Sanctuary of Suomi
The People in the Steeple
The human beings that dwell in Oulu, Finland, are not the mortal pawns of demons or angels. They are self-determining creatures in their own right. That is the unofficial motto of all hunters and thinking persons in this city. To that end, at least the religious-minded hunters have joined forces and created a sanctuary system called Kirkko. Kirkko is a promise of safety regardless of faith or background for any human being who requests it. Even uninitiated clergy are familiar with the term, though as far as they know, it’s more like a public “safe space” system.
The hunters in Oulu do not tend towards ultra-violent methods. In fact, many prefer the defensive nature of Kirkko, relying on faith (and for some, True Faith) to keep the monsters at bay. And, so far, it’s worked without going full Inquisition mad.
Factions
The main faction in Oulu is the Sword of Luther. The Society of Leopold has no presence here. There are barely any Catholics in Oulu at all, never mind Inquisitors. The Arcanum lacks a chapterhouse but there may be an investigator or two. Romani could be here; they can be found nearly anywhere. Yet, not enough have gathered to form a kumpania.
The Ostrojaegers are a specialized military unit of tech-com spec ops in service to Iteration X as paramilitary security. Some even pursue “advanced science methodology” (hedge tech-magic) and are trained to fight alongside HIT Marks and other Technocratic troops.
Sword of Luther
This Lutheran hunter group has many of the trappings of its Catholic Inquisition forebear. Several cenacles dot the city, yet none are girded for all-out war. In fact, most of them resemble Sanbenito in their doctrinal approach to the monsters, witches, and demons that can be found throughout Oulu and its surrounding region. They prefer mercy and redemption to execution. However, unlike the Sanbenito, the Sword of Luther never hesitates to dispatch a monster that threatens anyone under its intrepid protection.
The Sword of Luther is divided on the rising revival of Laestadianism in Oulu. On the one hand, they appreciate the fervor of faith. On the other, the Laestadianists’ intolerance is toxic to the mission of Kirkko. As such, Laestadianist ministers and pastors have been left out of the loop entirely for the time being.
Though Kirkko expands to all churches (except Laestadianist congregations) in Oulu, the Oulu Cathedral is the heart of it. Here the local bishop holds ecclesiastical office and oversees Sword operations.
Special Events
Special events are annual (or more frequent) holidays or special ritual days that the main group or groups observe as a whole community. Attendance and participation are often expected of all members, and sometimes required.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter (and so the date varies every year). Whereas in many countries, Palm Sunday is an ecclesiastical holiday that has little social or civil activity beyond, Finland is different. On Palm Sunday, it is traditional for children to dress up as witches and monsters and go door-to-door. They present each household with a small wand-like stick, a simple twig will do, this symbolizing the surrender of pagan beliefs. In return, they receive a small gift, often a tiny bag of candy or minor toy. By contrast, the Finns do not celebrate Halloween at all like the way the Americans do. In short, Palm Sunday is Halloween. As a consequence, hunters keep a weather eye for trouble from actual witches, especially regarding the children.
“You will not pass into this house of worship, spawn of Satan. Return to Hell or face the fiery brand of the soldiers of Christ!”
-- Bishop Eerik Mattila, Sword of Luther
