Shrine of the Godsword

The Shrine of the Godsword is a key seat of the Godsword Cult. Originally little more than a decaying chapel with a sword on an altar, a small village has been built up around it. Though the whole settlement is still simply known as "the Shrine" to the devout, since the town exists as a base for the Godsword Cult and the chapel and forges that have been built around it are the only draw, others have been trading more frequently with the cult due to its ability to produce quality blades (a rarity on Iphelon), and the fact that it is one of the few places in The Southreach that will trade with non-Halori.
The Shrine itself is an imposing stone structure hewn from the earth. An artificial vale has been carved into the ground, allowing the Shrine to appear to be built up, even though it is largely carved from natural stone. The original creators of the shrine are unknown, though the going myth says that the Paladins of Verol hunted down the original worshipers of the Godsword and killed them. The Godsword Cult is fine with this narrative.
As the Shrine of the Godsword has been expanded, followers have begun to engrave murals of stories of the Godsword, which are largely mythical and unverified by any, but so long as they match the ongoing themes that the cult approves of nobody has stopped these people from making their carvings. As a result, newcomers are greeted by a long and rich history belonging to the Godsword, with attendants of the New God standing at its side at all times.
The sword itself is clearly magical in nature, with glowing runes engraved into its blade and surrounded by gold borders. It hovers over the altar (where it was first found dusty and dormant), emitting soft chiming sounds as the wind blows through the chapel. In strong winds, the sword is said to speak, but only the most devout members of the Godsword Cult can attest to this, as the relatively low height of the Shrine compared to the surrounding terrain makes strong winds that reach into the vale a rare occurence.

Demographics

Mostly Man, but some Grotesques who worship the Godsword, including Blademen.

Government

The Godsword Cult runs the show, with their word going as law. The turnover between leaders is high (with many meeting a blade early on in their term of leadership), so there is little consistency in practice.

Defences

Wooden palisades surround the outermost parts of the settlement, but the vale surrounding the Shrine makes it difficult to defend. Three watchtowers and a sentry in the spire of the Shrine make for a modicum of security.

Infrastructure

In addition to the chapel, there are many forges built around the Shrine. The devout claim that the Godsword can turn stone into ore and heat their billows, allowing them to make some of the finest blades on Iphelon.
There are no roads leading to or from the Shrine, except for well-worn paths followed by traders and pilgrims. One well provides water for the settlement.

Guilds and Factions

The Godsword Cult runs the show.

Architecture

Although modern additions are usually simple wooden or thatched hovels, the Shrine itself is carved from stone, with a flat roof complemented by a spire that reaches up to almost the same level as the surrounding land.
The lower levels of the shrine are arched and wrought with flower and vine designs that have been carefully sculpted in stone (many of these have broken) with more recent engravings depicting the Godsword since the Godsword Cult arrived.
Upper stories have a more square design, with no embellishment. There are three floors to the shrine (excluding the spire), only the bottom of which is accessible to outsiders.

Type

Outpost / Base

Population

450

Location under

Iphelon

Owning Organization

Godsword Cult