Abriel Abbey
Abriel Abbey has historically been held by a likely successor
for the seat of Archbishop of the Kingdom of Kaldor,
and Ilor Hadan is no exception. While Ilor cares
little for political intrigue and secular affairs, there is a
growing movement within the Laranian church in Kaldor
to return to a stronger moral and theological base in the
church teachings.
Ilor is among the leaders of this movement, and widely respected throughout the church. Built in 170, the Abbey, has been an oasis of religious dogma and chivalric idealism in a sea of secular feudalism for over 5 centuries. Images of the Lady of Paladins, her demigods, saints, and heroes are a strong theme of the décor of the abbey.
The tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows of the abbey are known to those who study Laranian theology as far as western Lythia. On occasion learned priests from Emelrene, Shorkyne and Trierzon have visited the abbey to study these beautiful theological works.
The best known of these works is the stained glass window of Larani that spans the curved wall of the temple hall.
Clerics and glaziers from Lythia have traveled to gaze upon its beauty and the craftsmanship of its production. The scene depicts the Goddess on a battlefield (though in her secular robes rather than in her fabled armor).
She is walking through the aftermath a tearful Valamin at her side. No less than fifteen knights lay slain upon the field. The scene is quite gruesome, and its theological meaning is much debated among the clergy.
Some argue that it is a warning, deferring to the aspect of the reluctant warrior. Others claim that it depicts the glory of battle over evil.
There are countless other meanings attributed to scene many simple variations on a theme set apart by the slightest detail such as the direction an errant dagger points while laying on the field, or the depiction of one knight with only four fingers, or the placement shape, and number of Valamin’s fallen tears on six of the slain knights.
The history of this great artwork has been largely lost. It is known to be over 500 years old. The craftsmanship is remarkable, modern glaziers have been unable to reproduce the subtler effects.
1. The temple hall is the most favored place in Meselyneshire to attend Soratir.
The pews in front are reserved for high ranking clerics and a few important nobles. The privilege is jealously guarded as the balcony partially obstructs the view of “The Lady of Reluctance” for those who sit on the floor or stand in the back.
At the rear of the hall guarding either door stand two stalwart, finely carved red-marble statues of Knights of Tirith.
The western chamber is a quiet area for reflection by clerics prior to entering the temple.
On occasion the bishop has led clerics from a select group in “silent meditation” leaving strict orders not to be disturbed. After mass, the chamber is used by lesser priests to confess lay adherents of lesser means.
The tapestry on the western wall is one of the most magnificent in Kaldor. Imported at great expense from master craftsmen in Emelrene in 483, it depicts St. Ambrathas and the Knights of Tirith in their glorious battle for Alamire.
2. This small locked chamber is used to store the valuables of the temple and occasionally that of visiting dignitaries.
3. The private confessionals are available to those with an appropriate tithe. Less wealthy knights make confessions in the western chamber “before St. Ambrathas.”
4. Common Hall. This hall is used for meals and for the entertainment of important nobles. During non-meal hours it doubles as an administrative Hall.
5. Kitchen. Household duties are required of all of the temple acolytes. At times, women from the peasant households provide labor to the bishop in the Abriel Kitchen. Penelena of Telis is currently responsible for planning and preparing meals as well as assigning kitchen duty. She fears the visibility may reveal her secret.
6. Women’s Dormitory. These quarters are reserved for the female clergy at Abriel. The north east bed is an exception. It is occupied by Harbain of Delwë who is bed-ridden. Gris of Tandë occupies the other larger bedroom. She is also gravely ill.
Bunks were moved into the two westernmost quarters to accommodate ten additional women. Younger women must share quarters. Salwenë of Kailis shares quarters in the archives with Lerrisa of Gwain.
The Court of Statues The courtyard outside the main temple doors has an eerie disquieting atmosphere.
Four ornately sculpted granite statues: At the west entrance stands the Great Winged Lion, Mendiz, ever watchful; before the great temple door stands a statue of St. Ambrathas; outside the southeast door is a solemn statue of Valamin; before the northeast door, an unknown paladin kneels in prayer.
These statues require constant repair and upkeep by the acolytes. A common punishment for acolytes or penance for a knight at Abriel is “pigeon duty.”
7. Balcony. Acolytes, lay worshipers of less than gentle birth, and women attend Soratir in the balcony. The view of “The Lady of Reluctance” is obscured by the chandelier, which can be raised by means of the winch. The west wing of the balcony is used for the display of a variety of religious artifacts. Currently on display are:
(a). Rysal.
This statuette carved in fine Hârnic Oak depicts the demidivine and little known Centaurin servant of Larani.
(b). Knights Lament.
A painting by the Shiran master artist Baranë of Paradin. It depicts a young squire during Tirinon.
(c). The Blade of Orthas.
This bejewel broadsword hangs from two silver hooks mounted on an oak placard. The blade is a stylized replica of the sword believed to be carried by the commander of the Knights of Tirith. The blade was made by master craftsmen but is poorly balanced, and would likely break if used in combat.
Laranian Knights at times take oaths “On the Blade of Orthas” by placing their left hands on the flat of the blade. Such an oath is believed to be an act of great piety.
(d). Dolithor in Glass.
This magnificent Castle in clear glass, Dolithor, was reportedly given to the fourth Bishop of Abriel by a Sindarin Master Glassworker.
(e). The Wine of Saint Paralyne.
This hallowed rack holds a single bottle of fine wine. It represents the bottle of wine Saint Paralyne brought to the congress of clergy appointed to select the first Laranian pontiff. Each year the finest bottle of wine available is placed on this wine rack.
It is opened and served to a select few during the feast of St. Ambrathas.
8. This secondary storage chamber is used to house valuables for which there is not room on the first floor.
9. Council Room.
The temple masters use this room for discussions. 10. Masters Quarters.
(a). Suloran (Master of Archives) A secret door hides a chest with restricted works.
(b) Menoran (Master of Fighting Order)
(c) Obasaran (Master of Secular Affairs)
(d) Serolan (Abbott of Abriel).
(e) [See the cellar] Lerissa of Gwain.
Formerly quarters of the Suloran, Lerissa was moved here either to demonstrate her status as equal to the other temple masters, or because the floor is damp during much of the spring.
(f) [See third floor] Valaran (Master of Acolytes)
11. The Study.
This room is used for organized and individual lecture, study, and the transcription of written works.
The chests contain writing materials, prayer books and other supplies. 12. Men’s Dormitory.
This room contains eight bunk beds for the male priests of the Abbey.
10 (f). Valaran (Master of Acolytes).
This master’s room was added when the cellar began to seep and the Master of Archives moved to the second floor. The seepage coincided with the arrival of Lerissa of Gwain.
15. Acolytes Dorm.
Female acolytes are afforded a modicum of privacy by a heavy partitioning tapestry
16. Storage.
17. Rooftop vigil.
Knights who undergo Tirinon in the early summer do so on this solemn rooftop, weather permitting. A small stone altar sits at the east end overlooking the graveyard.
10 (e). This chamber was formerly used by the Suloran. Lerissa of Gwain was assigned here. The west wall seeps in the early spring. Salwenë of Kailis has been assigned to assist Lerissa. She sleeps on the smaller pallet. The assignment was made in part to minimize overcrowding in the women’s dormitory.
13. Foodstuffs and other supplies are stored here. Abriel produces a fair wine and very good ales. The Bishop’s Ale in particular is a dark ale with a strong bodied deep malt flavor.
14. Abriel has significant regional archives. The collection is not as large as those in Tashal or Caleme. The Bishop has removed a number of works from general circulation. The collection tends to reflect the beliefs of the Reluctant Way.
Ilor is among the leaders of this movement, and widely respected throughout the church. Built in 170, the Abbey, has been an oasis of religious dogma and chivalric idealism in a sea of secular feudalism for over 5 centuries. Images of the Lady of Paladins, her demigods, saints, and heroes are a strong theme of the décor of the abbey.
The tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows of the abbey are known to those who study Laranian theology as far as western Lythia. On occasion learned priests from Emelrene, Shorkyne and Trierzon have visited the abbey to study these beautiful theological works.
THE LADY OF RELUCTANCE
The best known of these works is the stained glass window of Larani that spans the curved wall of the temple hall.
Clerics and glaziers from Lythia have traveled to gaze upon its beauty and the craftsmanship of its production. The scene depicts the Goddess on a battlefield (though in her secular robes rather than in her fabled armor).
She is walking through the aftermath a tearful Valamin at her side. No less than fifteen knights lay slain upon the field. The scene is quite gruesome, and its theological meaning is much debated among the clergy.
Some argue that it is a warning, deferring to the aspect of the reluctant warrior. Others claim that it depicts the glory of battle over evil.
There are countless other meanings attributed to scene many simple variations on a theme set apart by the slightest detail such as the direction an errant dagger points while laying on the field, or the depiction of one knight with only four fingers, or the placement shape, and number of Valamin’s fallen tears on six of the slain knights.
The history of this great artwork has been largely lost. It is known to be over 500 years old. The craftsmanship is remarkable, modern glaziers have been unable to reproduce the subtler effects.
Abriel Abbey (Ground Floor)
1. The temple hall is the most favored place in Meselyneshire to attend Soratir.
The pews in front are reserved for high ranking clerics and a few important nobles. The privilege is jealously guarded as the balcony partially obstructs the view of “The Lady of Reluctance” for those who sit on the floor or stand in the back.
At the rear of the hall guarding either door stand two stalwart, finely carved red-marble statues of Knights of Tirith.
The western chamber is a quiet area for reflection by clerics prior to entering the temple.
On occasion the bishop has led clerics from a select group in “silent meditation” leaving strict orders not to be disturbed. After mass, the chamber is used by lesser priests to confess lay adherents of lesser means.
The tapestry on the western wall is one of the most magnificent in Kaldor. Imported at great expense from master craftsmen in Emelrene in 483, it depicts St. Ambrathas and the Knights of Tirith in their glorious battle for Alamire.
2. This small locked chamber is used to store the valuables of the temple and occasionally that of visiting dignitaries.
3. The private confessionals are available to those with an appropriate tithe. Less wealthy knights make confessions in the western chamber “before St. Ambrathas.”
4. Common Hall. This hall is used for meals and for the entertainment of important nobles. During non-meal hours it doubles as an administrative Hall.
5. Kitchen. Household duties are required of all of the temple acolytes. At times, women from the peasant households provide labor to the bishop in the Abriel Kitchen. Penelena of Telis is currently responsible for planning and preparing meals as well as assigning kitchen duty. She fears the visibility may reveal her secret.
6. Women’s Dormitory. These quarters are reserved for the female clergy at Abriel. The north east bed is an exception. It is occupied by Harbain of Delwë who is bed-ridden. Gris of Tandë occupies the other larger bedroom. She is also gravely ill.
Bunks were moved into the two westernmost quarters to accommodate ten additional women. Younger women must share quarters. Salwenë of Kailis shares quarters in the archives with Lerrisa of Gwain.
The Court of Statues The courtyard outside the main temple doors has an eerie disquieting atmosphere.
Four ornately sculpted granite statues: At the west entrance stands the Great Winged Lion, Mendiz, ever watchful; before the great temple door stands a statue of St. Ambrathas; outside the southeast door is a solemn statue of Valamin; before the northeast door, an unknown paladin kneels in prayer.
These statues require constant repair and upkeep by the acolytes. A common punishment for acolytes or penance for a knight at Abriel is “pigeon duty.”
Abriel Abbey (Second Floor)
7. Balcony. Acolytes, lay worshipers of less than gentle birth, and women attend Soratir in the balcony. The view of “The Lady of Reluctance” is obscured by the chandelier, which can be raised by means of the winch. The west wing of the balcony is used for the display of a variety of religious artifacts. Currently on display are:
(a). Rysal.
This statuette carved in fine Hârnic Oak depicts the demidivine and little known Centaurin servant of Larani.
(b). Knights Lament.
A painting by the Shiran master artist Baranë of Paradin. It depicts a young squire during Tirinon.
(c). The Blade of Orthas.
This bejewel broadsword hangs from two silver hooks mounted on an oak placard. The blade is a stylized replica of the sword believed to be carried by the commander of the Knights of Tirith. The blade was made by master craftsmen but is poorly balanced, and would likely break if used in combat.
Laranian Knights at times take oaths “On the Blade of Orthas” by placing their left hands on the flat of the blade. Such an oath is believed to be an act of great piety.
(d). Dolithor in Glass.
This magnificent Castle in clear glass, Dolithor, was reportedly given to the fourth Bishop of Abriel by a Sindarin Master Glassworker.
(e). The Wine of Saint Paralyne.
This hallowed rack holds a single bottle of fine wine. It represents the bottle of wine Saint Paralyne brought to the congress of clergy appointed to select the first Laranian pontiff. Each year the finest bottle of wine available is placed on this wine rack.
It is opened and served to a select few during the feast of St. Ambrathas.
8. This secondary storage chamber is used to house valuables for which there is not room on the first floor.
9. Council Room.
The temple masters use this room for discussions. 10. Masters Quarters.
(a). Suloran (Master of Archives) A secret door hides a chest with restricted works.
(b) Menoran (Master of Fighting Order)
(c) Obasaran (Master of Secular Affairs)
(d) Serolan (Abbott of Abriel).
(e) [See the cellar] Lerissa of Gwain.
Formerly quarters of the Suloran, Lerissa was moved here either to demonstrate her status as equal to the other temple masters, or because the floor is damp during much of the spring.
(f) [See third floor] Valaran (Master of Acolytes)
11. The Study.
This room is used for organized and individual lecture, study, and the transcription of written works.
The chests contain writing materials, prayer books and other supplies. 12. Men’s Dormitory.
This room contains eight bunk beds for the male priests of the Abbey.
Abriel Abbey (Third Floor)
10 (f). Valaran (Master of Acolytes).
This master’s room was added when the cellar began to seep and the Master of Archives moved to the second floor. The seepage coincided with the arrival of Lerissa of Gwain.
15. Acolytes Dorm.
Female acolytes are afforded a modicum of privacy by a heavy partitioning tapestry
16. Storage.
17. Rooftop vigil.
Knights who undergo Tirinon in the early summer do so on this solemn rooftop, weather permitting. A small stone altar sits at the east end overlooking the graveyard.
Abriel Abbey (Cellar)
10 (e). This chamber was formerly used by the Suloran. Lerissa of Gwain was assigned here. The west wall seeps in the early spring. Salwenë of Kailis has been assigned to assist Lerissa. She sleeps on the smaller pallet. The assignment was made in part to minimize overcrowding in the women’s dormitory.
13. Foodstuffs and other supplies are stored here. Abriel produces a fair wine and very good ales. The Bishop’s Ale in particular is a dark ale with a strong bodied deep malt flavor.
14. Abriel has significant regional archives. The collection is not as large as those in Tashal or Caleme. The Bishop has removed a number of works from general circulation. The collection tends to reflect the beliefs of the Reluctant Way.
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