The Maps of Myrist

This fortress city of the Inquisitors is located on the lightside of Luclin. After discovering where the loyalists of Katta fled, the Inquisition amassed a large expeditionary force to chase after them.

Once on Luclin, the Inquisitors quickly realized that the Loyalists were too entrenched in their darkside refuge to root out. They also discovered that Luclin's orbit had moved them out of range of Norrath, preventing them from either returning home or getting reinforcements.

Realizing that patience was a virtue, they undertook the building of a new stronghold, settling in for a long and protracted struggle with the Loyalists. They named their home in honor of their leader, Seru.

Orderly to a fault, the Inquisition spent years building the city to exacting standards. Geometrically precise structures, arrow-straight streets, and even rows of buildings and high walls were constructed. The Inquisition is not afraid of hard work or dedication, as is amply demonstrated in the building of the city. Once a structure was built, constant maintenance ensured that it never looked worn or unkempt.

The Inquisition orders its society in a para-military fashion. At the top of the hierarchy is Seru, who has not been seen in public in living memory. Below him are four Praesertum Inquisitors, each equal in rank. Since Seru has removed himself from daily affairs, the Praesertum meet in counsel to decide important matters. Each Praesertum controls a different aspect of the Inquisition. They are divided into military matters, civil matters, commerce and industry, and the fourth keeps watch on the other three.

Each group is suspicious by nature, and all are riddled with spies from the other factions. This complex and rich political backdrop sets the stage for many interesting experiences and quests in the city.

Adult citizens of Sanctus Seru must submit to The Question every two years. This is a painful process, essentially a ritual torture that lasts for hours or days. It's a brutal tool the Praesertum and their minions use to keep order and maintain power. Many do not survive The Question, as the questioners are not immune from corruption.

Rising above all the perpetual infighting is the conflict with the Loyalists, a low-intensity war waged constantly to little effect. Spies, assassination attempts and theft are all tools employed by the Inquisition against their Loyalist foes. The Inquisitors will also attempt to latch on to willing adventurers, seeing in them a new device to be used against their intractable enemy.

Tectim Veritas, or the Shield of Truth, is what the inhabitants of Sanctus Seru call the great wall that surrounds the city. Built as much to keep the citizens in as it is to keep threats out, it contains only one gate that is heavily guarded by troops loyal to all four Praesertum. Precious little traffic passes in and out of the gate, allowing the Praesertum to maintain a stranglehold on all trade to and from the city.

The grand and ornate building where Seru holds court is known as the Arx Seru. Sealed by powerful magic, the building's keys are in the hands of the Praesertum. All are forbidden to enter. At the very heart of the structure is Seru himself, a very powerful paladin who is not to be underestimated nor disrespected.

Seru, realizing that given his life expectancy, he would not live to see the defeat of the Loyalists nor possibly ever be able to return to Norrath, had a chamber built that slowed the passage of time for the occupant. It is said that months outside are equal to seconds inside this chamber, allowing Seru to greatly extend his life without resorting to the vile arts of necromancy.