Basilisk's Cave

Named after it's current inhabitant, the legendary basilisk , and the many paintings of the creature that covers its walls, the Basilisk's Cave in Nulyra is the legendary retreat of a blessed of Neja .

Summary

This cave was the retreat of Alynu long before he became a blessed of Neja, he used to pray, contemplate situations, and paint here. His intense output of paintings many of which glorified the deity or involved violent warring colours, shapes, and creatures as well as his fostering of creativity in surrounding communities drew the deity's attention. When war broke out between the last remains of Nulyra and the Seha Sovereignty , Alynu joined the fight both with his limited clerical abilities and by learning weapon and armour smiting. He often worked on weapons or armour in his cave, offering devotions to Neja while he designed or tried to enchant his creations. Eventually he was able to enchant a spear with the divine magic of Neja.

The deity, pleased with how much he had done in their name, made him one of their blessed and gave him the basilisk as a companion. With his spear, basilisk companion, and the blessing of his deity, Alynu helped to drive back the Seha from Nulyran lands but was killed in battle. His body was laid to rest in the Nulyran capital and his basilisk returned to the cave that they had spent so much time in and rules over the town that has grown up around it.

Variations & Mutation

Some say that Alynu painted a lot of tegu lizards which inspired Neja to create the basilisk in their image. Other stories say that the basilisk is actually Alynu's pet tegu lizard that Neja transformed into the basilisk. Some variations have the basilisk bring Alynu's body back to the cave for burial.

In Art

Alynu and the basilisk are very popular subjects in Nulyran art. His cave appears less frequently but caves are still a common symbol of safety, creativity, dedication, and devotion. Many artists travel to the cave to gaze upon the many paintings that cover the walls and the basilisk's statues. Tegu lizards, especially in Alynu's style are also popular decorations in Nulyran art.

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