The Cistern of Phaendar

To many, the name is misleading. For the vast majority of Aelfaune - Elves. cities and settlements use systems of cisterns for their fresh water supplies. The Cisterns of Phaendar however, are quite different. This grand subterranean temple and its vast labyrinth of underground cisterns lies beneath the Ishaanrii city of Phaendar and the magnificent water gardens dedicated to the Goddess Eva. It is here where the sacred waters that the city is famed for are blessed and purified by the clergy of the water goddess, and used to supply the gardens and the wider fresh water supplies of Phaendar. Throughout all the holy sites and places of the Ishaanrii along the vast archipelago of The Tears of Eva, this is perhaps their most solemn and holy of sites. Legend states that the alter at the very heart of the temple, was blessed by Eva herself in the days before the dark days of Sundering when she still walked the face of Evalaw among her children.

The Sunken Temple

The calming melody of singing is what is first heard when entering the cisterns, drawing one further inside, following the path along waterways as the tranquil hymns of Eva reverberate throughout the vast network, growing louder still as one approaches the epicentre. The Sunken Temple and cisterns throughout are filled with ornate pillars that hold aloft the magnificently vaulted ceilings expertly carved out of the very rock. Adorned with painted frescos and elaborate mosaics depicting numerous scenes of the myths and fables surrounding the goddess and the history of the Ishaanrii people. These scenes are reflected upon the pristine waters below an magnificent and awe-inspiring sight illuminated by magical lanterns leading the way for pilgrims, worshippers and visitors alike are lead toward the centre of the Cistern and the sacred grounds of the Temple of Eva through the gates of [placeholder]. The gates supposedly judge all those who enter, leaving behind all spiritual burdens and malicious intentions as they pass through into the domain of the goddess. Once they pass through these gates again, these Misdemeanours shall return to them if they have not truly been absolved in the eyes of the goddess.

At of the Sunken temples heart lies a magnificent depiction of the goddess, made of marble and adorned with sapphires, aquamarine, topazes and other precious stones and laced with god decals. This statue stands upon the precepice great fountain that supplies the waters of the temple from a spring deep below. The temple itself is fed independently from the cisterns, while the water is channels through and purified here in pools by blessed waterstones. These waters are used for the numerous waterbodies and channels that run throughout the temple, their purpose varies dependent upon the reason one has chosen to visit the temple. The numerous wings of the temple complex have been built over the centuries, magnificently designed and decorated by master artisans and architects as would befits the Ishaanriis most beloved deities.

It is said that the waters of Phaendar can even cleanse one of any affliction, if this so could they also wash away the most grievous of sins that lay on a man's soul?

— Ruminations of the The Venerable Teague

Despite its opulence, grandeur and much celebrated significance to Phaendarlian society, the temples main function since its founding has always been toward the healing and care of the sick and infirm. A role that it's clergy have dedicated themselves to for centuries. It is the primary reason that the cisterns were originally constructed, for these waters play a vital role in curing the sick. Vast wings of the temple are infirmaries and sanitoriums where those seeking to be healed come and are treated by the clerics and clergy of Eva. Some of the most prolific healers and physician of the Aelfaune - Elves. were taught in these hallowed halls. Patients are taken and submerged into the healing baths, the blessed waters can strip away any malignant diseases and infections and restore the lifeforce of the afflicted. Undergoing a series of water bathes and magical treatments conducted by the clergy, coupled with a vigorous regimes of prayer and penitence for one's soul, there are very few ailments the priest of Eva have not been able to expunge within this sacred site.

The welfare of ones immortal soul is a common cause for some to make the pilgrimage, hoping to expunge themselves of perverse and foul desires or the sins they no longer wish to bare. The Temples reflecting pools and cleansing rituals where one strips away all their worldly goods before entering the temple complex and is doused in urns on purified water ritualistically while entering states of pray and deep meditation is common practice. This can take some individuals day, even years to feel like they have reached a state of absolution and forgiveness in the eyes of the goddess. Some fearing that they are so far beyond reproach, their sins can never be washed expunged. They remain in the temple and join the priesthood, devoting their lives into the service of Eva. doing what they can for others that visit the temple as a way to show penance and regret about this past discretions.

Parent Location

The Tears of Eva

Related Ethnicities

• Ishaanrii

Blessed waters.

The Waters that run throughout the cistern and those that are used by the priests of Eva are in fact quite different. The common misconception has been that all the waters of Phaendar drawn up from the Cisterns or flowing through the water gardens have healing properties. In fact, it has been known for many a shrewd merchant within the city to sell vials and elixirs of the blessed waters to naïve travellers or wayfarers promising that they can cure a variety of ailments. When in fact, they are simply being sold purified drinking waters with various dyes added to make them appear as magical remedies. Such is the trade of this phoney miracle water, that large quantities of Phaendar water drawn up and sold off by the barrel to merchants from far off lands beyond Lorthwyn. Only within the Cistern of Phaendar itself can one find, and be treated by the real healing waters blessed by the goddess.