week October 17-25)
Break: December 12 - January 3
Fifth Sanctum
School for the Supernatural
Located near the center of the town of Haven, the Fifth Sanctum School for the Supernatural is a sprawling campus full of well-manicured lawns and lovingly maintained buildings. Brick structures, carefully designed by an award winning architect with community in mind. Old oak trees and bushes line the paths and dot the many green spaces that make up the campus. To say the campus is cozy wouldn’t give it justice. From the ground up, this school is a shrine to the love of education for the supernatural.
Courtyard
All of the main buildings are connected through well-kept lawns and between the buildings is the courtyard, a nice green space with small pathways. Benches around, trees sparse but providing cover, and in the corner a hand crafted gazebo that has been transported from the old school grounds.
Gazebo
Old wood, moved from an old school the students might still remember. Its wood is aged and it’s been fixed countless times but it seems to always provide shelter when needed.
Alphard Hall - Administration
A three story building with large windows that always seem to be framed by hand crafted curtains. The lobby is a simple room with a large staircase, and a few desks with administration staff there to help students out when needed. The first floor is mostly offices, simple rooms that help to run the school and hold most of the support staff. The second floor is mostly meeting rooms and some of the more important offices. On this floor, you can find accounting, sign up for classes, or meet with the school’s therapist. The third floor is kept off limits and has the headmistresses’ office as well as other important rooms.
Saiph Memorial Infirmary
A small building, no more than four rooms. Not much more than a converted house, complete with the welcome mat still intact. Here, students can receive first aid when needed and can be transferred to the local hospital if it’s too severe. As well as pick up medication and other health care needs.
The Ascella Cafeteria
This large building has tall vaulted ceilings and large windows. With small round tables for seating. The food is free with the student card, and is generally considered pretty solid thanks to a few of the students working part time there. Always a good selection, as well. Opens early and closes late.
Andromeda Dorm
There are six dorm buildings scattered across the campus and kept secluded from the other parts of the campus. Player Characters will find themselves conveniently sorted into the same dorm, for information on this please go [here].
The other dorms on campus are Auriga, Cassiopeia, Cetus, Lacerta, and Pegasus. Every dorm has a different layout, but Andromeda's looks about like [this] for the first floor.
The Vela Clock Tower
New England style clock tower, complete with the large dial. Although the bells don’t ring, it still works fine. There’s a small sitting area in front but it’s usually locked. Three stories tall, but its spire makes it the tallest building on campus.
The Perseus Gymnasium
With a full court and a large compliment of workout gear from weights to bags and balls. It has shower and locker room facilities for students to use, as well as smaller attached rooms for indoor practice and one-on-one training sessions. Behind the Hall is a large green space that includes many facilities for the school sports teams. Baseball diamond, batting cages, a track, tennis court, and a new pool. Materials need to be checked out in the Hall, however.
Pavo Hall - The Arts Building
A squat two story structure with peaked roofs, this building houses the art, music, and assorted extracurricular classes. Music instruments can be rented for a small fee, or if a student provides evidence of financial hardship they can be loaned as needed. Art supplies are kept in a storage room off the art room, but can be accessed during normal school hours. They are replenished, and a student will only be warned if they take an obscene amount. This can be forgiven with a small donation, of course, to the department. Certain physical education classes are also held here in the larger rooms located in this building. Things that don't need a field or full gym to do, ballet, fencing, and the like.
Columba Hall - The Academia Building
Another two story structure with many chimneys, every classroom seems to come with a fireplace. This houses the English, history, and research classes. There is a small common space in the middle of the building for the sharing of ideas and the conversing of higher topics. In the center of the building is a tall, ten foot high, monolithic statue in pale blue. With an inscription in occult script that reads simply, 'knowledge'. While it isn't a rule to keep quiet this building, it is generally followed. Tea is served in the common space at two and four in the afternoon.
Lyra Hall - The Science Building
The third of the three class buildings. This two story building houses science, engineering, and mathematics classes. Labs are available for student projects, as well as some heavier tools for those looking to perform larger scale engineering tasks. Supplies are readily available, and unless a student is going to do something completely wrong, staff usually stay out of the way. The basement of this building contains volatile samples of anomalous materials for students to study freely.
Fomalhaut Library
Named after the old founding family of the school, this Library is a small two story square building that seems to have rows upon rows of books on the inside that defy space. There are two small study sections as well as a private classroom for lectures in the back. The library staff will help students get books on any subject they want, thanks to a transfer program with the local University.
The Second Shrine
Built near enough to the first shrine to be visible, this shrine takes after ones used in Southeast American occultism, though a majority of the inspiration was taken from shrines used by the Blue Court of La Mos, the High Doe. Constructed of twisted metal, carvings of various beasts and entities cover the shrine, all converging on one side to a central human figure. Inscribed below the figure is the following: To the greatest girl in San Fran, Ellie LaCroix. If Akemi Kimura has her own shrine, you deserve one as well.
The Train Station
Currently out of service, this 1800s style train station runs right along the edge of campus grounds.
Danger Room
With use of an artifact that "resets" individuals once they leave its presence, Fifth Sanctum has created a high-tech extension of the gym for students to spar and practice their abilities. Remember: You will leave the way you came in, but that doesn't make the pain any less real.
The Town of Haven
Pop - 23,914
Founded 1865
Municipal
Town Hall - Seat of the local government, always finds an excuse to take a government vacation.
WATC-Haven - Wearing the facade of an old Blockbuster Video store, the local branch of WARD operates out of this building and maintains true control of the city and oversees protection of Fifth Sanctum.
Mercy Hospital - As old as the town, this hospital is full of the newest tech in the medical field. Uniquely equipped for the town’s special population, as well as boasting a staff of many supernatural healers and modern doctors. If it’s more than just stitches, students will be brought here. Don’t worry, all costs are covered by Sanctum.
Food and Drinks
The Kitty Cat Cosplay Cafe - A themed Japanese maid cafe located in a small storefront. The staff can usually be found wearing maid costumes and referring to patrons as onii-chan. With great tea and delicious treats, there’s more to get out of this cafe than just friendly waitresses. Remember, if you see a neko girl, don’t pull her tail. It might just be real!
Gambichi’s Italian Deli - Authentic Italian food, Gambichi himself is almost always at the counter. From fresh cuts of meat and cheese to Italian sodas, you can also get great sandwiches and salads here. He does always have a TV in the corner blaring football, and the chairs all seem to wobble.
Whitman’s Coffee House - A small coffee house with only a few tables and with the only non-second hand thing in it being the espresso machine.
Florence Cuisine - Americanized Italian food, but a very nice restaurant. With dim lighting and intimate seating, they’re an easy place to take a date.
Hong Kong Takeout - Super big portions and a lot of really sweaty kitchen workers, they deliver and they always throw in a free egg drop soup with every order of their Chinese food.
Pho Real - A pho restaurant run by a technomancer who spends most of his time playing Starcraft III in the back room while his wife does all the work. Small, but cheap.
Blanc Burgers - The second location of the hit Supernatural burger joint, their signature all white patty is said to be the tastiest thing you never want to know where it came from. Cheap, quick, and always busy.
The Twin Tailed Fox and Iron Hound - An English style pub used by many of the school’s teachers as a place to drink their paychecks away. A small menu is available for those not there to drink, the tall dark booths make great for private conversations.
Honey's Sweets Shop - A local bakery, you can probably smell its sweet scent from a block away. With tasty treats in the window, the special ingredient is honey, which is in most of her pastries. The establishment also enjoys a bee vibe, with yellows and blacks adorning the walls, as well as Honey's outfit. She even runs the shop wearing bee wings, which some believe are actually a part of her, as it seems nobody has seen her without them. Recently, Honey has started an outreach program, attempting to cater to all supernatural dietary needs, her first manifestation of this being blood-infused muffins for vampires.
Stores and Shops
Holly’s Books and Things - One of the local bookstores, this family business has been passed down for generations. Some of the books have been, too. Patrons might find their occult sections and ancient tomes available in their backrooms to be of particular interest.
The Magician’s Store - In a back alley, this store has everything you could have ever wanted. From toys that make others jump in fear to tricks that will make people squeal with laughter. This finely curated artisan store is run with care by its old owner. Oh, that little trinket? Well, there might just be some actual magic in this store.
Supermarket - Simply called the supermarket, this store has many fresh foods and most staple items. If you need something from the local store, this is the cheapest place to get it. You might not find many specialized things here, but they always have coupons.
Super Market - A store for all things supernatural. Unlike some of the more specialized stores in town, you can get many mainstay items used in supernatural work here. From fresh blood to odd mystical roots, most ingredients can be found here at a fair price.
Entertainment
Hack The Planet - Internet cafe and game store run by a druid of the iron forests. Always has the latest games for sale and hosts the town’s local Friday Night Magic. Although, their version of Magic isn’t a card game.
Punch Out Boxing Gym - It’s more than just a boxing gym! This small gym is a great place to go and get your workout on when the school’s facilities aren’t enough. Or you want some personalized training from Old Man Gerbert. Want to learn to fight? Here’s your place.
Pin Point - The local bowling alley, with over four lanes ready to go and a heavy set Han who will only take cash sitting behind the counter. This is in no way a front for anything.
Mad Dock Skate Park - Sitting off the small beach at the front of Haven, this skate park is usually filled with alternative kids taking a lot of sick GoPro videos of their stunts.
Founder’s Park - In the middle of town and surrounded by trees, this park is known for a place to get easily lost in on it’s winding trails. Only the statues can really help you know your path, some say there’s a jungle gym somewhere in the park.
Nature
The Woods - Surrounding Haven on three sides are thick forests that go into the hills around it. Many secrets are held there, off the beaten hiking paths already there.
The Lake - On the remaining side of town is the lake, a large body of water that often holds fog. There's an outlet river heading to the ocean, but it really is mostly a still body of water.
Ambrose' Glade - Outside of the town proper, but near enough to the campus to be easily accessed, but enough of a distance to be in the wilderness is a glade, a clearing in the forest slightly more than 35 meters in diameter, surrounded by tall, thick trees and scratchy thickets. A single entrance, about eight feet across is clear of underbrush and has a sign hanging on one side, the text in a flowing, easily legible script: “Ambrose Syl-Falaren bids you welcome to his glade. You may find rest and solace here, in this neutral place. Treat other guests with respect, or find yourself unwelcome.” It has Ambrose’ signature and the symbol of the house of Syl-Falaren at the bottom. The glade itself has a small pool - perhaps twenty meters by ten and about three deep - to one side, fed by a stream that enters at one end and leaves through the other which is tied to a larger river nearby. On the other side a set of stairs down a few meters to a flat stone wall. The weather is always clear, and the temperature always comfortable. Any animals that wander in are calm, although cautious, as long as no one attempts to startle or chase them. The water in the pool is always clean and crystal clear.
Historical Landmarks
The AB House: A very nice, modern house, owned by a woman said to have strangled her daughter for unknown reasons. Her late husband allegedly had ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, hence the name, and around 3 million in cash was discovered in the crawlspace. Said to be highly haunted. Currently vacant.
This new year at school, at a new school, has come with a lot of changes to the world. No longer is the supernatural secret. It's out, people know about it, despite its rarity it still seems to show up often enough that the layman is aware of it. It's polarizing and it's new, the world is just getting accustomed to it.
WARD, the guardians of Fifth Sanctum, are an old player that's only just played its hand. Deciding to create a sanctuary for the young who the world would treat far differently. This is their work, to lift these children up and bring a new era of peace to the world through understanding. Fifth Sanctum is that hope.
So how do students come to Fifth Sanctum? Well, there's a few ways. Most are invited by emissaries of the school after they're found to have abilities of the supernatural. Some are rescued from situations that might put them in harms way, to protect them from being treated inhumanely. There are some who find their way to Fifth Sanctum through other means, a calling, or a yearning. Rumors do get around about the school, and it isn't unheard of for someone to request they be taken there. In rare cases, they might wander to the school or find their own path. All of them do come willingly, and the school is very clear that everyone who comes there does so on their own accord.
What sorts of things exist or are known in the world? It'd be impossible to get a comprehensive list of everything, especially when new anomalies might pop up in the future, but the Entities and Realms page should have a good portion of what you need to know, or at least a strong starting point.
Staff
Katherine Fox, Headmistress
The head of Sanctum, Fox wormed her way onto the scene upon hearing about Special Circumstances' interest in the Sunnybrook student body and translated it into a new career path. This towering redhead of indeterminate age and equally indeterminate background represents her more militant past, but as yet seems to only be interested in gauging student capabilities and challenging them. Very little is known about Fox or why she's present, and that's just how she likes it.
Played by Nemi
Amos Herrera, Assistant Headmaster
An unremarkable Spanish-Canadian man in his mid fifties, Herrera departs from many of his Fifth Sanctum colleagues in that the anomalous nature of the students is irrelevant to him. Herrera works to provide the structure, discipline, safety and opportunity a school should give all its students, anomalous or otherwise.
Played by Antichthon
Cecilia Grove and Marcus Castells, United States Military Attachés
In the wrong place at the wrong time, the petite Lieutenant Cecilia Grove and Swole Dr. Marcus Castells were chosen as the go-betweens from the military to Sunnybrook during a critical rescue and recovery operation. Apparently they did well enough that the higher-ups decided to make it a permanent position. Now Dr. Castells and the newly promoted Captain Grove are at Sanctum to stay. Maybe one day they'll even learn to like each other. Often accompanied by Pup the Slamhound, a large anti-anomaly wolf-like robot. (Why the US military is at a school in Canada, when the US president has publicly denounced all things anomalous, we may never know.)
Played by Antichthon
Dr. April Potter, School Therapist
The third side of Sanctum’s triangle of mental health professionals, Dr. Potter was hired when the deluge of students needing therapy became more than Drs. Lespiaux and Taylor could handle. With the turbulent state of the world and the highly traumatizing nature of Sanctum missions, she’ll have high job security for some time.
Played by Antichthon
Kenneth Herric, Combat Trainer
Verity Silverlock's counterpart, in every sense of the word. A new addition to the Sanctum staff, Herric is an anomaly exceptionally well-suited for challenging the combat skills of even the most seasoned students. Oh, did I mention the horns?
Played by Antichthon
Dr. Bernard Mason, School Therapist
Dr. Bernard Mason is a small man with large glasses on his face that somewhat accentuate his deep brown eyes, he has thinning gray hair and is never seen wearing anything but an assortment of sweater vests and tweed suit coats. He gives off an aura of kindness and caring, like the favorite grandfather. He's a new addition to the staff brought in to help with the large and demanding workload of keeping the students in good mental shape.
Played by Bobafettuccine
Matias Avila, Utility Trainer
Matias Avila, a recent hire from Central America with a penchant for giving random quotes, is an instructor dedicated to helping students figure out new facets of their powers and expand upon their current ones with an anomaly that assist him in that. He has a pet owl too, which is cool.
Played by Silvors
Dr. Renee Bolton, Science Teacher
A former physician, current teacher for AP Bio, AP Anomalous Biology, and Health Science, researcher, and event coordinator. A former history in the business of dealing with rogue anomalies, both in legitimate and less than legitimate environments means she's pretty invested in making sure students don't break from stress, or begin developing illusions of godhood, having watched as both occurred time and time again.
Played by gumbal1
Dr. Gaudet Lespiaux, Child Psychiatrist
Gaudet Lespiaux got employed by the school around this same time his daughter was enrolled. Aside from a near-unflappability, there's not much to say. He's there for students who need someone to talk to…or a prescription of antidepressants and a doctor's note for blood work.
Played by gumbal1
Dr. Hershel Reinman, Government Teacher/Intelligence
A former CIA agent, Dr. Reinman's got the image of the kindly, but still pretty cool teacher down pat. His due dates are lax, his tests are tough but entirely fair, and his stories are incredibly entertaining. When he's not teaching, he's dealing with groups of interest that might not really be the best thing for the world right now. Hey, getting help knocking over a death cult's better work than funding coups, right?
Played by gumbal1
Adam Page, World History Teacher
A man is his late twenties who is usually seen pacing in his classroom with a History book in hand. He usually is very straight the point and extremely irritable when conversations go far longer than expected. He has dark brown hair, a short brown beard and dark blue almost purple eyes. "The homework is on page 129, now take your leave."
William page, Science Teacher
A man in his early thirties. He has ash brown hair and green eyes. The man was forced to teach in Sunnybrook along with his normal GWU duties because human resources claimed there was deficit of Science teachers who were willing to teach. He makes no secret of this, nor his own bitterness. His day includes; teaching, working in the basement, drinking the blackest coffee ever like it's tea, and teasing his younger brother Adam Page "The biggest perk of the job"
The Janitor, Janitor
The old mysterious janitor who always handles the messes after missions. He can be seen transporting garbage or cleaning up puddles of things left by children. He has Grey hair with streaks of white and stubble on his face. He doesn't talk much besides the few times he has shared questionable wisdom with students. "Mhm mmm mm"
Penelope ████████████ Winthrope, Permanent Substitute Teacher
Ms. Winthrope is a woman in her early 40s. She has frizzy black hair and blue eyes. She tends to wear bright sun dresses that compliment her energetic and deceptively airy personality. She teaches a variety of classes in a quick-witted manner. It is difficult to tell if she is telling the truth or not. She claims that her father was a wizard and her mother was a shapeshifter, but notes that both skip a generation. She also has claimed to have been in jail over 57 times and has broken out every time. She tends to play a variety of sports while talking to her students after class mostly fencing and golf. If you ever have questions about the supernatural go to her. Her middle name can not be pronounced by humans beings.
Stefany Leurgans, Art Teacher
Is usually painting random things including mugs, windows and a few other things that she probably shouldn't be painting. Known for being extremely neurotic and a complete klutz. She doesn't appreciate having her art supplies being stolen either, Jimmy. "Don't touch that, no no no don't touch that either. You know what? Just stand still."
Ms. Kelly Pasket, Dean of Student Life
Odd means of solution for an odd world. Kelly isn't exactly on staff for her great skills with children. No, the branch she works for is in a very particular line of work that wishes to leverage students for their advancement. Of course, Kelly won't tell you what work it is and she most definitely will not share her plans with you.
Played by LipstickThespian
Nicole Taylor, Psychologist
A woman in her mid thirties, with pale skin and deep auburn hair. Nicole has three degrees in very defined fields of mental health. She's here to help the students adjust to, well, everything. So sit on the couch, and talk with her.
Played by LipstickThespian
Verity Silverlock, Combat Trainer
An oddity, even here. Verity is unique to the school staff, in that she herself is an anomaly. A Valkyrie enlisted by the organization to help teach the students how to control their powers. To grow them, use them in combat, use them in life, and become one with themselves. Students are encouraged to come to her for sessions to help them better use their abilities. Oh, did I mention the wings?
Played by LipstickThespian
River Melody, Student Advisor
Assigned to assist the students of Sanctum with the things that affect their life, schedules, reform, and other little things. She is the person to go to if you have a problem with the school or staff and need to find a solution. She loves every student and will fight for them, tooth and nail. Her room always smells like flowers.
Played by LipstickThespian
Students
These are various students that can be found on campus.
Alexei Oksana
A young Ukrainian boy who brightly burns with life, often seen in the infirmary, library or gardening club. He's rather serious about his studies, and speaks with a heavy accent. A bit skittish, but very friendly if he gets past the nervousness. His Sheet
Played by anyone who asks
Viktor Chernoff
A tall sixteen year old boy with long straight black hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. He usually switches accents between Russian and French, due to spending his early life in Russia and the other half of his life in France. He can be considered a gentleman, a ladies man, but the truth is that his knees go weak around most girls except for a select few, he also trips. A lot. Character Sheet
Played by SavanahHolland
Twitch, the School's Dealer
Twitchy and rodent-like, he is skeevy, weird and paranoid. He has been described as not all there both in relation to his personality, but also his physical traits. Now, one might ask "Why should he be *my* drug dealer? Simple, he grows his weed in his own pocket dimension.
Jacob Johannes
Jacob, the scamp he is. Is infected with a magical parasite that takes the form of 6 black snakes, coming out of his back (usually hidden.) Not much is known about Jacob as he tends to keep to himself. He just likes to be around, always observing in the background with this look on his face.
Stella (Chen) Izayoi
A half Taiwanese, Japanese girl, she is seen cooking at dinner with a large group of students. She also has a rabbit plush hanging off her pocket and is seen warping around the school once in a while, thought the true nature of her power is actually Time stopping.
Eira Skadi
A spunky girl that has powers over winter. This makes her presence lower the temperature of the area she's in, and is extremely weak to cold. She's one who believes fists can do anything, and is a go-getter, she was once seen leaping off the school building trying to punch shooting stars.
Cameron Nguyen
A shy girl who just so happens to have sold her soul to some rather terrible people. Weremeleonhood is kick ass for a student of photography, though, so it's not all bad! Has a cat named Cheddars she adopted after their owner was arrested for murder.
Played by gumbal1
Cassandra Fitzgerald
Angel of Mercy.
Others
Dennis Solaeris
A dove harpy of the Solaeris family of messengers. A childhood friend of Veronica's. He has begun making mail runs to the town of Haven. He looks to be 18 and is built lithe and muscular. 5'4". Feathers are white with gray tips.
Played by SolongStarbird
Andrea "Diaval" Mavrocharta
A crow harpy of the Mavrocharta family of messengers. He is Dennis' mail partner. Slightly older than Dennis, and with a wiry and slouched frame. 5'3". Feathers are jet back with occasional speckles of gray and rust brown.
Played by SolongStarbird
THE DARK QUEEN
She's a villain from New York that's never even been to Haven, why is she on this list? Her only appearances have been in those UTTERLY EVIL AND DIABOLICAL runs where she's the ONE TRUE VILLAIN, LIKE SHE IS! Because she's ev- oh god. She's on this list because being on a list of NPCs where she doesn't belong is DIABOLICAL!
Played by Silvors
