Grimveil Temple to the Sea Father

Perched above the largest rocky bay of the Isles, on a steep hill, up a winding dirt path flanked by the hovels of a hardy fishing people is the Temple to the Sea Father. A building far grander than any other on the Isles with its pillars, large lintels and intricately carved oceanic theme, the constant stream of priests and villagers also make it the most lively.

" I haven't a clue what goes on there and I don't want to find out, these people give me the creeps and that temple is at the heart of it I tell you!" - disgruntled sailor when asked by Commissioner about the temple

Passing through the large open doorway, one is cast into a reverent gloom, as the daylight does not make it far within the temple. One is struck by the cold, damp air and dim lighting, the vague smell of sea-salt and burning spices tickles your nostrils. Looking around you see the few sources of light are copper braziers hanging form the ceiling high above you, smouldering away with what looks to be seaweed and exotic spices, they give off little light, but a general warm glow from above as if one was deep underwater looking up at a distorted sun.

"Yeah, I've been in, wouldn't recommend it; once I slipped from the rigging of our ship and went far beneath the waves, that temple was just like that, cold dark and deep underwater. I wouldn't recommend it friend" -sailor when asked by Commissioner about the temple

Walking through you see that pools of water are spread throughout the main room, in which priests stand knee deep performing baptisms on the various villagers that have come to pray, attendants move silently between with handtowels and small wafer biscuits of fishpaste and rockflour, both silently handed to worshippers following baptism.
As your eyes grow accustomed to the dim lighting, you notice upon the walls incredible mosaics and carvings of the sea, underwater life and many strange things. The creative use of glass with dim biolumiscent backlighting in many of these murals almost makes them appear to be alive, with the waves rippling in the natural light of algae's.
A raised dias at the center of the room holds another pool of water, however upon approaching and peering in this one appears to be connected with the sea, as corals grow on the wall and fish swim around within it as it descends into murky depths out of site. A old lobster pokes his head out of a whole in the coral to glare at you while you marvel at how they managed to get seawater up here well above the sea level.
Knealing down to test the water with your hand a elderly priest stops you gently with his staff, placing it between your hand and the water. Smiling at you he asks you not to disturb the holy waters before continuing on his ponderous rounds of the room.

Purpose / Function

This is primarily the spiritual hub of the Isles, and due to the lack of any governmental buildings or systems acts as it's administrative and record keeping house too.

Alterations

None, the building was built as it was intended to be used, no one has ever deemed it unfit for it's purpose.

Architecture

Grand Greek style colums, vaulted ceilings and large wide open rooms. The building has been built to creat a sense of the vast and spacious, inspired by the sea. Lighitng comes from far above, only just reaching the ground level.

A steady stream of villagers line up to be baptised by one of the several priests standing in their pools around the temples main room. The room has a hushed, reverential silence despite the number of people.

Type

Temple / Religious complex

They must be very used to this, as they do so in a very methodical well practised way, and you infer the water is not heated, so must be a shock to the system when your head is dunked under.