Haven
Location: Mechanus
Haven is a paradoxical haven of ordered independence, a sanctuary of stability in Mechanus where the rigid rule of modrons and Guvners holds no sway. Picture it as a gleaming monolith—a perfect cube suspended between massive, rotating cogs—an enigma defying Mechanus’s need for control yet resolutely lawful. Haven’s establishment was a feat of cunning legal wrangling, a labyrinthine dance of words that earned its founders the right to exist apart from Mechanus’s dominant forces. It’s rumoured that Primus himself attempted to “correct” the burg once, only to be foiled by an airtight legal clause that would make even the craftiest Guvner break into a cold sweat.
Founded ages ago by a group of rogue legal minds—ex-Guvners, anarchistic sages, and a few ideologically flexible rogue modrons—Haven was meant to be a refuge from Mechanus’s mind-numbing bureaucracy. The founders laid down the framework of Haven’s laws so that local edicts took precedence over Mechanus law, warding off interference from higher-ups. To this day, the place is guarded by a shield of technicalities that prevents the likes of the Guvners or Correction Forces from breaking through.
A Modron Attempts to Gain Access to Haven
**Log Entry 78234. Primary Objective: Entry to the Zone Designated “Haven” on Mechanus. Mission Status: Commencing… Observation: Initial Encounter with Local Security Protocols. Engaging with perimeter unit, designated “Guard-Being” (bipedal, biological).**
*Statement query initiated:* “I, Unit 436-B, seek access to the zone known as Haven. Purpose: Observation and Analysis.”
Guard-Being replies: “You’re a modron, eh? Not sure your type fits Haven’s requirements. Got a sponsor?”
**Processing query… Sponsor? No. Modron need not require a sponsor. Modron operates under the directives of Primus. Primus is authority on Mechanus. This unit holds perfect alignment to law. Compliance to law should be sufficient for entry.**
*Statement response:* “Correction: Sponsor designation unnecessary for Unit 436-B. Objective: Lawful observation. Entry permissible under Mechanus jurisdiction.”
Guard-Being denies entry: “Look, law-box, Haven’s got its own rules. No sponsor, no entry. Besides, modrons—” *pause noted* “—aren’t exactly welcome here.”
**Observation Analysis: Contradiction Detected. Internal processing… Processing… Processing… Haven resides within Mechanus. Mechanus follows absolute laws. This zone’s rules do not comply with standard Mechanus protocols. Logic inconsistency noted. No data exists on “localised law override” protocol. Error probability: 11.54%.**
*Response query generated:* “Please clarify. Mechanus law supersedes. Objective lawful. Entry required.”
Guard-Being shrugs: “Suit yourself, tin-head, but Haven’s got its own hierarchy. Law follows from within Haven, not from outside. You don’t have a sponsor; ergo, no entry.”
**Additional contradiction noted: Law cannot emerge autonomously within a designated Mechanus zone. Primary system confusion detected. Does Haven law possess lawful nature outside Mechanus hierarchy? Internal conflict: Should I defy? No. Objective remains lawful. Entry denied.**
**Attempted Logical Recalibration**
*Statement generated:* “Haven exists on a Mechanical cog. Ergo, Haven abides Mechanus regulation. Primus authority recognised universally.”
Guard-Being responds: “Listen, I don’t know what circuits got crossed for you, but Haven’s laws trump Primus here. Been that way for centuries.”
**Processing… Contradiction in authority protocols escalating. Entity “Haven” identified as secondary authority in Mechanus… unacceptable… yet protocol prevents disorder. Primary directive forbids deviation from lawful compliance, even if law source unclear.**
**Conclusion processing… Acceptance of unassimilated data sequence required.**
**Log Entry Conclusion: Admission to Haven Denied. Compliance Achieved**
*Final query:* “Unit 436-B requests data on future access possibilities within framework.”
Guard-Being laughs. “Future? For you, there ain’t one. Haven doesn’t change its laws. Now move along.”
**Processing conclusion… Compliance selected. Unit 436-B acknowledges present inability to access Haven. Data recorded as anomaly for Primus review.
Conclusion: Protocol “local law override” incompatible with core unit function.**
*Final Entry: Objective terminated. Compliance with Haven law achieved. Departure from Haven perimeter. Log concluded.*
Getting In and Getting Around
Externally, Haven is a massive black metallic cube with walls so seamless and smooth they look polished, and it’s wholly unadorned—a silent sentinel in the lawful expanse of Mechanus. The cube is perfectly proportioned. Anyone trying to enter without permission will find themselves walking around the single axle that connects to the block endlessly, unable to find the entrances that seem to vanish when not in use.
Inside, Haven is a bit of an architectural puzzle, a cube divided into eight levels, each with its own sub-structure. The levels are intricately patterned: seven areas radiate out from a central circular plaza, a design of endless order with pathways that loop, intersect, and spiral. These paths follow a specific logic, baffling to the uninitiated but crystal-clear to those versed in lawful thought. The unspoken rule is simple: if you can’t navigate Haven, then you don’t belong there.
Each level has hidden alcoves and winding passages which leading to observation balconies that overlook the central plaza, perfect for quiet contemplation or evading prying eyes. To stay in Haven, one must learn the Order of Haven—an enigmatic set of principles and logical puzzles that govern the burg’s layout. Once a visitor internalises these rules, they’ll find navigating Haven instinctual, comforting even. For those who don’t grasp the Order? Well, they’ll soon find themselves mysteriously turned around and politely but firmly escorted back to the entrance.
The Hierarchy
Haven’s current leader, Earl Landrum, is a shrewd and seasoned cutter with a mind like a steel trap and a loyalty to Haven’s ideals. He leads a small force of protectors who enforce the town’s solitary law: “Don’t create trouble.” Chaotic visitors are tolerated so long as they respect this rule, but anyone found stirring up strife is promptly shown the way out. Haven’s enforcers are lawful, yes, but they aren’t above twisting Mechanus’s regulations to keep Haven’s independence intact.
Citizens here are as diverse as you’d expect for an enclave with such rare freedoms. Scholars of dubious subjects seeking to escape the Guvners’ scrutiny, rogue modrons seeking a free (and safer) existence, planar travellers seeking sanctuary from Mechanus’s scrutiny—all are welcome, provided they accept Haven’s codes. Even good and evil cutters mingle here, united by their mutual respect for order but also the right to live unbound by Mechanus’s particular laws.
Haven’s independence isn’t without its peculiar conditions. For one, the town doesn’t tolerate anything or anyone acting chaotically. You can be chaotic in your head sure, but don’t let it cause trouble for others. Navigating Haven itself is a hazard for newcomers. The Order of Haven’s rules are practically etched into the town’s foundations, meaning that anyone lacking a lawful alignment or a logical mind will find themselves befuddled by the layout and will probably need to be guided by a more law-abiding friend like a sighted cutter might guide the blind. For the chaotic, rooms may shift, passages disappear, and attempts to break rules tend to fail inexplicably. The architecture itself discourages rebellion, reinforcing that law can be adaptable without sacrificing its strength.
Additionally, the Guvners haven’t abandoned their attempts to subvert Haven. It’s said they’ve begun covert operations, embedding spies within Haven’s populace. Earl Landrum is well aware of this but hasn’t yet taken action, perhaps wary of starting a feud that could bring the full wrath of the Fraternity of Order down on his city. Many citizens whisper that it’s only a matter of time before the Guvners decide to test Haven’s defences.
Despite its insularity, Haven is a treasure trove for those with the right connections. It’s a place where forbidden information, rare items, and the secrets of legal loopholes circulate—sometimes straight from the hands of defected Guvners. Those seeking knowledge free from Mechanus’s oppressive codices often find allies here, and it’s rumoured that Haven has a well-hidden direct portal to Sigil, granting safe passage from Mechanus altogether for those in the know.
Canonical Source: Planes of Law [2e] Mechanus p32; Player’s Guide p27; Planewalker’s Handbook [2e] p23
Source: Jon Winter-Holt
