Temple of Serenity, The

Within the great city of Sulatas there exist a number of wonderous architectural marvels, The Temple of Serenity is one of those marvels.

I have been to the temple on a number of occasions, predominantly at the request of the Priests who wish to restore my physical shell; success has thus far been elusive.

However, that failure aside, even I must admit to being somewhat affected by the influence of calm within those walls. I find it disconcerting.

Adaptive Architecture

Crafted and shaped with the power of Induction, the Dwarves utilising their unique mnemonomorphic rock gave form to this temple of shining white marble laced with rose-pink veins which seem to pulse and flow slightly as though the very stone were alive, drawing sustenance from the bedrock foundations.

The temple is situated on an almond-shaped island in the Brightstar River as it nears the end of its journey to the sea; flowing into Sulatas harbour and the Sanctuary Straight.

A complete circle, the temple dominates the centre of The Isle of Vision, and indeed would appear to be the pupil in the eye if viewed from above. Simple columns completely line the circumference of the outer wall which is punctuated by many openings giving ready and welcome access to the inner chamber.

That single chamber occupies the entire ground floor space with only three elements therein; a large yet unimposing statue in the centre of the floor and two entrances diametrically opposite one another carved in the floor beneath the statue. These provide access to twin stairways gently entwining around one another in a double helix leading down into the temple complex proper.

As soon as one enters the temple all sound from outside ceases and one experiences a gentle, comfortably temperate breeze scented with, well here accounts differ; as far as I can deduce the senses are calmed by stimulus that is personally comforting, be it fresh baked bread or spiced pear pies, the scent of meadow flowers, smoke from a forge, or even sulphur from far distant volcanic lands.

Leigha the Healer

The statue in the same white marble is adorned by robes of shifting hues and welcomes with open arms; again the senses are massaged as Leigha always seems to be facing the visitor.

The Temple of Serenity is the home and prime temple of The Fellowship of the Open Palm who venerate Leigha the Healer and Aegis of Aeon. They dedicate themselves to the healing arts and benevolent manipulation of The Veil, as well as Dream Catching.

This temple is also the major healing centre of the Fellowship and for Sulatas. The first floor down widens out along the length of the island and forms discrete male and female wings containing a combination of small open wards and single rooms so that efficient distribution of resources can be applied in differing circumstances; wards catering to minor conditions, similarly affected or non-infectious patients, and rooms reserved for infectious or severe trauma cases, or the provision of palliative care.

The subsequent floors widen out beneath the river and provide the spaces required by the Priests, from living quarters and administrative offices to areas for meditation and worship.

Priesthood

The entire structure consists of the same white rose-veined marble which emits a variable amount of light harmonising with the time of day, to a minimun of dusk light. If required, these levels may altered by a temple Sympath, a Priest attuned to the temple and dedicated to its function and maintenance.

I personally find them a little distant and cold; perhaps understandable if you are running around trying to make stone happy?

Various gardens exist within and around the temple. Small herb gardens flourish within the lower levels of the temple where rare medicinal plants are cultivated. The gardens above ground function as tranquil spaces as well as providing a source of fruit and vegetables for the Priests and patients.

The populace of Sulatas are thankful for such a dedicated institution; the needy are offered sanctuary and succor regardless of race or social standing. The temple in turn is grateful for any donations; food and financial gifts may be left with any Priest, and the entire first week of Festival is dedicated to celebrating the temple and those who care for the needy.

Ethics

As an aside, the Priests have never explained how it is that the sensory experiences within the entrance hall are tailored to the individual. My hypothesis is of course some form of subtle psychological snooping occurs when crossing the threshold, the results of which determine the ambient illusions conveyed to the given individual.

This experience gives rise to a fascinating question; what are the ethical implications of Manipulation powers?

If you would care to explore this in more depth, I lecture on this at the College of Alteration; please make enquiries there as to availablity.

Iaro Gaunt

Key Points of Note

Stands on The Isle of Vision in the Brightstar River.

Main temple of healing in Sulatas.

Prime temple of The Fellowship of the Open Palm.

Dwarven crafted from white and rose-veined mnemonomorphic marble.

Venerates Leigha.

A week of Festival is dedicated to the temple and Priesthood.

Type

Temple / Religious complex