Draal'Grondi

Gateway into the Abyss, dominion the of seven signs and heart of the spreading darkness that is the Aulrethie faith.

Looming over the precipice of a fathomless chasm into the unknown depths of the underworld stands an imposing sight, the monastic fortress city of Draal'Grondi. The epicenter of the Temple of the Seven Signs, and heart of Aulreths influence on Evalaw. Built as a statement and a power to cement the theocracy's presence, ffrom here the Seven Signs extends its spiritual authority throughout The Sunless Realms. It's clergy spreading it's doctrine, and sending forth it's Templars alike to root out discontent and reinforce its rhetoric among the faithful. Rivaling any cities found throughout the underworld in its sheer size and strength. It’s entire purpose is to inspire awe and fear in those that looked upon it, an undeniable symbol of the temples status an prestige. It's strong fortifications, hulking walls of black stone, great domed temples and foreboding towers makes this bastion of the faith an impressive sight to behold.
Contained behind it's walls are many monolithic temples and towering monastic structures circumventing the very edge of the great decent and give the Dral'grondi its distinctive presence. Dominating the city's skyline is a large singular stalagmite rising up from the lightless depths below. To outsiders, the unknowable gaping maw of Guairon which Draal'grondi is built up around is a terrifying sight to behold. To the Dral'azie, Guairon is a hallowed and sacred place, a gateway into the Abyss, a doorway to the realm of the goddess herself. Carved into of the very rock is the beating heart of Draal'Grondi; the grand temple of Aulreth and palace of The Exalt. Not much of its original stone remains, the original features refaced in a traditional Valnorian style. Supposedly when this sacred place was discovered, the temple was the first thing constructed by its founders and the rest of the great city would gradually rise up around over time.

by Anithecutie

It has been said that to stand before the hallowed walls of Draal'Grondi is to feel the very gaze of the goddess cast down upon you. Can you not feel it?

— Ulven'rin Palgorn, Templar Cleric of the Mystara Chapter.

Goverment.

Draal'Grondi does not follow or observe the rule of law laid down by the Imperium within its walls. Reigned over by The Exalt of Aulreth, the avatar of the goddesses will on Evalaw and head of The Temple of the Seven Signs. The Exalt is considered to be perhaps one of the most powerful and influential figures in the entire Tra'vanor imperium. Through The Exalt governs the Synod of the seven signs, a council of important and high ranking temple elders.

The Eye of Aulreth, sigil of the Seven Signs.

Type

Citadel

Ruling/Owning Rank

Hierarch of Aulreth

Owning Organization

The Temple of the Seven Signs.

Related Professions

• Farseers of the Seven Signs

The Archons road.

According to legend, this was the sacred path taken by Archon Zelieth, before she reached and founded Draal'grondi.

The approach winds its way through perilous regions of the underworld, the temple takes measures to ensure the protection of those travelling this route by constructing a series of bridges and watch towers to protect and creating a more direct path for those seeking to reach Dral'grondi. To access the road however one must either possess a temple seal, given to the faithful and those undertaking pilgrimage. Those who are found to not to possess one by the routes guardians will not be permitted to continue, typically ejected by force. The route and its network of watchtowers are patrolled systematically by Templars and Dral'Grondis own custodian guard the D’nai Draal’Valaan.
Along the route numerous shrines can be found, dedicated to the Archons of the seven signs, where offerings and blessings are typically beseeched by pilgrims. Many of the statues prominent features have been worn away over The centuries from pilgrims touching the shrines, as a superstition of good luck to reach the next shrine.