General Info

After The Fall of partiarchy and oppression, the once abundantly populated Willamette Valley is now known as the Willamette Wasteland. Abandoned cities, residences and farmlands dot the landscape. Amid the ruin lies Sappho, fabled land of longing, lored to be both haven and harem. Outsiders see heathenism, yet within lies a budding civilization led by women who have turned survival into community, harmony and intimacy.

Classes and Social Structure

Overseer: Rayna - the fun-loving overseer of Sappho

First Lady of the Overseer: Ava, maternal nurturer of Sappho and diplomat in charge of foreign affairs.

Newcomers begin as Sweatworkers, laboring until their contribution is clear. Some remain in this class, the ones most suited for the task. Others' delegations tailored to their talents.

- Sustainers: Growing, harvesting, and preserving, they prepare and provide community meals.

- Scavengers: Travel long journeys trekking through the wasteland, scavenging and searching for long abandoned supplies.

- Sharpshooters: Militant defenders of the women, the only ones allowed to bear weapons within the walls.

- Seductresses: Encouraging affection and sustaining open intimacy.

- Spiritual Sages: Visionaries and protectors of stories from the past.

- Saviors: Medics, midwives, makers and masters of medicine.

- Skinners: Hunt, trap and fish, ensuring nothing is wasted.

- Shapers: Engineers, problem solvers and inventors.

This structure transforms survival into specialization, binding society together.

Children of Sappho

Reproduction is regulated by Overseer Rayna. She arranges pairings, fostering bonds between women and ordaining who will lie next with a Sire in hopes of pregnancy. Rayna is always present, sometimes participant, serving as a guide to ensure future generations. When conception occurs, that infant is a Child of Sappho. All women share in their raising. Each child belongs to the commune, nurtured by many, proof that survival has become civilization.

Sires of Sappho

Sires are the only adult males permitted within the commune. Chosen for virility and physique, their service given graciously. In the background of daily life, yearning for their turn, they gladly step forward when called. Their actions must be approved by Rayna. Their role is to help repopulate, producing and preserving the next generation. Revered among all, boys and men envy their station, dreaming to be chosen among them.

Outsiders & Trade

Solitary survivors and desperate wanderers arrive as traders, travelers, or seekers of refuge. Some bring gifts and goods; others test Sappho’s patience. To them Sappho is legend of lore.

Orientation

- Sappho is myth and reality, a beacon of hope.

- A matriarchal commune sustained by openness, intimacy, and community.

- Children are communal, raised by all.

- Sires are honored, subservient, the only adult males allowed inside.

- Classes define labor.

Themes

- Mood- Hopeful and inspiring.

- Intimacy- Bonds are open, love shared without jealousy, intimacy celebrated.

- Idealized- Women are revered as symbols of harmony and sensuality.

Tone: hopeful, sensual, communal, consistent, blending mythic grandeur with lived detail.