Temple of the Veil
The rain is so refreshing, breaking the heat of the jungle. It's reliving. Several apprentices race out into the summer shower, running around barefoot, splashing through puddles and dancing in the rain. I smile, sinking to the floor by one of the pillars, watching them. The rain, the quiet, it's nice to have a break.
"Kids, right?" I look up to see Anapus sitting down next to me.
"Remember when we were that age?" He laughs.
"You were there more recently than I." I shove him lightly. One of the apprentices' trips and falls into one of the bushes they're running around. We flinch, laughing as he gets dragged out by his friends. One begins inspecting the bush.
"You crushed it!" He shouts, shoving his friend.
"I didn't plan on falling into the bush!" The other shouts back, pulling out a piece of branch from his arm. "That and I think it won."
I laugh as another Priest comes by, handing me a piece of paper. I read over it quickly and eyes widening.
"She's what!" I sigh and hand the paper to Anapus who reads it just as quickly. "Damn Maiscear."
"At least this one isn't exactly a real Maiscear and is on our side." I look at the Veil.
"Yeah, this one. But all the others are against us. My first life straight up died because of the Maiscear." I look up at Anapus. "They're getting stronger."
"I know but we're prepared for the worst." I steady my nerves.
"I'm ready to protect us. It's my job." Anapus rests his hand on my shoulder.
"But you're not alone in that goal. We'll work together, protect our people and the Veil."
"And the Veil."
Government
The Protector is in charge of the Temple. Once a week, they look over the things that have to be done and passes down the chores that must be done to the people who will be responsible for it. Occasionally that means they also pass down chores as punishments for those who have been a bit disobedient.
Industry & Trade
Basically everything is imported but as a vitally important religious site, no one minds shipping everything the temple needs to keep functioning to the temple.
Districts
The temple is broken into several sections. The first square is the gardens that completely surround the temple, demarking the beginning of the sacred grounds and the end of the jungle. This square as well as the second square are open to the public, where they can gather for religious events or meet up with family working in the temple. This is also where the priests and priestesses who are battle trained patrol, keeping the inhabitances safe. The third square is where daily life for the priests and priestesses happens. Here, you can find their rooms, dining areas, washing areas, food storage and medical facilities. Then there is the inner most square. Here, hidden from view and prying eyes, heavily protected by all and watched over by the Protector, is the Veil.
Assets
There is a beautiful garden that is tended by priests and priestesses will tend to while they are doing their service time at the temple. In current times, the Protector tends to the garden in her free time as she is basically there all the time and is a way she can relax. Also, everything in the garden is poisonous.
Guilds and Factions
Protected and run by the Priesthood of Sibuna. This is also the home of the Protector, as they are needed to protect the Veil, and they rarely leave unless it's a dire emergency.
Points of interest
The Veil, the weakest point between the realm of life and the realms of the afterlife. It is of high interest to the servants of the Void, because with access to the Veil they have access to a near unlimited number of souls.
Architecture
The open-air temple is absolutely massive. The columns, walls and ceilings are beautifully painted with images of the gods, primarily Sibuna, their god of the afterlife, and his daughter Khonsu, the goddess of children, childhood and the family. The walls, ceiling and columns are made of a plain stone, covered in white plaster and painted over. The floors are white marble.
Geography
Nestled in a jungle, well hidden from prying eyes but absolutely beautiful once discovered. The regions major river has a tributary that the Wasetains dug out to feed fresh water to the temple so that the priests and priestesses don't have to go far from water.
Climate
Hot and humid, prone to hot, dry winds filled with sand as there's a desert just a couple day's walk away.
Natural Resources
Fresh water, which also provides fish to the temple. The jungle also provides meat to the temple. Staple goods, like grains, are imported from elsewhere in Waset, as are fruits, vegetables and alcohol-like goods.
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