The Solar Basilica

Once the temple palace of Sol, since the sun gods departure it has become a place of worship for Sols Apostles. Upon the Angel Dais beneath the Crystal Dome, the Heirophant of Sol delivers sermons to the masses and appeases their worries in a soft voice that nevertheless echoes throughout the halls.

Purpose / Function

The Solar Basilica is the preeminent place of worship for the Church of Sol. Here Apostles of Sol are educated in the word of Sol, learning the tenets of the faith. Once Apostles of Sol have completed their studies they are ordained and sent across the world to act as missionaries and priests tending to the faithful flocks of Sol.

Those of a more martial mindset who come to the Solar Basilica train their bodies, minds, and hearts to become Praefects. These defenders of the faith after having completed their training go on to protect missionaries in far off lands, defend humanity against practitioners of dark magics, and investigate rumors and accusations that an Apostle has turned from the Light of Sol.

Those that lived especially pious lives or those that fell in defense of the Church are buried within the basilicas catacombs and are revered as saints.

Alterations

Originally the Solar Basilica was only a place of worship. After the arrival of Sols Avatar and the subsequent militarizing of the Church of Sol two wards were added, the Praefects Barracks located in the northeast corner and the Magistrates Office in the northwest.

Architecture

The Solar Basilica is an impressive building befitting its dedication to the sun god Sol. Composed mostly of the white and red Etrucium Marble. The walls are polished and lined with shallow inlets housing statues of saints and heroes of the church.The main door to the basilica is made of bronze trimmed with brass and is polished every day. The roof, windows, and inner doors are held by arches. The roof is domed and its tiles are coated in gold leaf giving the impression it is made entirely out of gold. At the peak a large clear, cut crystal spanning thirty feet across acts as the keystone and provides light into the basilica below. When the sun reaches its peak it shines through the crystal and and directly illuminates the Angel Dais.
Inside the basilica is a large octagonal room with columns supporting the Crystal dome. At its center lies the Angel dais, a ten foot tall platform surrounded by hooded bronze statues of angels dressed in Aenium plate lit by the Crystal Dome. It is from here the Heirophant of Sol delivers his sermons to the masses. The floors and walls are tiled creating a fresco depicting stories of Aenium and Sol. These frescoes extend from the Angel Dais at the center and spread up the walls until they wrap around the Crystal Dome.

Type

Cathedral / Great temple

Parent Location

Latnium

Owner

Heirophant of Sol

Owning Organization

The Holy Empire of Illium

Characters in Location

• Sol