Szodansdron
Szodansdron (or "Kingsgate" in traditional Istvanistani) is the former capital city of the Sovereign Confederation, located by the eastern shore of the White Elwynn at its convergence with the Kingsweep Tributary.
The city was the theater of several high-fatality incidents. During an internal conflict in Shireroth in the early 17th century, the area surrounding a recently opened fighting-pit was bombed by presently unknown forces. The city was rebuilt, but was again destroyed as a result of a nuclear strike during the Second Elwynnese Civil War, causing almost half a million fatalities.
As a consequence of the Council of Negrixnaht and the Second Session of the Council of Chryse, it was agreed that the ruined capitol (along with the remnant port of Tephal and the Elwynnese ruins of Dragonskeep and Glenfiddich) would be placed under the jurisdiction of the Cult of the Sacred Detonation at the discretion of the United Ecclesiastical Corporation of Benacia and the Guild of Magisters-Carnifex.
In 1712, the population was 49,522
Temple of the Benac
The Cult of the Sacred Detonation, seeing an opportunity to bring in more pilgrims and foster some goodwill with their BU benefactors, ordered the construction of a temple to the Benac on the Kingsweep, given the Elwynn's mythical connections to the Benacian hero. The Temple of the Benac is a religious structure located in the city of Szodansdron. Completed in 1714, in serves as a center of worship for the followers of the Benac and the home to his Champion and the Benacian Holy Militia.
The temple was constructed on the ruins of an ancient city that was destroyed by the nuclear attack. The builders used the surviving materials from the old city to create a new, modern temple that would serve as a beacon of hope and renewal for the people of Szodansdron.
The temple neighbors the headquarters of the Cult of the Sacred Detonation, a religious group that worships explosions and views them as a sacred act. The cult believes that the nuclear attack on Szodansdron was a divine intervention, and that the temple is a holy site where the Benac reveals himself to his followers.
The temple is a large, imposing structure, with a golden dome that can be seen from across the river. It is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the famed hero's great deeds and victories, including several scenes of him physically crushing his enemies beneath his feet.
Inside, the temple is filled with the sounds of prayers and hymns, as the followers of the cult come to offer their devotion to their idol. The walls are lined with tapestries and paintings depicting Benacian greatness, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of incense.
The temple is also equipped with a subtle array of advanced surveillance technologies. Collected data is used to create spiritual profiles of the temple's visitors, which are then analyzed by the clergy to better understand the needs and beliefs of their flock.
Despite its controversial origins and beliefs, the Temple of the Benac quickly became a central part of the city of Szodansdron. It serves as a place of worship and guidance for the followers of the cult, and a reminder of Benacian power and might.
The Benacian Holy Militia
The Benacian Holy Militia is a religious military organization formed by the Cult of the Sacred Detonation in the Benacian Union. It consists of devout followers of the Benac who have been recruited to serve as soldiers in the defense of the nation and the temple.
The militia was formed in response to the growing number of more aggressively zealous pilgrims, who threatened to upset the peace without any direction. The cult leaders believe that the Benac has called upon them to defend his temple and his people, and they have answered his call by forming the militia.
The militia is made up of both volunteers and conscripts. Many of the volunteers are devout followers of the cult who are eager to serve the god and defend the nation. Others are pilgrims who have come to the temple seeking the god's blessings, but who have been deemed unworthy by the high priests. These individuals are given the opportunity to redeem themselves by serving in the militia.
The militia is led by a council of high-ranking members of the cult, who are responsible for making strategic and tactical decisions. The council is advised by a group of priests and priestesses, who provide spiritual guidance and support to the soldiers.
The militia is trained and equipped in the same way as other military forces in the Confederation. They are taught to fight and defend, and to follow the orders of their leaders without question. They are also taught the beliefs and practices of the cult, and are expected to uphold the cult's values and traditions.
The Benacian Holy Militia is a controversial organization, with many critics claiming that it is a religious cult masquerading as a legitimate military force. However, the cult leaders and the militia members insist that they are serving the will of the god, and that their actions are justified.
