Monastery of Ismar

Ismar was built on a Visitor structure, three tall towers that pierce through the shard they are built on. They are called the Needles, are are named Dominance, Ascendance, and Transcendence.

It's home to people who believe in Aleph, and search ascendance through alternative means, and those who work for them, under the a rule that's arguably less exploitative than Sterling's. This means that they are trying to lure over as many of the other city state's peasants as they can, though many are caught or killed on the way.

The Petrov Rift causes a weather disturbance that makes the area barely arable, and allows no trees to grow. Ismar has always had to deal with a critical lack of paper. Luckily, their refined mastery over Embers allows them to use alternative stationery, as well as countless other imbued objects; however, they are not willing to trade with others, only offering finely woven tapestries.

Their belief in their technology and ascendance is so strong, they have started unfurling the mysteries of imbuing people, limited to their higher circles. In order to do so, a person's 'gauge', energy throughput has to be sufficient for the energies involved, and their minds have to be able to recreate the intricate blueprints normally found in artifacts. Heavy substance use and body modification are required to reach any significant level of talent. The special ceremonial incense that supposedly increases magic potential and concentration is called Ozetia (though its street name is Glitter), and it’s strictly forbidden for outsiders to take – naturally, it’s smuggled out at times, though the consequences for it are heavy.

Their clothes are deceptively simple, but often magically imbued. The High Cardinals and Templars do have some ritualistic decorations.